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The Financial Coconut Podcast
How To Franchise In Malaysia: Strategies For A S$16.2 Billion Opportunity [TBS 19 ft Malaysian Franchise Association]
Ever wondered how your brand could crack the lucrative markets right on Singapore's doorstep? Or what Malaysian franchises know about scaling that we don't?
We pull back the curtain on the real franchising game between Singapore and Malaysia. We’re joined by a true industry heavyweight: Deric Yeo, Secretary General of the Malaysian Franchise Association. With decades of experience launching brands like Manhattan Fish Market across 15+ countries, Derek’s insights are pure gold for any entrepreneur eyeing regional growth.
A sneak peek of what you’ll discover:
- Why Singaporean brands are getting it wrong (and right) in Malaysia —hint: It’s not about copying your business model
- Emerging markets in Sabah/Sarawak and Halal opportunities
- Real-world examples: US Pizza and education brands
- Logistics challenges and "test-market" franchising models
Whether you’re a franchise newbie or a seasoned operator, this episode is your roadmap to navigating two of ASEAN’s most dynamic markets.
"If you think Malaysia’s just a smaller Singapore, you’re already behind. The rules have changed—and the winners are those who adapt, not replicate.”
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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
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From 6 Rooms to 10,000 Keys: Real Estate IPO Story [Chills 251, Sponsored by The Assembly Place]
01:02:40|Welcome to the first episode of our brand new series, The IPO Circle!We’re joined by Eugene Lim, Founder & CEO of The Assembly Place, a leading co-living company that’s revolutionising the real estate industry. From humble beginnings with just six rooms to managing over 3,500 keys across Singapore, Eugene shares his journey, challenges, and plans for the future.What to Expect:The Assembly Place's journey: from its inception to becoming a key player in the real estate sector.Scaling Up: How did The Assembly Place grow so fast? Eugene reveals the behind-the-scenes strategy and partnerships that made it happen.The Future of Co-Living: Is co-living just a trend or the future of urban living? Eugene explains why community-driven spaces are here to stay.IPO Insights: Why is The Assembly Place going public now, and what does it mean for future investors? Get the inside scoop on their IPO journey.Growth Strategy: Learn how Eugene plans to scale the company to 10,000 keys and expand further into new markets.Whether you're an investor, a real estate enthusiast, or just curious about the future of co-living, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or subscribe for shares. Any decision to purchase shares should be made solely based on the information in the final Offer Document, which is available from SAC Capital Private Limited and on the SGX-ST Catalodge website. This contents of this podcast have not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.This episode was recorded at Commune Singapore. https://thecommunelife.com/---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
The Startup Teaching Kids Robotics Using Chopsticks [TBS 46]
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The 100-Year Life: Is Your Retirement Plan Still Valid? [W&S 152, Sponsored by OCBC]
52:36|"How would you spend the extra 20 years?"It's not a hypothetical question anymore; it's a demographic certainty. We are all living longer, and the traditional three-stage life of study, work, retire is officially obsolete. But what does a 100-year life truly look like, and how do we prepare for a future that is fundamentally different from the one our parents knew?Dive into the seismic shift of longevity, exploring the financial, career, and personal implications of a life that stretches far beyond the conventional timeline.You’ll hear from:Sher-li Torrey, founder of Moms at Work, on navigating the caregiver years and reclaiming your life beyond them.Brandon Lee, Assistant Chief Executive of Workforce Singapore, on redesigning careers and embracing portfolio living in a 100-year lifespan.Pui Wah Loh, a “vintage” professional who retired at 61 and is now reshaping what it means to live with purpose in your third act.We dive into:Why living longer means taking more risks—especially when you’re younger.How to balance time, health, and wealth across different life stages.The power of experimentation, failure, and self-reflection in crafting a meaningful longer life.Whether you’re in your 20s, navigating mid-life, or reimagining retirement, this conversation will challenge how you think about your future—and inspire you to design it with intention.Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion.Tune in now and start rethinking your extra 20 years.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed belong to the guest/content creator, and do not represent the views of OCBC Bank. The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
Ex–Dollars & Sense Co-Founder Shares the Advice No One Wants [Chills 250 ft Dinesh Dayani]
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A Look Into The Business of Sustainable Dopamine Hits [TBS 45]
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Workplace Harassment in Singapore: What’s Illegal - And What Isn’t [W&S 152]
36:26|What if harassment at work no longer looks the way you expect?It’s no longer just whispered comments in corridors or uncomfortable meetings behind closed doors. Today, it can show up in Slack messages, WhatsApp chats, LinkedIn posts — and sometimes in ways that are subtle enough to make you question your own instincts.Dive into a topic many experience, but few openly talk about: workplace harassment and bullying in the digital age.We explore:How workplace harassment has quietly shifted from physical spaces to online platformsThe blurry line between “lawful but awful” behaviour and illegal harassmentWhy so many victims stay silent — even when policies existWhat really happens when HR systems don’t feel safe or independentThe emotional and reputational toll of speaking up (or choosing not to)And most importantly — what options actually exist when walking away isn’t so simple.🎧 Our GuestJoining us is Simran Toor, Head of Regulatory & Investigations, Co-Head of Disputes, Tang Thomas, a legal expert and leading advocate in digital safety and workplace equity.She is the former CEO of Singapore’s first online harms help centre and has led national efforts addressing harassment, gender equity, and access to justice. With years of experience supporting victims both legally and systemically, she brings a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on why harassment persists - and what truly needs to change.This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply relevant for anyone navigating modern workplaces - whether you’re an employee, manager, or business owner.👉 If you’ve ever wondered:“Is this harassment… or am I overthinking it?”This episode is for you.🎙️ Tune in. Listen closely. And decide what you’d do differently next time.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
Childhood Shapes Our Money Habits, How To Do Better For Our Future? [Chills 249, Sponsored by OCBC]
40:45|What if the way you spend, save, or stress about money… was shaped long before you earned your first paycheck?In this special live podcast episode, we unpack the invisible stories behind our money habits, the ones formed at the dinner table, in childhood homes, and during moments we didn’t even realise mattered.This isn’t a “how to get rich” conversation.It’s about why we think and feel the way we do about money, and how that quietly shows up in our lives and our children’s lives.In this episode, we explore:How childhood experiences silently shape adult money habitsWhy growing up with “not enough” doesn’t always lead to savingThe emotional side of money: guilt, fear, control, and securityDigital money, kids, and why tapping a phone feels different from holding cashWhether parents need to “get it wrong” before they can teach it rightHow siblings raised in the same home can grow up with totally different money mindsetsMeet the guests joining the conversation:Dr Annabelle Chow - A clinical psychologist who breaks down money trauma, family dynamics, and emotional triggers around spendingElaine Teh, Head of Deposits - A senior banking leader sharing how kids today are learning money in a fully digital world, and what parents often missEddie @LazyCabbie - A content creator and everyday parent who opens up about growing up poor, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding his relationship with moneyPlus, a candid host, Adrian Tan, who admits this episode felt part podcast… part personal therapyThis episode is raw, reflective, and deeply relatable especially if you’ve ever:Felt guilty spending on yourselfStruggled to save despite earning moreWondered how to teach your kids about money without passing on your fears👉 Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond dollars and cents — and into the habits, values, and emotional baggage we rarely talk about.Sometimes, understanding money starts with understanding ourselves.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed belong to the guest/content creator, and do not represent the views of OCBC Bank. The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
When Family and Business Collide: A Difficult Succession Journey [TBS 44 ft Presto Drycleaners]
40:53|What happens when the second generation takes the reins of a family business?We dive into the incredible journey of Presto Drycleaners, led by Chan Wei Tian, a former software engineer turned dry cleaning visionary.Key Highlights:Tech Meets Tradition: Chan Wei Tian shares the unique story of how he left the tech world to take over the family business, breathing new life into it with cutting-edge solutions.Viral Video Moment: Discover what happens when your business goes viral and how it impacts both the brand and family dynamics.Family Drama & Therapy: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles and triumphs of working with family, and how therapy helped them navigate generational differences.The Cost of Change: From rebranding to evolving the business model, hear about the tough decisions and unexpected consequences of trying to modernize a 30-year-old brand.Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Chan shares invaluable advice on leadership, managing family businesses, and finding your own path when the stakes are personal.You don’t want to miss this fascinating conversation that goes beyond just business—it’s about family, change, and resilience. Tune in now!---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
AI Can Do the Work — But It Can’t Do This [W&S 151]
28:35|In today’s fast-paced world, AI is not just reshaping industries; it’s redefining what it means to be skilled and indispensable in the workplace. But with all the buzz about automation and job loss, what does this really mean for you?Can you still be a "human who can't be replaced"?With experts Peck Hoon Low, Senior Career Coach at General Assembly, and Tamanna Bilandi, Practice Tech Lead & Recruitment Team Lead at Adecco, we explore the evolving definition of "skill"—from technical expertise to adaptability, innovation, and emotional intelligence.What’s in store:How AI is amplifying human roles and reshaping industries.Why adaptability and learning agility are now more valuable than ever.Insights on how traditional roles, like data analysts and UX designers, are evolving in the face of AI.Real-world examples of how AI is creating new opportunities and what that means for your career.Tune in for expert advice on how to stay ahead in an AI-powered future. Don’t miss out on these essential strategies for building skills that will make you irreplaceable!Catch this episode and learn how to thrive in the age of AI! 🎧---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.