With the enormous growth of wealth in Greater China, many wealth managers are focusing on capturing the High Net Worth (HNW) market in the region. Eric Phua is one of the Market Heads at Pictet Wealth Management who looks at this sector. With more than two decades of career experience in the wealth management space, spanning prestigious financial institutions such as Citibank and UOB, he and his team of bankers specialise in partnering HNW clients in Greater China to manage, preserve and help with the transfer of their wealth across generations. In this interview, Eric shares some insights on his career, the needs of HNW clients, methods of wealth transfer and management, as well as trends in Greater China. Mr…
You Can’t Control a Complex System, But You Can Influence It We often think in linear terms: cause and effect, input and output. We’re taught to solve problems by tracing a single cause and applying a direct fix. Yet, complex systems—like ecosystems or business organisations—are a network of feedback, interdependence, and tipping points. In nature, change doesn’t happen in isolation. The smallest shift can echo across the entire system. Coral reefs demonstrate this clearly. They rely on intricate relationships, particularly between coral and microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. A seemingly minor increase in ocean temperature—just 1 to 2°C—can trigger a cascade of systemic breakdown in a coral reef. This slight change causes corals to expel the algae they depend on, leading…
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How Value Decoupling is Changing the Game In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, value decoupling has emerged as a critical challenge, particularly for established companies facing disruption. This phenomenon occurs when competitors—often digital disruptors—strategically peel away key customer activities, eroding the foundation of traditional business models. In this discussion, we will explore the forces driving decoupling, the strategies digital disruptors use to separate and capture customer interactions, and real-world examples of companies that have suffered as a result. We will also delve into why digital players are often better positioned to leverage this strategy, the common missteps traditional businesses make in response, and the approaches they can adopt to counteract these threats and retain their competitive…
woman shopping online with VR headset and colorful shopping bags are all around Imagine this: customers effortlessly order products through their smartphones, then stroll into a store to collect their items. They employ Augmented Reality (AR) to virtually test products, engage in witty banter with chatbots before human assistance steps in. Are they in a digital daydream or a physical escapade? The truth is, they're immersed in both, surfing the vibrant waves of the 'phygital' experience – an emerging trend that is redefining customer engagement post-pandemic world. Coined by Chris Weil in 2007, the Chairman-CEO of Momentum Worldwide, ‘phygital’ highlights the inextricable links between our tangible surroundings and the virtual spaces we navigate. But how did this fusion of "physical"…
Forging a Unified Culture: How a Century-Old Dutch Business Thrives in APAC Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a century-old European company expanding into Asia with its Managing Director Asia Pacific, Mr Andy Ang. This article delves into their strategic approach to growth, from establishing a solid presence in key Asian markets to building robust systems that support seamless integration. Discover how they are successfully adapting their corporate culture—deeply rooted in family values—while aligning it with the dynamic business environment in Asia. Learn how this company is not only expanding its footprint but also ensuring its legacy and values thrive in a new and diverse region. A story of tradition meeting innovation for sustainable success! Mr Andy…
