Ever heard the phrase, 'Accounting is the language of business'? Well, that nugget of wisdom originates from none other than business magnate, Warren Buffett. Consider this: accounting is like a puzzle within the business realm. But Buffett's thoughts in 2014 went beyond this simple comparison. He drew a parallel between accounting and learning a foreign language – and he was serious. Just as deciphering a foreign language as a native English speaker, diving into accounting terms can be like wading through a dictionary with no end in mind. Fixed assets, retained earnings, accounts receivable – they might as well be coded messages! But don't worry; you don't need to become an accounting expert overnight to do business. One key takeaway…
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.…
The Rising Voice of a New-Gen Artist Blending Chinese and Modern Painting In an increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries between cultural expression and artistic identity are becoming ever more fluid. Nawei, a bold young Canadian artist based in Singapore, is among the emerging generation of artists who masterfully blend the heritage of Chinese ink traditions with the color, energy, and imagination of modern art. With work that pulses with symbolism, movement, and soul, she’s carving a space that both honors the past and dares to redefine it. “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember,” she reflects. “If there was a pen and a scrap of paper, I’d find myself sketching whatever came to mind or whatever I…
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…
Mr. Masahiro Nishii, Managing Director of Nihon M&A Center Singapore Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Singapore start off as family-run businesses that are built with blood, sweat, and tears. After about 20 years of steady growth, owners are either looking for succession or to sell the company for retirement. But how does one even start to navigate the complicated M&A landscape, and more importantly, how can one ensure that the legacy lives on even after the company is sold? This is where Mr Masahiro Nishii comes in. As the Managing Director of Nihon M&A Center Singapore, he and his team connect SME owners in Singapore with Japanese investors looking for opportunities in the region. Nihon M&A Center is…
