A New Era of Longevity: Living Longer and Working Longer As global life expectancy rises, so will the average retirement age. In many advanced countries, longer lifespans and economic pressures are extending working lives well into the late 60s and beyond. This shift has created a new reality: a growing segment of the workforce is older and highly experienced. Yet these workers are often overlooked, underestimated or made redundant. In a previous article, we explored how stereotypes about Millennials and Gen Z being "entitled" can prevent leaders from fully engaging the potential of younger talent. In calling out such generational stereotypes, we must also acknowledge how older employees are equally subject to bias. Older employees, especially those over 60, face…
The Business Pre‑Nup vs. The Business Divorce In our previous article, we discussed the importance of a shareholders’ agreement as the “business pre-nup” i.e., setting ground rules for managing a business together as co-owners. But what happens when someone decides to leave the partnership? Every business partnership has two chapters: coming together and parting ways. The Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) governs the second. If the shareholders' agreement is the "pre-nup", then the SPA is the divorce agreement drafted before the wedding. One party exits and the SPA decides who keeps what, how the price is paid, and who bears responsibility if any surprises come up later. For example, Party A and Party B have been business partners for years.…
From Complexity to Clarity: Inside Oceanis' Mission to Simplify Maritime Finance Every great business starts with a problem. The most impactful companies emerge when someone sees a gap, discovers a creative solution, and adapts as the landscape shifts. This journey is exemplified by Oceanis, a maritime technology company that is transforming how shipping investments are analysed. At the heart of this transformation is a brilliant team and one of its co-founders and COO, Georg-Maximilian Kuhlmann. From his early days in logistics to redefining how the maritime world approaches investment decisions, Kuhlmann has dedicated nearly two decades to driving progress in shipping. His career spans ship financing, asset management, commercial operations, and technology — a rare combination that gives him a…
Image by Jirsak via Shutterstock In today's fast-paced, interconnected business world, a crisis can present itself without warning, catching even the most prepared organizations off-guard. A twist in market dynamics, an unforeseen operational failure, or a global phenomenon such as the COVID-19 pandemic - there's an array of situations that may impose severe challenges for any business. According to statistics from FEMA, nearly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, demonstrating the significant impact a crisis can have on an organization's survival. “Crisis management is the art of avoiding trouble when you can, and managing it well when you can’t.” The importance of crisis management cannot be overstated. A robust, action-oriented strategy not only mitigates the immediate impact but also shields long-term reputation and shareholder…
Although he started his career as an accountant, Mr Loh Hoon Sun could never have foreseen that it would lead him into the dynamic world of stockbroking, where he would spend nearly 33 years with his current company. This reality unfolds for the Senior Advisor (formerly Managing Director) of Phillip Securities, a renowned financial institution spanning 15 countries worldwide. The 85-year-old finance expert, born in Fujian, China, shared some insights on how the path of accounting can unlock incredible opportunities and diverse career experiences. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the boundless prospects that the field of accounting can offer. Humble Beginnings Even though Mr Loh was born in Fujian, he moved to Penang, Malaysia at the age…
