The Forward Podcast with SmartOSC

Supply chain logistics is a messy place right now. So what does the future hold?  When it comes to transformation and digital development the Supply Chain industry is one of the slowest sectors to progress, so we’ll be speaking to someone who has spent two decades frivolously learning and seeking to create change in logistics infrastructure, customs compliance, shipping, and supply chain technology.   A self-described industry busybody, Jeffrey Tan wears many hats. Currently, as the president of the Singapore Computer Society’s Supply Chain Management Chapter, leading efforts in technology adoption within the industry and shaking up the status quo.  In his episode, we look at the current pain points and future challenges for global supply chains and logistics. We’ll be exploring how new retail and startups may impact legacy systems and looking to the future of what needs to be done and changed within this space.  ✅ The missing pieces for driving successful transformation within the supply chain and logistics industry ✅Singapore's journey as a logistics powerhouse and its role in reshaping global trade ✅ Can blockchain really create the change that it has been hyped to create within the industry? ✅ How Southeast Asia is reshaping the manufacturing landscape and what it means for regional economies ✅The impact of eCommerce and smaller businesses on global supply chains and logistics ✅ The hidden world of logistics and discover how it shapes our everyday experiences ✅ Embracing failure and learning from losses Chapters: 00:00 - Challenges and progress in the logistics industry 06:42 - Career journey and industry development involvement 15:54 - Importance of networking and pro bono work 23:40 - Impact of COVID-19 on logistics sector 1:01:00 - Relocation of manufacturing to Southeast Asia 1:10:37 - Adoption of technology and new retail model 1:18:05 - Importance of agility and entrepreneurship in organizations 1:26:42 - Strategic partnerships and soft skills in organizations 1:35:01 - Slow adoption of technology in logistics sector 1:43:02 - Importance of resources and business models 1:52:15 - The future of logistics and supply chain 2:00:06 - Embracing curiosity and continuous learning in life About The Forward Podcast: In a world where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, how do industry experts and leaders plan to navigate forward? Explore bold moves and strategies for success amid constant disruption. Learn the ideas, behaviors, tools, and trends they'll leave behind, and those they'll carry forward to shape the future of work, life, and leadership. About SmartOSC: With 18 years in operation, SmartOSC is an award-winning digital commerce agency of 1,000+ experts, across seven countries including Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the US, and the UK. Check out our website: smartosc.com

“I'm a true believer that you can't force an audience.” How can brands navigate unpredictable times when connecting with their audience? By staying true to yourself, letting go of vanity, being authentic, and cutting out the BS (Bullshit)! In this episode of The Forward Podcast from SmartOSC, we are thrilled to welcome Natalie Dau, a renowned Media Creator, Athlete, and Co-Author of 'Run Like A Woman'. With over 20 years in Asia and 25 years consulting with some of the world's biggest brands, Natalie shares her incredible journey from corporate consultant to ultra-marathon athlete and influential content creator. Natalie has amassed over 700,000 followers as @RockstarArms, traveling the world to deliver powerful talks and inspiring countless individuals. In this candid conversation, we delve into: How to bring a sporting spirit to your work Connecting with audiences authentically and effectively Overcoming outdated preconceptions women face in the workplace The power of vulnerability and inspiration in leadership Trusting your gut and being true to yourself Challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes Continuous self-evolution and rewriting your story Embracing failure and learning from losses

“Banking business used to be low risk and low return. But we don't believe it's going to stay like that.” What rewards await those brave enough to swim against the current? We explore this question further while speaking to Dennis Trawnitschek, the CTO of SCBX. SCBX is described as the mothership of the financial technology business, comprising 12 subsidiary companies that operate across key business pillars: Banking Business, Consumer and Digital Finance Business, and Platform and Technology Business. In our latest episode of The Forward Podcast, we delved into this transformation alongside the cultural shift required for it and how to navigate the changing landscape of banking. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach to technology adoption and AI integration, Dennis shares the captivating story of how SCBX is becoming the mothership of financial technology while still staying true to its 100-year heritage. A significant part of this transformation involves integrating AI into the core of SCBX's operations. So, how can organizations make AI change a real change? In this episode, you’ll hear about that and… ✅The importance of embracing change ✅Navigating AI-driven disruptions ✅Innovation through risk & experimentation ✅Creating a culture of adaption and cross-learning

After 10 years of rocket growth within the eCommerce space, businesses are asking how they can become more profitable. Effective data is a start. But as more and more technologies and tools emerge that promise businesses the world, it is more important than ever to ensure that you are using quality rather than quantity.  Today we’re exploring Using Data & Insights for Profit: What's Now and Next for Southeast Asia with the brilliant Simon Torring the Co-founder of Cube Asia, a market intelligence company focused on Southeast Asia’s digital economy. Before founding Cube Asia, Simon spent the last 10 years in Southeast Asia’s retail and eCommerce space. His experience includes stints with beauty eCommerce startup Luxola.com and world-leading beauty retailer Sephora, where he led Omnichannel development for APAC ex-China. Today, Cube Asia helps consumer brands, retailers, and investors understand the online selling environment better through more reliable, granular, and timely market data and insights. In this episode, we cover: What makes a great leader? Honest insights you need to hear Lessons on market feedback and decision-making Hallucinogenic data and the quest for validation Emerging trends in Southeast Asian social commerce Key drivers of eCommerce growth and profitability The need for speed in business decision-making Driving innovation in e-commerce strategies Overcoming bottlenecks and building great teams And so much more!

What does it take to truly transform yourself and your organization from the inside out? Being completely honest with yourself is a start. And who better to share their honest stories of progression than our next guest? Andy Chang has spent the last two decades working with global organizations to transform and construct their customer interactions and in turn, has worked to tirelessly transform himself and his mindset.  As a technologist and computer science alumni, Andy's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep-seated belief in the power of technology to shape human experiences. Now as the Head of Marketing Technology, Engagement Solutions at Electrolux Group, Andy joins us today to share the winding path of his career journey, and the evolving landscape of MarTech, and to discuss both the exciting opportunities and the realities that lie ahead.   In this episode, we cover: Seizing Opportunities and Navigating Career Paths The Expectations VS Reality of Computer Science & Software Engineering Enhancing Consumer Experience with Personalization The Cost of Transforming into a Data-driven Organization The Untold Stories about Modern Marketing Dynamics between marketing and technology teams The Calling for Marketing Technologists and Industry Maturity in MarTech Importance of Transparency in Consumer Experiences Adapting to future trends and technological disruptions Leadership of the Future Advice to Future Self  

Mint Kaewmanorom lives a life filled with curiosity, consistently looking at the bigger picture she moves forward by wondering how she can tackle problems with new solutions. So it comes as no surprise that she finds herself in one of the most interesting areas for the future, the Internet of Things.  As Asia embraces digitalization, IoT stands poised to transform industries, offering a glimpse into a future marked by enhanced efficiency and connectivity.  In this episode, we’ll hear about the work that True Digital is doing with leveraging IoT technology in Thailand and how they plan to solve some of the pain points that people and businesses face. Moving beyond the idea that IoT is gadgets and gizmos – Mint, the Head of Marketing and IoT Solutions at True Digital shines a light on how they are working with entire industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, city management, and entertainment. Described as being “limited only by the human imagination”, the rise of IoT technology presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and connectivity - at the center of bringing these to life in Thailand, is True Digital.

How many of us really speak directly to our customers and when was the last time we went on their customer journey? In this episode of Commerce Talk we are talking all about filtered-down insights, the need for psychological safety in innovation, and why it’s important to just be quiet in meetings every once in a while! With agility in its DNA, across 60 years of business, GQ Thailand has been evolving and shedding its roots from being known as an apparel brand to a problem-solving tech brand that is there to help change your life by simply listening. With a focus on insights-led product development, GQ's viral product launches have been successful because they resonate with consumers and address the real problems they face. From white shirts that get easily stained, to boxers that are really warm and uncomfortable, GQ Thailand takes pain-points and removes them for their customers. From the GQWhite Shirt - the Ultimate White Shirt & GQWhite Masks - The #1 selling reusable face mask in the region, GQ Perfect Polo, GQ Perfect Pants, and GQ Cool Tech Underwear, and more, GQ Thailand has managed to sell without having to adhere to the time consumption that fashion-based retailers usually face.  In this episode of Commerce Talk, we are sitting down with George Hartel,  the Chief Commercial Officer for Supara Group - GQ Thailand, Southeast Asia's Leading Technical Apparel Brand. Specializing in innovative apparel that solves everyday problems. With over 20 years of transformation and multinational business experience, George brings a rare and refreshing outlook that challenges the status quo of traditional retail, advertising, marketing, and leadership.  From advocating for more “ugly advertising” to removing the filters on what it takes to really understand your customer's journey and needs. We’ll chat about all of that and we’ll delve into…  ✅ The importance of reconnecting with consumers and understanding their challenges  ✅ Why authenticity and rawness in advertising can be more effective than polished and perfect content ✅How to create a safe and innovative culture within a company is essential for growth ✅Why leaders must actively listen and engage with their teams and consumers ✅GQ's focus on synthesizing innovation rather than predicting the future has been a successful approach

From life-changing devices to advancements in leadership, global logistics, secure payments, responsible AI in marketing, and more. In this episode of Commerce Talk, we get front-row seats to the forward-focused minds of some of the biggest global leaders so that we can keep you one step ahead! You'll hear from... 🚚Herbert Vongpusanachai - Managing Director for DHL Thailand and Indochina 🖨️Siew Ting Foo - Global Head of Brand and Insights at HP 💳 Tee Chayakul - Country Director, Stripe Thailand 🧠Mei Lee- Partner at Boston Consulting Group 🔒 Jay Hira - Director, National Cyber Security Practice at MinterEllison 00:00  The Future of Marketing: AI, Subscription Models, and Cross-Border Payments04:05  The Intersection of Generative AI, Global Trends, and Leadership: Insights from Global Leaders07:52  The Future of Leadership, Marketing, and Cross-Border Activities14:33  The Future of Trading and Product Deliveries: Insights from Herbert Vongpusanachai18:29  Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity: Wearable Devices, AI, and Quantum Computing

Alin leads marketing solutions and partnerships across Southeast Asia for ZALORA - Asia’s leading online fashion destination. He is also responsible for the ZALORA advertising platform (ZAP), where his team helps leading brands orchestrate multi-channel campaigns to drive performance and connect with relevant audiences. In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into Alin's journey from his time with M&S in London to the rapidly growing retail and technology sectors within the Southeast Asian landscape. We'll explore insights from both markets, predictions on emerging trends, and... ✅ Retail Media as the next wave of marketing and what brands can learn from this opportunity ✅ Customer experiences of the future and the emergence of Generative AI ✅ The power of ‘trusting the process’ And that's just the beginning!

Have you ever wondered why so many great strategies never get implemented? Or why a staggering 67% of implementations fail? In this episode of Commerce Talk, we sit down with Robin Speculand, one of the world's most sought-after and respected experts in the realm of strategy implementation. Robin, the former VP of Citibank Singapore,  has worked with some of the globe's top-performing organizations to help reshape how they think, act, and approach, implementing their strategies, using his ground-breaking frameworks, tools, and techniques.  As a prolific writer in this field, we'll be delving into his Amazon number-one and international bestseller, 'World's Best Bank, a Strategic Guide to Digital Transformation,' now available in Vietnamese. The book showcases the remarkable journey of DBS Bank Singapore, named by Harvard as one of the top 10 digital transformations of all time.  So what was the secret behind their success?  Beyond uncovering why DBS Bank Singapore succeeded where many stumbled, we'll also explore:  ✅ How leaders are taught to craft strategies but not necessarily implement them ✅ The Implementation Compass, a framework for success ✅ The importance of discipline and action ✅ Robin's insights on why having a 'digital strategy' might be a warning sign for businesses And so much more!