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
Education (Singapore)
Learning Journey program in Singapore
A visit to East Japan Rail Company (Singapore)
Nov 2019
WASABI Creation together with our educational partner organised a company visit to East Japan Rail Company's Singapore branch office for 2 groups of secondary school teachers from Singapore. Although most Singaporeans would know JR as the operator of trains, especially the famous bullet trains in Japan, little is known about the many other businesses JR East is running in Japan, as well as in Singapore.
The manager from JR East gave a presentation about the company's rail and non-rail businesses in Japan, such as real estate, retail and lifestyle businesses. In Singapore, JR East also runs Japan Rail Cafe located in Tanjong Pagar, JW360 a cafe & retail shop at Jewel Changi, as well as One & Co, a newly opened co-working space located in CBD.
Educational tour program in Singapore
2 week study program for KIIT University (India)
Oct 2019
WASABI Creation worked with our educational partner from India to welcome 12 computer science students and business students from KIIT University in India in Singapore for a 2-week study program. The program consists a series of project work, participating in events related to IT, entrepreneurship, and technology, visits to various companies, museums, public services, as well as attending workshops, seminars, and networking sessions with various professionals, experts, and entrepreneurs.
Since it is the first time in Singapore for many students, they also visited many place of interest, sightseeing, and tried out different local delicacies.
Guest Speaker to Japanese Students
Seminar to Ryukoku University: How Singapore's policies have shaped a multiracial and international society.
October 2019
A group of 40 students from Ryukoku 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.
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 Ryukoku University: How Singapore's policies have shaped a multiracial and international society.
2 Sep 2018
A group of 40 students from Ryukoku 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"
WASABI Insight vol.7
"Unstoppable Influencer Marketing in Singapore & the Region"
Client: KOBE Technologies Pte Ltd
Kobe (口碑, kǒu bēi) is a pending patent* AI-driven advertising platform that pairs advertisers with relevant everyday influencers, leveraging on their ability to broadcast messages to millions of users so that businesses can get represented in front of their target audience in a credible manner.
Read more at
WASABI Insight vol.7 "Unstoppable Influencer Marketing in Singapore & the Region"
WASABI Insight vol.8
"Popup Store Master Class, Alternative Retail Marketing"
Client: Popup Angels Pte Ltd
PopUp Angels is an online platform that makes it easy to find, rent, and set up short term retail and event spaces in Singapore and Hong Kong.
We provide retailers with two things:
-
A platform that allows them to find short term retail spaces easily, and
-
An experienced retail and marketing team that is able to walk them through the whole process of renting and setting up a pop-up store.
For landlords, PopUp Angels provides them with a means of leasing out their vacant spaces to pop-up stores. We are currently working with over 100 landlords in Singapore including mall operators such as Suntec City, Guocoland, Far East, and Cathay.
Companies that are using our platform come from a wide variety of trades and include brands such as Sasa, Chanel, GrabCar, SingPost, and Lotte.
Read more at
WASABI Insight vol.8 "Popup Store Master Class, Alternative Retail Marketing"
WASABI Insight vol.9
"Japan's Web Analytics, Digital Intelligence for your Business"
Client: WACA Pte Lte
WACA's mission is to promote and raise the overall level of the web analytics industry by continuously creating opportunities for people to learn, discuss, and pass on their web analytics knowledge. We aim to create a community through web analytics which will drive business success, research and development, personal career development, and employment opportunities.
In 2014, WACA established a branch in Singapore conducting trainings and consultations in Web analytics consultation in Singapore and APAC region, such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta.
Read more at
WASABI Insight vol.9 "Japan's Web Analytics, Digital Intelligence for your Business"
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
Guest Speaker
Ministry of Education Language Center, MOELC
Feb 2018
The Founder of WASABI Creation, Tong is an alumni of MOELC, who studied Japanese from 1997 to 2001. Tong was invited by Ministry of Education Language Center, MOELC to speak to over 200 parents whose children have been enrolled to Japanese classes this year.
Tong shared about his experience & font memories as a student studying Japanese, participating in homestay programme in Japan, as well as his motivation in learning the language. He also talked about how Japanese language had changed his life and built his career in bridging Japan, Singapore, and the rest of Asia in terms on Business, Culture, and Tourism. Tong also urge the parents to encourage their children to preserver in the new language and not to easily give up despite many challenges.
WASABI Insight vol.6
"The Power of Influencer Marketing in Japan"
Influencer marketing is more than a trend - digital influencers are the most direct and effective way to reach Generation X, Z and millennials worldwide. This highly engaged audience lives online on platforms like YouTube, Facebook or Instagram and digital influencers are the new stars of this generation.
Being the market leader in influencer marketing in Japan, UUUM's head of sales and global operations director will talk about the latest trends in Japan, Asia and benefits of influencer marketing in general, as well as showing a forecast of how global campaigns will shape the marketing industry in Japan and Asia in the future.
Read more at "The Power of Influencer Marketing in Japan"
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"
Discussion seminar with MBA class from Ritsumeikan University
"Global Mindset & Entrepreneurship"
Professor and students of MBA class from Ritsumeikan University had a study trip in Singapore, and they came to visit WASABI Creation for a discussion seminar with the company's founder,Tong. Together with the professor and students, Tong shared about his experience when he was working and living in Kyoto, his startup experience in Singapore, and issues faced by Japanese companies when doing business overseas.
They also touched on topics such as inbound tourism to Japan, marketing and branding of Kansai as a travel destination, as well as internship and educational programmes that would be useful in developing "Global Mindset & Entrepreneurship" for young people in Japan.
Entrepreneurship Training Camp 1st edition
"Partnership with Indian university"
Feb 2017
WASABI Creation hosted 4 Indian students from JECRC University Jaipur over a week for an intensive Entrepreneurship Training Camp at WASABI Creation's office. The students worked on the development of international independent film program for their city in India, under the mentorship of Tong, CEO of WASABI Creation.
An extensive research in the film, entertainment, and event industries in India 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 Discovery vol.6
"Going Solo! Life in Japan for Singaporeans"
Japan is a beautiful, fun, and unique travel destination loved by many Singaporeans.
Many of us love the food, the shopping, the cities, the nature, the sub-cultures,
the service quality, and the list goes on and on...... Have you ever dreamt of living in Japan?
Or have you wonder how life will be like to study or to work in Japan?
Wouldn't it be great to experience life is such a nice country?
Two Singaporeans, Eva and Tong have been there done that.
Eva, a comic artist had studied in Tokyo, the capital of Japan for 3 years.
While Tong, an entrepreneur had started his career as a fresh graduate in Kyoto,
the ancient capital for 5 years. Join us to listen to their stories and experiences in Japan,
from their memories of happiness and sorrow.
Read more at "Going Solo! Life in Japan for Singaporeans"
Bento Workshop
Sakura Japan Fair at Gardens By The Bay
Mar 2018
In conjunction with Sakura cherry blossom are on full bloom display at Gardens By The Bay, Flower Dome, WASABI Creation was invited by JTB Singapore, organiser of Sakura Japan Fair, to be a collaborating partner of the event, held from 30th March to 8th April 2018.
WASABI Creation, together with its partner, conducted 2 sessions of Bento making workshop with the Sakura theme. A total of 25 participants joined the workshop to learn about the secrets and techniques in making a bento with adorable characters and beautiful decorations.
More information:
WASABI Discovery vol.5
"Omotenashi... Revealing the secrets of Japan's hospitality" by Ishikawa Prefecture (Singapore)
"Omotenashi" is the philosophy behind Japan's hospitality. From hosting their guests at home, it is further extended to tea ceremony, customer service, product design, and many other aspects of life. Such way of thought and care for detail set it apart from the rest of the world, and formed part of the unique experience for travellers in Japan.
Representatives from Ishikawa Prefecture Government Singapore Office shared with us the differences in hospitality between Singapore and Japan, as we introduced what Omotenashi really means. As the number of Singaporean tourists to Japan increases, the concept of Omotenashi has come to their attention and becomes a large part of what makes Japan so attractive.
Read more at "Omotenashi... Revealing the secrets of Japan's hospitality"
WASABI Discovery vol.4
"Brewing Now! Japan's Coffee & Cafe Culture"
At WASABI Discovery vol.4, we have invited Managing Director of Hoshino Coffee Singapore, Mr Kengo Sakai to speak to us about coffee and cafe culture in Japan.
At this event, Mr. Sakai shared with us his experience in the F&B business, his passion about coffee. He also made comparison and contrast of the cafe business between Japan and Singapore. Participants also had a chance to made your own hand-drip coffee for coffee tasting.
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.
Read more at
WASABI Discovery vol.4 "Brewing Now! Japan's Coffee & Cafe Culture"
WASABI Discovery vol.2
“Cultivate the Earth!
Japan’s agriculture & Biotechnology”
At WASBI Discovery vol.2, we have invited Mr. Kengo Fukui from Chitose Agriculture Initiative to share with us about interesting trends and stories about agriculture in Japan, introducing "Farm-to-Table" concept, which each prefecture is to create their own vegetable and fruits brand, secrets of how famers in Japan can produce one of the best quality fruits and vegetable in the world, as well as his observation in Singapore on Organic, Urban farming.
Many agriculture companies, and urban farmers from Singapore attended the event to learn from Mr. Kengo, and exchanged ideas and information surrounding the topics. The speaker also brought along strawberries harvested from their farm at Cameron Highland, which were to be shared with all participants.
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.
Read more at
WASABI Discovery vol.2 “Cultivate the Earth! Japan’s agriculture & Biotechnology”
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 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.
Sports Events
Sports Clinic by Kosuke Kitajima at Singapore Japanese School
4 time Olympic Gold Medalist, September 2014
A sports Clinic was organized at Singapore Japanese School on 6th Sep 2014 with 3 Olympic swimmers from Japan. Among them are Kosuke Kitajima, Yuki Shirai, Shinri Shioura, who are all very reputable swimmers. In particular, Kitajima is a 4 time Olympic Gold Medalist in Breaststroke.
35 Japanese children in Singapore participated in the clinic together with 200 spectators from the Japanese community to watch the swimmers and children in action. 2 children were selected to form a team with the swimmers to compete at a relay competition together with other teams from other schools.
The sports clinic also raised $6650 for charity on Kobento.com, a crowdfuding platform for events. http://kobento.com/en/kitajima
The fund raised goes to SportCares Singapore, a charity organization by Sports Singapore that supports disadvantaged children & youths.
WASABI Creation is the producer of this event.
See more at https://www.wasabicreation.com/kitajima-singapore-swim-stars