Womenpreneur Asia

Celina Lee calls her vision - a Disneyland for data scientists. Or if you prefer, a Github meets LinkedIn. Ultimately, it’s about creating opportunities all around the world for those who don’t necessarily have access to those opportunities.  This female co-founder and CEO started her platform as a passion project and it has become the leading professional network of data scientists today with some 70 000+ data scientists.  Zindi is the first data science competition platform in Africa and hosts an entire data science ecosystem of scientists, engineers, academics, companies, NGOs, governments and institutions focused on solving Africa’s most pressing problems.  While today’s episode is about Zindi, it is also about Celina and what it means to be female and Asian American and growing a dream that is making a tremendous impact in the world of data science, AI and machine learning. Zindi is at heart providing access and opportunities to data scientists in Africa and beyond.  For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio Thank you for listening to Season 8 of the podcast. We will be taking a break and come back in October/November for Season 9.

15/08/2024 • 63:31

Dr. Vimi Ramasamy, Founder and CEO of STRAVIK, makes a much-anticipated return to discuss a core business topic - Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - and why ESG is riddled with confusion and apprehension among businesses. Vimi candidly discusses the challenges that most business owners have when integrating ESG into their operations. She shares how most business owners have no idea where to begin.  A key part of the interview is devoted to debunking common ESG myths, such as the notion that ESG is costly to implement and that it is only for multinational companies. Vimi clarifies what ESG entails and its effects on various business aspects, including marketing and supply chain. She emphasizes that ESG can be implementable for every business. Vimi provides insights and research data that encourage embracing sustainable practices and how businesses can adopt simple ESG actions to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance social responsibility while attaining higher profits.  For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

09/08/2024 • 62:59

Today's episode is with Annie Chan who is the Founder and Principal Trainer of Red Box Events Pte Ltd. based in Singapore. As an experience designer, adjunct lecturer and trainer, she has extensive experience in creating, planning and organizing events. She knows all the ways to glam up an event and ensure the show runs smoothly so that her clients can make a distinct and positive impression all around.  Unlike most entrepreneurs, Annie had a roster of paying clients the day she started. And she also landed herself a million dollar project awarded by the Singapore government where she had to organize 500 events in a year! In this episode, Annie and I talk about her 30 years in the events management business where she shares some insider tips and strategies that you don’t want to miss. She also shares why she wants to educate more corporate people about events organizing and planning, her regional work with sustainability projects and what sustainability means from an events planner perspective and how challenging it is!  Get the full show notes and links: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Redbox Studio offers an entrepreneur game and programme where teams can learn how to leverage entrepreneurial thinking. Discover more about the strategy game and programme, at BigTimerGame.com 

02/08/2024 • 66:12

Today, we meet a Malaysian entrepreneur, Shariffa Sabrina, the founder of Tanah Aina Sdn Bhd. Tanah Aina which began as a glamping experience has now become an eco-resort experience complete with dining and nature activities. It serves up an eco-experience in the heart of the Malaysian jungles and it is as much a passion as it is a business for its owner, Shariffa Sabrina.  Tanah Aina Eco Resorts and Cafes lets people reconnect with nature while enjoying the comforts and amenities of luxury accommodations. At their resorts, you can experience eco-friendly lodging, guided nature excursions, organic dining experiences, wellness activities and team building.  As the founder of Tanah Aina eco-resorts. Sabrina is on a mission to change how we view development, and it all starts with a deep appreciation for the very nature we're neglecting. Sabrina is quite the entrepreneur having built her cafes, glamping sites and resorts based on her love for nature and despite having grandchildren, there seems to be no stopping this woman who despite the tough challenges from authorities.  Extra show notes at WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

26/07/2024 • 47:06

Today’s episode is with a Malaysian entrepreneur, Coach Wendy Wong. Wendy is the Managing Partner of Petadiri Leadership and a Leadership Performance Coach in Malaysia. She was a high flyer with a tonne of corporate experience in finance and HR. When she decided to start her own business as a coach, she hired a coach to help her strategize. Her coach had advised that she would take at least 3 years to get stabilized in her business but she thought she could do it in 6 months.  You are in for a treat today if you’ve always wanted to know the nitty-gritty about starting a business. What is it really like? And while today’s episode is about a coach in her coaching business, it’s universally applicable to any business.  We spoke about the loneliness of being a solopreneur and also the surprises that Wendy encountered when she left her corporate role and became a coach. We dug into her strategies and recommendations about starting a business if she could do it all over again. We discussed the internal conflicts she had because as she said, when she left corporate, she left behind a lucrative paycheck only to start from ground zero as she only began her coaching training the week after she left her job. In her own words, she was “all in” and completely committed to the art and craft of coaching but it still took time to build up her business. Her own coach remarked that it would take at least 3 years to fully stabilize the business but she was confident she could do it in less time.  This episode is a must-listen if you’re thinking of starting a business but more importantly, how you can prepare your own ‘runway’ before your takeoff. Coach Wendy Wong shares how you can ensure your takeoff doesn’t have to be rocky and what you can do to avoid the bumps!  Please enjoy today’s episode with Coach Wendy Wong.  ​​This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Get the full show notes on Womenpreneur Asia. If you'd like to work with me, check out this page.

18/07/2024 • 67:16

In today’s episode, we meet Afi Sulaiman, a digital artist and illustrator in Malaysia. I was introduced to her by Michelle Yeo of Dandy as Afi and Dandy were collaborating. Michelle was a former guest of mine on this podcast and she knew that I would be open to meeting Afi. If you’d like to check out Michelle’s episode where she talks about starting her restaurant business, look for Ep 11 in Season 2. Afi is a millennial who was dabbling with digital art when she was in her gap year. At that time, she was undergoing mental health issues and looked towards art as a form of therapy and self-expression. Little did she know that this path would propel her into the limelight and now she is a commissioned artist who works with corporate companies, small businesses and individuals.  In this episode, Afi and I speak about: her journey as an artist and illustrator, gaining fast fame on Instagram and getting full community support, how she deals with pro bono requests for her art and illustrations, her own mental health experiences how she prices her art, how she determines which clients are a good fit for her and what she thinks of art as a business and how she works at her business.  I believe you will enjoy this episode if you love art and business!  This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Get the full show notes on Womenpreneur Asia. If you'd like to work with me, check out this page.

11/07/2024 • 61:46

In today’s episode, we meet Malaysian entrepreneur Karen Tan who is the founder of Menoplus based in Penang, Malaysia. Juggling her business, taking care of her family and caring for elderly parents while navigating menopause led her to a dark place. She also experienced a slew of medical problems - from itchiness to hot flushes, coupled with frustration and sleepless nights.  But from the depths of despair and a desire to figure things out came an "aha!" moment, a turning point that ignited a mission: to empower women on their own perimenopause and menopause journeys. Karen is optimistic and hopes that through her work, she can offer support, encouragement and help to other women who are facing menopause, the very same support that she was searching for when she was undergoing menopause. Through her workshops, she hopes to have more open conversations with women who are going through mid-life. So if you’re heading towards menopause, this is the episode for you.  Subscribe to our Youtube channel Get all the show notes at our website. This episode is proudly brought to you by Redbox Studio.

04/07/2024 • 53:35

Today, we meet Ida Othman, a Malaysian entrepreneur who started with a quest for a brighter smile. Ida is the owner of Asia Natural Essentials Sdn Bhd and the mastermind behind the Gogy Natural oral care brand, a proudly Made in Malaysia product.  This is not her first business, mind you but she has finally found a business that she is happy with. She once owned a spa business and even a food business from home.  This episode is filled with a lot of wisdom and learning as she shared how her own desire for whiter teeth brought her to her current ecommerce business. You’ll hear about her early struggles and why she never started with a business plan. You will also learn how she validated her product, how she created further products and finally, the rebrand that she went ahead with although the rebranding exercise was costly.  Full show notes: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

27/06/2024 • 59:23

Forget everything you thought about leadership! In this episode, we have Nandini Das Ghoshal who is the Co-Founder & Director, ION Consulting International Pte Ltd, based in Singapore. Nandini shares her experiences from the fascinating world of applied neuroscience in the context of organisations, teams and leadership. She reveals how we can leverage our brains to develop better teams, create better results and fundamentally shape us as more effective leaders. Nandini is an experienced executive coach and learning facilitator, based out of Singapore. She offers one-on-one executive coaching abd bespoke programmes on leadership, team effectiveness and career transitions for individuals and groups. She enthralls us about our brain, not as a organ of cognitive performance but as an organ of relationship. If you want to create improved performance at work or at home, you need to focus on using your brain to enhance your relationships.  For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsred by RedboxStudio.com LIKE THIS PODCAST? Send in your audio review! 

20/06/2024 • 58:00

Tahreem Shah is the co-founder and the Head of Growth at AmarLab based in Singapore. She describes it as the Uber for medical diagnostics. Additionally, she is the co-founder of Bhorosha, an alternative job-sourcing platform in Bangladesh that connects informal sector women with skills training and matches them to better-paying jobs.  Tahreem’s journey seamlessly integrates architecture, business and technology through her two startups. With a background in architecture and a passion for social change, Tahreem dedicates herself to finding innovative solutions for the challenges faced by marginalized communities in her home country of Bangladesh.  Tahreem's journey into social entrepreneurship began during an architectural internship in Norway. While there, she realized her true calling lay in addressing the pressing issues of urban disaster preparedness, unemployment, healthcare accessibility and financial inclusion. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com Subscribe to our Youtube channel Follow us on Instagram Sign up for updates

13/06/2024 • 67:11

In this episode, you will meet Mayuree Aroonwaranon, the CEO and co-founder of GEPP Sa-Ard Co., Ltd., a Bangkok-based company that helps companies in Thailand with waste management.  Yet her story didn’t begin in waste management. This French-speaking Thai national who grew up in the slum area of Bangkok has an inspiring story to share about herself and why she gave up a lucrative career in oil and gas to become an entrepreneur.  Coming from a challenging background and growing up in the slums, Mayuree has always had a heart for her community. She was determined to make a positive impact but she didn’t know how until she chanced upon a news article that said every Thai person throws away 1.14 kg of rubbish a day. She said she was clueless when she read the headline - was that a huge amount of rubbish?  That took her and her co-founders down a rabbit hole of finding answers.and that's how they started their company which focuses on businesses and organisations using their digital platform. Their GEPP platform (hardware and software) helps companies to shift their mindsets from "dispose" to "manage" their waste successfully. For the full show notes and links, visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

07/06/2024 • 86:57

This episode is with Wendy Lim who is the founder of Wei Ling Chambers in, Malaysia.  She owns a boutique law firm in Kuala Lumpur and handles initial public offerings, securities regulations, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investments and more.  As a young female lawyer, she is not unusual in that she chose to set up her law firm after working with other law firms. What’s unusual is that Wendy has always wanted to be a lawyer since young and she still carries that fire and passion in her till today.  What I find most interesting about Wendy is that she loves business and by helping her clients with their business needs, she gets to discover entrepreneurship too. Far from being conservative or staid, this young female lawyer is showing the world that you can be a lawyer and you can still retain your individuality and be a risk-taker! For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

30/05/2024 • 57:04

This episode features Mandy Pao from Hong Kong, the founder of The Aligned Entrepreneurs. Mandy's entrepreneurial venture emerged from burn out that resulted from running her first business, a branding and marketing agency for 10 years. Our conversation is particularly illuminating as Mandy bravely unravels the less-discussed facets of entrepreneurship. She opens up about the pressure to conform in Hong Kong, where success is often equated with perpetual busyness and "the bigger, the better". If you've found yourself questioning the relentless pursuit of growth or yearning for a deeper sense of purpose in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as Mandy shares her inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of aligned success. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

23/05/2024 • 55:17

The first episode of Season 8 features My Holland. My is the CEO of EQuest Asia, a coaching and training business based in Vietnam.  Despite never residing in Vietnam, My felt a profound calling to return to her ancestral homeland to establish her business. She advocates for embracing happiness and fulfillment in the workplace while nurturing one's cultural identity, particularly among overseas Vietnamese and empowering women to find their voices.  She is also a speaker, consultant and coach in corporate well-being, organizational change resilience and emotional intelligence.   Born in France with Vietnamese heritage, My (pronounced "Mee" in Vietnamese) is a leader deeply immersed in cross-cultural experiences across various nations. Interestingly, she was born on 20 March, the UN International Day of Happiness, a fact she interprets as more than mere coincidence.  Her journey reflects a multicultural worldview, shaped by her upbringing in France, education in both France and the USA, and professional experiences spanning the USA, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, and New Zealand.  It's a fascinating look at finding one's roots, embracing multiculturalism and being open to possibilities at every stage of one's life. Get the full show notes: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

16/05/2024 • 64:13

What goes on behind the Womenpreneur Asia podcast? What are my ups and downs in producing this show? And what have I learned throughout this journey of speaking to Asian women entrepreneurs in Asia?  Hello and welcome to the final episode of Season 7 of the Womenpreneur Asia podcast and I am your host, Krista Goon.  My mission is to uncover the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs in Asia to help you and inspire you as you navigate your business journey. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.  Today's episode is Episode 100 and I am happy you are with me and we’re getting into Episode number 100 together. When I told Padmaja, a previous guest on this show, that I was hitting 100 episodes, she said we must do something together. And that is how Padmaja and I ended up recording this milestone episode. Padmaja is the CEO and founder of Siksha Group in India where they offer learning and development for companies across India and globally. One of the best things about having friends across Asia is that I get a lot of support for my podcast. When I first mooted the idea in Hawaii in July 2019, my Asia Pacific friends said they loved the idea and many supported me through the first season. And when I first started it, I just wanted to have a go and do something different - something that was technically challenging yet gave me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. And 100 episodes later, I am still happy to do this although I need to carve time out to podcast. What you hear as an episode is just the tip of the iceberg.  And having said that, I’m also officially announcing that I’m writing an ebook about podcasting so if you’re listening to this, sign up for my email updates at WomenpreneurAsia.com and I will keep you updated when that ebook is for sale plus some exciting plans for this year.  The ebook was a result of many friends asking me how they too could start a podcast. It sounds sexy to start a podcast but I share with you in my ebook my own experiences of producing a podcast on my own.  Today’s episode digs a little into those experiences - think of it as a behind-the-scenes of podcasting.  Enjoy this episode! I will see you in Season 8 which starts in May. This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com Find out more about Padmaja's story in Season 3, Episode 8.

02/02/2024 • 62:16

Today’s episode is a little unusual as we feature someone who is not an entrepreneur but has an empowering message for everyone.  Shivani Reddy wears many hats - she is a HR and Organizational Development practitioner, startup mentor, coach, speaker and finally, #IAmRemarkable ambassador. Her 15 years of experience spans positions in renowned organizations such as Groupon, Societe Generale, NIIT Limited, and TDCX Malaysia. Shivani is also the Partnerships Manager at Girls in Tech Kuala Lumpur and a Google-trained #IAmRemarkable facilitator.  As a Google-trained #IAmRemarkable facilitator, Shivani is part of a global network of 4500 individuals dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented groups. In this episode, we discuss #IAmRemarkable, a transformative workshop that she facilitates.  The workshop advocates the value of vocalizing one’s accomplishments no matter how big or small. Acknowledging achievements, regardless of their perceived size, is a crucial aspect of building genuine confidence. In this episode, we discuss #IAmRemarkable, a transformative workshop that she facilitates including the stories of transformation that these workshops have created. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

26/01/2024 • 59:14

This episode features Brenda James, the visionary Founder and Principal Florista of Nook Flowers located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her floral business is unique in that stands apart from others on the twin pillars of creativity and sustainability or in her own words, "responsible floristry". In this episode, we unravel Brenda's 15 years as a business owner and florist and uncover what makes this unique Malaysian floral studio what it is today. For Brenda, Nook Flowers is more than a business—it's an extension of her ethos and values. The studio's grown not flown philosophy is seamlessly woven into its brand philosophy and operations. And she closes Nook Flowers on Valentine's Day. It is a bold move, especially for a florist. Find out why in this episode. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com You are listening to Episode 12 of Season 7.

19/01/2024 • 70:50

Today’s guest is a returning guest and I wanted to bring her back because she has a great story and a fantastic business. And it’s all fully online. I love fully online businesses because I am a big advocate of this - after all my own business is all about the digital world!  Today I am speaking to Michelle Hon who is the founder of MomBoss Academy in Singapore. If her name sounds familiar, yes, she was featured in Season 4, Episode 8 so if you want to know her backstory of how she ended up starting this business, check that episode out.  Today, though, Michelle and I are going deep into her business. We’re going to talk about motherhood and the art of building a business - a lifestyle business - as Michelle calls it - right from home. This is a conversation that you don’t want to miss but the key thing is that Michelle believes that moms can carve out a path for themselves without compromising on their family life.  In this episode, Michelle enlightened us on the concept of building assets for your business. Your programs, services, and offerings can be valuable assets that generate revenue long-term. It's not just about creating something for now; it's about crafting a sustainable foundation that keeps giving. You can also take a cue from Michelle's playbook and reverse engineer the process of building your business. Understand your target market, listen to their needs, and identify the problems you can solve. Success lies in aligning your offerings with what your audience truly desires. Michelle shared an important strategy for pre-launching your offer to test the waters. Before fully committing, gauge interest, collect feedback, and ensure there's a market for your product. It's a strategic move that can save time, and resources, and set you on the path to creating something truly in demand.  For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com To find out about Michelle and more, check out MomBoss Academy.

11/01/2024 • 60:18

Hana Chua is the Director of Business Finance at Kebun Kota Sdn. Bhd located in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. The family business that she is in comprises many moving parts - from aquaculture to sustainable farming to technology transfer to creating ripples in the local cafe scene with their cafe arm, Roots. The Chua family's commitment to sustainable farming and smart urban agriculture forms the cornerstone of Kebun Kota. This commitment also extends to Roots, a cafe that started as a haven for book lovers and evolved into a platform for sustainable practices, sparking vital conversations about nutrition, localizing food, and forgotten delicacies. In today’s conversation, Hana opens up about her experiences as a young woman navigating the complex waters of a family business deeply rooted in sustainability. For show notes and more, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com Today's episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

05/01/2024 • 59:53

Today’s episode is with Soundari Mukherjea, CEO of Soundbytes11, who is originally from India but now calls Hong Kong her home.  As the CEO of Soundbytes11, an organisational consultancy, she focuses on working with leaders and teams to harness the power of storytelling to drive business outcomes. Her expertise spans various domains, including change management, personal branding, cross-cultural intelligence and diversity and inclusion initiatives. In this episode, we discuss how great stories can do wonders to help you communicate key values and messages to your team and clients. Soundari shares examples from the work she has done and even delves into personal strategies for self-development and learning that have worked for her. More information in the show notes on the website: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

29/12/2023 • 69:28

Today I am speaking to a Malaysian entrepreneur, Genevia Chin who is the founder of Wonkie Ice Cream, previously known as Three Tiers Ice Cream.  Genevia, a spirited entrepreneur with a passion for frozen joy, started her first ice cream venture, Three Tiers Ice Cream when she came home to Penang after working in Singapore.  In today's episode, we'll uncover the evolution of Three Tiers Ice Cream into the newly rebranded Wonkie Ice Cream (and Genevia explains why the rebrand was necessary). Genevia’s journey takes us through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from the thrill and pain of going viral to the invaluable lessons learned when the unexpected happens. This ice cream artisan has found her niche in alcoholic ice cream and her story is as rich and diverse as her ice cream offerings. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Sign up for updates through email.

22/12/2023 • 56:43

Today's episode is with a visionary Malaysian entrepreneur in Hong Kong., Janice Chew who is the principal of JC Legal. In the ever-evolving realm of corporate law, Janice Chew has emerged as a trailblazer. As the principal and founder of JC Legal, a bespoke corporate law firm, Janice has not only defied traditional norms but has also brought a fresh and fabulous perspective to the legal industry. In a field where the norm dictates that legal firms typically hire paralegals as their first staff members, Janice opted for an unconventional route - she hired a business development person! Her unique approach to growing her business showcases her creative thinking from the outset. Despite being a relatively young law firm, JC Legal has rapidly gained recognition. In 2021, the firm was honoured with the prestigious Lawyer Monthly Legal Award for Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year. Janice, too, earned accolades as a finalist in two categories at the ALB Hong Kong Awards—Young Lawyer of the Year and Rising Law Firm of the Year. Additionally, the firm secured a spot in the ALB Fast 30 as one of Asia's fastest-growing firms in 2021. What truly sets JC Legal apart is its commitment to innovation, demonstrated through innovative legal initiatives. Their Startup Steward Programme, launched in 2018, has nurtured over 100 high-growth companies, including notable names in fintech and crypto. The programme earned the firm the Bronze Award for Startup of the Year – Business Services at the CEO and Executive World Awards 2021. In this episode, Janice speaks about the origins of JC Legal's Virtual Legal Clinic which was designed during the pandemic to offer legal services while helping a local charity. Janice Chew and her firm, JC Legal, prove that you can inculcate creativity in your industry and spark the imagination of your community and clients. As Janice says, “Success is a matter of choice.” What choices are you making today?  Get the full show notes at WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

13/12/2023 • 55:09

Helen Tan of Double Woot Fashion Talks About Influencer Marketing 🌟 Join us on an inspiring journey with Helen Tan, the creative force behind Double Woot fashion! Hailing from Penang, Malaysia, Helen and her sister have built a cult-like following for their quality fashion at affordable prices. From the early days as a pre-loved clothing shop on Blogspot to a global sensation, Helen shares her 18-year entrepreneurial voyage. Dive into the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic, innovative marketing strategies, and the pivotal role of influencer marketing. Helen's insights on family support, passion, and finding purpose resonate deeply, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Discover the unique naming conventions, emphasis on authenticity, and the multifaceted marketing approach that defines Double Woot's success. Tune in now for a dose of empowerment and entrepreneurial wisdom! For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

08/12/2023 • 57:57

Jenny Tay is an entrepreneur from Singapore taking on the world of funeral services with a zestful and innovative spirit, no pun intended. She is not afraid of challenging norms and stereotypes about the deceased, death and dying. As the Managing Director of Direct Funeral Services Pte Ltd, she is transforming the funeral services industry - usually dominated by rough-talking men and surrounded by superstitions - one taboo at a time. To Jenny, the funeral services business is a hospitality business. When she married in 2015, she made the front page news as she and her husband decided to take unusually daring wedding photos - she was photographed in her wedding finery lying in a coffin and sitting on the coffin! Jenny and her husband worked to revamp society's shoddy perception of funeral services and raise the bar for funeral directors.  Jenny approaches this business with deep respect for the deceased. She recognizes the equalizing nature of death, emphasizing our shared humanity beneath societal roles and gender differences. In her determined way, Jenny revolutionized the industry, pushing forth innovative ideas as she was dissatisfied with outdated practices in the industry. Despite facing resistance, she believes families deserve a compassionate and personalized approach during times of grief. She introduced uniforms and name tags for her team, redesigned funeral settings and backdrops to reflect calm and elegant spaces and even humanized the departed by creating biographies for guests at the wake and funeral to know them even in death. Her ideas didn't stop there. Concerned after overhearing how an adult explained death inappropriately to a child, she and her husband decided to author a children's book that approached the topic in a non-morbid yet respectful manner.  This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. For more information, show notes and links, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

30/11/2023 • 56:44

Welcome to Season 7 of the Womenpreneur Asia podcast! I'm your host, Krista Goon, and I'm thrilled to be back, uncovering the amazing stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs in Asia to inspire and support you on your own business journey. I'm excited to introduce you to our guest, a remarkable Malaysian entrepreneur, Amutha Subramaniam, the founder and director of HERS Manufacturing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Amutha's journey is nothing short of inspiring. At 47 years old, she embarked on her business with absolutely no knowledge of e-commerce, and for the first two years, she struggled to make any sales. However, her unwavering eagerness to learn about online selling and her persistence ultimately paid off in a big way. Today, she runs a highly successful 7-figure business, exporting food and beverages to the Pacific Islands. It wasn't an easy path for Amutha, though. After her divorce, she found herself as a single mother with no capital, but she refused to be defined by her circumstances. Moving from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, she faced her challenges with courage and stepped out of her comfort zone to chase her ambitions. The essence of this podcast lies in the belief that each of us carries a powerful story within ourselves. These stories have the potential to inspire other women to embark on their own ventures, be it a business or a movement. Amutha's journey from ground zero is a testament to the fact that with an unstoppable attitude and determination, one can overcome any obstacle and learn everything one needs along the way. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com Today's episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Please rate, review and subscribe to the podcast so that we can reach out to more women entrepreneurs in Asia.

23/11/2023 • 70:48

Today’s episode is with Jolly Nguyen who is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  She is the founder of EVOL Vietnam, a social enterprise that is raising awareness of urban citizens about the importance of reducing single use plastic and preventing these plastic from polluting the ocean via community projects.  This is the second time we are recording this conversation because the first time, we had some audio interruptions and I wanted to showcase her work better and so this round, we re-recorded the episode and I must say I am excited for you to hear about Jolly’s strategies and tips. In this episode, we spoke about strategy, fundraising, stakeholder management, networking and partnership-building for a greater good.  She talks about asking for support for her projects, engaging her stakeholders beyond financials and expanding her network every time she goes out to speak or participate in conferences and programmes.  Jolly is a well-networked individual and has seen the power of networking pay its dues directly and indirectly.  For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. A big shout out to ForGood Vietnam, our partner who introduced Jolly Nguyen to Womenpreneur Asia.

16/11/2023 • 56:28

Coco Wong was the first wedding planner in Hong Kong who grew to become the top wedding planner in Hong Kong for the rich and famous. She spun off a publishing business, florist business and more. At one point, she was the wedding consultant for Hong Kong Disneyland!  Despite being at the top of her game, she was never afraid to stop when it was time to stop.  And stop she did.  But that wasn't the last of her entrepreneurial ventures. Today’s story is as fascinating as it is inspiring. It is the story of a remarkable and agile entrepreneur who is now focused on growing future leaders.  Today’s episode is with a Hong Kong entrepreneur, Coco Wong. She is the co-founder of CEO Kids International and currently makes her home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Coco is truly a serial entrepreneur with a strong conviction and a creative mind. She started many businesses and she was never afraid to walk away or sell them. In all her ventures, she admits that money was never the motivation. In fact, she’s always been one to focus on giving and doing good. Coco shares her mistakes, her highs and lows and what she has learned over the past 3 decades of being an entrepreneur and what she is most excited about now.  For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

09/11/2023 • 80:35

Failures are lessons in themselves. They’re expensive mistakes and painful too but you can always find a way to use your mistakes and failure to get stronger.  Today my guest and I talked about her first failed company and partnership and the lessons she learned from that time in her life. While depressed and angry, she recounted that the failed business helped her understand what went wrong and taught her much about starting partnerships in foreign countries. Many years later, she decided to use her skills and experiences to start her own company to help foreign companies get started in her home country of Morocco. Hello and welcome to Season 7 of the Womenpreneur Asia podcast and I am your host, Krista Goon.  My mission is to uncover the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs in Asia to help you as you navigate your own business journey. This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.  Today’s episode is with a Moroccan entrepreneur, Safaa Nasseh in Casablanca, Morocco.  She is the Managing Director and founder of ARKAD Plus, a business that provides professional advice and expert knowledge about starting businesses in Morocco and working with Moroccan businesses.  In this episode, we spoke about her first business - the business that failed and taught her priceless lessons about partnerships and trust. Using the lessons learned from that harrowing episode in her life, she went back to work and in the process, realized she was excellent at building relationships and connecting people and businesses. During the pandemic, she realized that she wanted to start her business again but this time, much wiser and much more intent on leveraging the strengths and experiences that she has honed while under employment.  For more information about Safaa, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

03/11/2023 • 60:35

Someone asked me recently, who are some of your favourite guests on the podcast and why? What have you learned from your guests and from creating and producing this seasonal podcast since 2020?  It got me thinking so today you are in for a treat with this bonus episode.  This is the final episode of Season 6 of the Womenpreneur Asia podcast. After this, I take a quick break before Season 7 starts in October.  Most of the time, I end my season with a guest interview but this time, I decided that I'll be your guest. I'm amazed that I've produced 86 episodes so far and that yes, I am celebrating myself today. But it's never about me. I love that you're here too. Without listeners and supporters such as you, my podcast wouldn't have gone very far at all. Today, I am sharing with you my favourite episodes of all my six seasons. And I shall also share with you what I’ve personally learned and taken to heart after speaking to so many Asian women entrepreneurs in Asia. It has been an empowering journey for me as I learned to become more self-aware of my own thoughts and perspectives about entrepreneurship.  So which were my favourite episodes throughout these 6 seasons? Here are my top 15 selections. Listen to the episode to find out why these are my favourite episodes. Maresa Ng of Spark Group Asia, Malaysia Dr Vimi Ramasamy of Stravik Business Consulting, Malaysia Anja Juliah of Athena Holdings, Malaysia See Wai Hun of Juristech, Malaysia Zhafira Loebis of Babyloania, Indonesia Maaike Doyer of Epic Angels, Singapore Nancy Tran of Medifood, Vietnam  Michelle Hon of MomBoss Academy, Singapore  Titaporn Tuchinda of The Growth & Change Company, Thailand Soline Lin of Vietnam Dental Tourism, Vietnam Debbie Edirisinghe of Child Action Lanka, Sri Lanka Kanyachat Lerttanapaiboon or Elle of Her Hyness, Thailand   Cha-Ly Koh of Urbanmetry, Malaysia Deepa Jivan of J Gordhan & Co Ltd., Hong Kong  Jocelyn Pantastico of Olivia Technology Group, The Philippines Which is YOUR favourite among all the 86 episodes of Womenpreneur Asia? Which entrepreneur’s story made you a better entrepreneur or inspired you to think differently or work and live differently? I’d love to hear from you. Just DM me on Instagram or send me a message.  Today's episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

15/06/2023 • 36:09

Today’s episode is with a Singapore-based author, Winne Wong. Winnie is an educator and researcher and has had more than 10 years of corporate experience working with start-ups and tech companies.  Her ebook launches today on Amazon, 9 June 2023. If you love books, Winnie is offering her ebook as a gift to you at US$0.99 for the first 200 readers.  In this episode, we talk about her book, her book writing process, and her findings and key learnings from her book titled “You Don’t Have to Look the Part: How East Asian Women Thrive as Entrepreneurs”.  In her book, she writes about Melanie Perkins of Canva who took 3 years to fundraise and who wrote a note to keep herself going despite the initial rejections. She also recounts the story of Vicky Tsai, the founder of Tatcha who was told she didn’t look like a CEO and was asked to step down from the business she started.   We spoke about being the role models that we aspire to follow, we also spoke about doing something despite the fears and the humiliation of failing. Winnie took a year to write her book and even raised money through pre-orders. She has had to market the book too leveraging LinkedIn (she said Twitter and Instagram just weren’t her thing) and has found supporters for her book from people she knew and people she didn’t. Here’s a fun fact about Winnie: her parents are Malaysian.  For the full show notes and links, go to: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

09/06/2023 • 71:24