Guest Speaker
Business Seminar
For Osaka Innovation Hub: Expanding startup businesses in Singapore
Sep 2018
20 startup entrepreneurs and students from Osaka Innovation Hub visited WASABI Creation as part of their one week study tour in Singapore. Tong (Founder, CEO), together with Yuta Morita (Intern, SMU MBA student) conducted a seminar for the group on how they can expand their businesses from Japan to Singapore. They covered topics such as incorporation in Singapore, Singapore's demographic, consumer behaviour, influencer marketing, popup store marketing, etc. The participants were very interested in these topics and asked many questions such as "What are the common difficulties and errors Japanese companies have when doing business in Singapore." Tong was glad to have shared his experiences and expertise in these areas.
Japanese Lessons
For foreign domestic workers & caretakers
Sep 2018
WASABI Creation was requested by a nursing training school to conduct Japanese lessons to its students comprising of foreign domestic workers and caretakers. The students are attending the school to step up their skills in nursing care for the elderly. As Japan is seriously facing the hit of aging population, and lack of manpower in providing care to the elderly, they have opened up working opportunities in Japan to foreign caretakers.
In view of this, these foreign domestic workers are trying out learning Japanese to equip themselves with the language skill that will enable them to work in Japan in the future.
Guest Speaker
Seminar to Ryokoku University: How Singapore's policies have shaped a multiracial and international society.
2 Sep 2018
A group of 40 students from Ryokoku University, Japan visited WASABI Creation as part of their educational tour in Vietnam and Singapore. WASABI Creation founder, Tong conducted a seminar on Singapore policies that have shaped the country's multiracialism, and built an international society.
More and more Japanese companies realise the need to venture overseas market as its domestic market continue to string due to aging population and depopulation, however there is a lack of talent within Japan who has the experience, skills, and know-how to bring business across boarders. We hope the seminar will be able to share with the students some ideas and tips on how to be a global talent.
Guest Speaker
Seminars to Business Schools in Delhi, India
Aug 2018
WASABI Creation was invited by our partner, Intraversity in Delhi, to conduct talks to students of various business and management colleges in India. Over the week, we visited and met students from Jaipuria School of Business, JK Business School, Institute of Technology And Sciences, and Accurate Institute of Management & Technology. We shared with the students about our business, market trends in Japan and Singapore, and answered the students' questions on entrepreneurship.
WASABI Creation is also in talks with the schools to work with our partner in bringing students to Singapore for educational tour and internship.
Guest Speaker
"How SMU MBA Students can prepare themselves in working with the Japanese?"
6th Jul 2018
The Founder of WASABI Creation, Tong was invited by SMU MBA Class to speak at "Japanese Business Night". Tong shared about his experiences when he was working as a fresh graduate in Japan, and talked about Japanese business culture that is unique and special to non-Japanese people.
Tong also talked about basic Japanese business etiquette, such as exchanging business cards, and seating positions for Japanese business meetings. The MBA students shown great interest with many questions.
The event ended with a party serving Sushi for everyone.
Entrepreneurship Training Camp 2nd edition
"Partnership with SAI International College Bubhneshwar, India"
June 2018
WASABI Creation hosted 8 Indian students from SAI International College Bubhneshwar over 4 days for an intensive Entrepreneurship Training Camp at WASABI Creation's office. The students worked in groups of 2 on various topics such as coworking space business, India market entry, Japanese F&B market research, as well as overseas travel trends for India.
An extensive research in in these were done by the students, who also came up with creative proposals to implement new business into the fast growing market. Many presentations and discussions were held with the students to finalise the proposal.
At the end of the program, each student received a certificate of participation for their enthusiasm during the program.
WASABI Consulting
"What can Japanese students do to become international professionals?"
16th Mar 2018
The Founder of WASABI Creation, Tong was contacted by a group of students from Tokyo University, who are interested to learn about doing business internationally, as they planned their self-funded trip to Malaysia and Singapore. A sharing session was conducted over web conference, where Tong answered questions from the students, shared his own experiences, and gave advises to the students what they can do to groom themselves into international professionals.
Here are the reviews and comments from the students.
WASABI Insight vol.10
Business in Japan~
"Japanese Business Culture & Manners"
1st Mar 2018
The Founder of WASABI Creation, Tong held a seminar sharing his experiences and insights on doing business in Japan, in particular on the topic of "Japanese Business Culture & Manners".
Tong shared from his own personal experience overs the years while he has been working in Japan, and doing business with Japanese companies. As he grew up and went through the education system in Singapore, knowing the language didn't seem to have prepared him enough to work in Japan as a fresh graduate. Tong talked about the episodes he had encountered all these years, and cover some of the basics about "Japanese Business Culture & Manner".
Topics:
-
Japanese business culture 101, how are the Japanese thinking?
-
Exchanging business cards
-
Visiting & hosting a Japanese company
-
Useful Japanese expressions for business
More information: Business in Japan~ "Japanese Business Culture & Manners"
Guest Speaker
The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Singapore (CLAIR, Singapore)
Feb 2018
The Founder of WASABI Creation, Tong was invited by The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Singapore (CLAIR, Singapore) to share about WASABI Creation's business and its expertise in helping Japanese companies go global
Tong shared about his past, present, and future projects on how WASABI Creation is bridging Japan, Singapore, and the rest of Asia in terms on Business, Culture, and Tourism. In particular, Tong talked about his observation of how many Japanese companies are facing difficulty in presenting their products to the local markets overseas, and what could be so the solutions to better communicating with local consumers and making online connections for building relationships.
About CLAIR, Singapore
2016 Projects
KAZU JAPAN
Japan's accessories in Singapore
KAZU Japan carries the popular accessories, home decor, and power stone products from Japan, which are sold in thousands each month in major retail outlets such as Tokyu Hands. In 2016, KAZU JAPAN designed and produced a Singapore souvenir product with Merlion design.
WASABI Creation assisted in the licensing of the Merlion design from Singapore Tourism Board, as well as identifying retail shops as distribution partners for the product.
Food Japan 2016
Bilingual promoter & emcee for cooking demonstration on stage
Food Japan is ASEAN's largest dedicated showcase on Japanese food and beverage, with an array of authentic Japanese ingredients and food, culinary techniques and equipment, plus demos and classes. Serving as a bridge for F&B businesses between Japan and ASEAN, Food Japan provides visitors with valuable opportunities to understand, explore collaborations and learn more about the versatility of classic Japanese ingredients, quality seasonal produces, unique prefecture specialities as well as innovative technology and machinery.
WASABI Creation provided bilingual promoters to support exhibitors, as well as emceeing support for on-stage cooking demonstrations together with many chefs from Japan.
DHL Innovation Center
Interpretation support to media interview
DHL launched its Asia Pacific Innovation Centre (APIC) in Singapore, its first innovation centre outside of Germany. Located at DHL's Supply Chain Advanced Regional Centre building at Tampines LogisPark, the S$10 million facility is also the company's first dedicated centre for innovation logistics services in the Asia Pacific region. APIC showcases technologies that will transform logistics operations, such as driverless shuttles for faster and more efficient transportation, and drones for the delivery of time-critical goods such as medicines. It was launched with the support of the Economic Development Board (EDB),
WASABI Creation provided interpretation support to a logistic magazine from Japan to conduct a tour and interview at APIC.
Singapore International Water Week 2016
Exhibition display support
The Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) is the global platform to share and co-create innovative water solutions. The biennial event gathers stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices, showcase the latest technologies and tap business opportunities. SIWW is part of the strategic programme of the Singapore Government to grow the water industry and develop water technologies.
WASABI Creation was tasked to support a water purification company from Japan to setup 2 sets of aquarium, each measuring 3m in length to display the company's membrane technology to visiting clients and partners.
Singapore Airshow 2016 (Tokyo Pavilion)
Bilingual hospitality to visitors
Every two years, high-level government and military delegations, as well as senior corporate executives around the world attend the Singapore Airshow to forge partnerships and seal deals in this region. As Asia's largest Airshow, this is the place to be for leading aerospace companies and budding players eager to make their mark in the international aerospace and defence market!
WASABI Creation was tasked to support Singapore Airshow 2016 (Tokyo Pavilion) with a bilingual staff to provide hospitality, reception, and interpretation to visitors.
Recruitment Support to Indeed Tokyo
Hiring the best IT talents from Singapore
Indeed is the world’s #1 job site, and is available in 60 countries in 28 languages.The number of unique visitors per month has increased in the past two years by more than 40%, from around 140 million in 2014 to 200 million in February 2016, and the growth continues.
WASABI Creation was tasked to support Indeed Tokyo's recruitment activities in Singapore, such as marketing and reaching out to talented students from National University of Singapore. It also supported Indeed Tokyo at NUS School of Computing Career Fair 2016.
TRIQSTAR Dance Workshop for Kids & Teens
World Class Animation Dance Team from Japan to the World, TOP 6 performing groups at Asia's Got Talent
The Only One and No. 1 Dance team with the motto, “Japan to the World” .TRIQDANCE is their original ANIMATION STYLE dance which is a mixture of robot dance, slow-‐motion, waving and moonwalk.Being the only Japanese team from 1000 others to be selected for Asia's Got Talent Season 1 in May 2015, TRIQSTAR battled all the way to be the TOP 6 performing groups selected by the judges and 500million viewers. They had also worked as the Dance Choreographer for MADONNA, SEK48, Flumpool, Southern All Stars, as well as Accompanied Dancers for artists such as MADONNA, SMAP, AKB48, KYARY PAMYUPAMYU, and others.
This event is produced and organised by WASABI Creation
See more at TRIQSTAR Dance Workshop for Kids & Teens
SJ50 Film Festival
SJ50 Film Festival is a project to celebrate Singapore and Japan’s 50 years of diplomatic relations by showcasing short films from both Singapore and Japan. This is to promote better understanding of both countries, and to encourage Singaporean and Japanese young film makers to have more exchanges through networking, learning, and collaboration.
SJ50 Film Festival is supported by the Japanese Embassy of Singapore in recognition as a project to celebrate 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations
SJ50 Film Festival screening event in Singapore will be held in late October 2016 at Asian Civilisation Museum in conjunction with River Nights 2016organized by Asian Civilisation Museum.
See more at SJ50 Film Festival
WASABI Creation @ Japan Travel Fair
Sharing on living and traveling in Japan
WASABI Creation was invited by JR East to speak at Japan Travel Fair on 7th August 2016 at JCUBE, as part of the promotional event for Japan Rail Cafe which will be opened in Singapore in November 2016.
Tong, Managing Director of WASABI Creation took the opportunity to share his own living experience in Kyoto, and introduced various travel destinations around Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Shiga and Kobe.
Tong also introduced WASABI Creation, its business activities and upcoming projects such as WASABI Discovery, and SJ50 Film Festival.
The 3rd Japan-Singapore Inter-professional Collaboration (JSIP) 2016
Sustainable Healthcare for Ageing Population~ Community Based Integrated Care
As is the case in other developed East Asian societies like Japan and Hong Kong, the current Singapore is also facing the same ageing problem. According to the most updated research, the number of citizens aged 65 and above is expected to increase to 900,000 by 2030, with the elderly accounting for more than 20% of the population. The government of Singapore has responded by taking many actions. Stepping into ageing society in late 1970s, Japan will be a case that Singapore can learn from.
Our annual seminar (symposium) was launched in 2013, with experts from both Singapore and Japan presenting their own thoughts on the ageing population in both countries. They will also exchange ideas on how we can better react to and deal with the ageing problem. Last year, we were glad to have around 300 participants, including staffs working in healthcare facilities and nursing homes as well as local residences. Speaker from Japan introduced the diet for the elderly while his Singaporean counterparts presented about the roles of nutrition, functions and communication in successful ageing.
See more at The 3rd Japan-Singapore Inter-professional Collaboration (JSIP) 2016
WASABI Discovery vol.1
"Japan Travel: the Paths Less Travelled"
WASABI Discovery is a casual presentation and meet-up event for the world to make new discovery about Japan and its people. At each event, we invite a couple of special guests to share and discuss about culture, people, happenings, or simply any topic from Japan that is worth discovering. We will also engage the participants in the conversation to make comparisons and contrasts with the local or other countries.
At WASBI Discovery vol.1, we have invited speakers from JR East, and IPPIN Cafe Bar, to tell us more about the bullet train culture, ekiben, and the stories behind these topics. We also had very nice Japanese food provided by IPPIN, sake tasting for 3 types of sakes that are hard to find even in Tokyo. The speakers had interesting discussion with the participants, who are all very interested in Japan's culture, travel, and lifestyle.
Read more at WASABI Discovery vol.1 "Japan Travel: the Paths Less Travelled"
WASABI Discovery
WASABI Discovery is a casual presentation and meet-up event for the world to make new discovery about Japan and its people.
At each event, we invite a couple of special guests to share and discuss about culture, people, happenings, or simply any topic from Japan that is worth discovering. We will also engage the participants in the conversation to make comparisons and contrasts with the local or other countries.
This is a meet-up for people who have great interest in Japan, it's traditions, and cultures. Participants are welcome to join in the conversation with the special guests, sharing experiences and opinions. If you have an interesting topic in mind, feel free to propose to us and make it into a great discussion session.
Language: English, or Japanese with English interpretation
See more at WASABI Discovery
RAKUGO with Diane Kichijitsu
The most famous English Rakugo Performer from Osaka is in Singapore! 12th February Friday
This traditional Japanese art of comedy storytelling has been enchanting audiences for over 400 years. The kimono-clad performer recounts a tale whilst kneeling on a cushion, using voice inflections, gestures and facial expressions to portray all the characters and using only a fan & handkerchief as props to creatively represent a variety of objects. The storyteller takes the listener on a magical journey, giving insights into Japanese customs, culture, and traditional lifestyles in a light-hearted, humorous way. The only limitation is the listener’s imagination.
Diane Kichijitsu hails from Liverpool, England and is a popular stage performer of Rakugo, the Japanese traditional art of comic storytelling. She is also highly sought after for her prodigious skills as a balloon artist, performing in events and giving workshops all over the world. Her deep knowledge of Japanese culture, extensive travel experiences as a globe-trotting backpacker, keen observations of cultural differences and humourous anecdotes of her surprising encounters in Japan form the basis of her hilarious Rakugo stories, as well as the numerous talks she delivers at schools, cultural exchange events and international study classes.
See more at RAKUGO with Diane Kichijitsu
WASABI Insight vol.5
"Halal Business Opportunities
& Market Development in Japan"
WASABI Insight is a regular social networking event for bridging Singapore & Japan in terms of Business, Culture, & Talents, in order to enhance interaction & exchange of ideas between Singaporeans, Japanese, as well as other expatriate professionals.
As more and more Muslim travelers are visiting Japan every year due to relaxed visa requirements and growing middle class population in Malaysia, Indonesia in particular. And as the upcoming Olympic Games in 2020 in Tokyo is approaching, Japan is transforming itself into a Muslim-friendly travel destination.
See more at WASABI Insight vol.5 "Halal Business Opportunities & Market Development in Japan"
AccessAsia@Singapore Seminar in Kansai Japan 2016
"ASEAN Business Opportunites for Japanese Companies"
IIn June 2016, Singapore Business Federation together with WASABI Creation will be visiting Kansai Japan to introduce AccessAsia@Singapore programme to Japanese companies which are interested in expanding their businesses in different parts of Asia through setting up their presence in Singapore. The AccessAsia@Singapore programme is a Singapore Business Federation-led initiative that provides a single point of entry for foreign enterprises to gain access to Asia through Singapore. AccessAsia brings together leading Singapore-based professional service companies to provide key services including banking, legal and tax advice, expatriate relocation and HR strategy consulting for global companies looking to establish business operations in Singapore.
See more at AccessAsia@Singapore Seminar in Kansai Japan 2016
WASABI Insight vol.4
"E-commerce in South East Asia, Branding, Digital Marketing, & Social Listening"
WASABI Insight is a regular social networking event for bridging Singapore & Japan in terms of Business, Culture, & Talents, in order to enhance interaction & exchange of ideas between Singaporeans, Japanese, as well as other expatriate professionals.
We have invited Co-Founder and CMO, Mr Teewee Ang of KOOKI, an I2R A*STAR spin-off and data science company to share with us about Social Listening, Social media marketing trends in 2016, and The benefits of using social listening for Ecommerce businesses in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Kooki Pte. Ltd. is an I2R – A*STAR spin-off and data science company. Kooki is an artificial intelligence agent that recommends actions by adapting to your preferences and data sources.One of Kooki's key products is its social media listening tool called LIMELIGHT PLUS. It aims to help businesses make smarter decisions in a timely manner by analyzing social data and generating accurate insights.
See more at
WASABI Insight vol.4"E-commerce in South East Asia, Branding, Digital Marketing, & Social Listening"
WASABI Insight vol.3
"E-commerce in South East Asia, Latest Trends and Opportunities"
WASABI Insight is a regular social networking event for bridging Singapore & Japan in terms of Business, Culture, & Talents, in order to enhance interaction & exchange of ideas between Singaporeans, Japanese, as well as other expatriate professionals.
The speakers are the co-founder of an Indonesian e-commerce platform, and managing director of DHL e-Commerce, who will be sharing with us the latest trends and opportunities for e-commerce in South East Asia
This time we are also working with Business Indonesia Singapore Association and Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce to foster business networking between Japanese, Singaporean, Vietnamese and Indonesian business communities in Singapore. It will be something new for WASABI Insight for this year.
See more at
WASABI Insight vol.3 "E-commerce in South East Asia, Latest Trends and Opportunities"