Monthly Archives: February 2022

Notice is hereby given that electronic voting will be conducted for 2022 AGM from 24th February to 16th March 2022- 9:30 am.  

AGM will be conducted as an in-person event.
When: Wednesday 16th March 2022, 8:00 – 10:30 am
Where: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

INFORMATION

Please find the 2021 Annual Report inclusive of the proposed 2021 AGM minutes (pages 28-31), EGM minutes (pages 32-33) and Financial Reports (pages 25-27) relating to The INSEAD Club of Singapore (INSEAD Alumni Association Singapore).

Don’t hesitate to contact our President, Jaz Athenia Chua TIEMBA’16Jan; Vice President Abdullah (Apo) Ozkececi MCCC’19Dec-S; Treasurer Amy Xu MBA’14J  or Secretary  Vibhor Gupta EMBA’21Jan if you have questions by 15th March 2022.

ELECTRONIC VOTING

Members will receive an email from Secretary, INSEAD Alumni Association Singapore ([email protected]) on 24th February 2022 with the subject: INSEAD Alumni Association Singapore AGM 2022 – Voting. Do check your SPAM folder if you have not received this email. Voting ends on 16th March 2022 at 9:30 am. 

To provide clarification on any matters related to the AGM a Zoom call will be scheduled on Wednesday 9th March 2022 at 7:00 – 7:45 pm for members. To register for this session click here.

We require your participation to vote on 5 motions:

1. Vote on the proposed 2021 AGM minutes (pages 28-31)
2. Vote on the proposed 2021 EGM minutes (pages 32-33)
3. Vote on the 2021 Financial Reports (pages 25-27) of the 2021 Annual Report
4. Vote to select one of the three proposed legal structures for IAA SG
5. Vote to elect the following:

Re-Election for a second term for the following Board member/Office bearers:

• Treasurer : Amy Xu MBA’14J

• Board Member (Professor Series and Company Visits): Tan Eng Hwa TIEMBA’16 Jan

THANK YOU

Introducing Julian Artope MBA’17J, owner and founder of Zenyum – producer of invisible braces and other high quality, affordable dental products across the region. 

Name of your company and year it was established: Zenyum, 2018

Key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD: Many people come to INSEAD for a radical career change or at least upgrade. The school is amazing at distilling the why behind this desire which is much more important than the how. I also underestimated the strength of the INSEAD network: People from all paths in life helped to get Zenyum off the ground and there seemingly is an INSEADer everywhere.

What motivated you to establish this business? I wanted to build a large consumer company with products I can be proud of. Invisible Braces are superior from a consumer’s perspective in all aspects to their traditional counterpart. Why go for metal and wire brackets when you can have something which is invisible, removable, saves you time and money and is less painful? I loved having a strong first product which was technologically advanced and making a real impact in people’s life that could be followed up with a range of Smile Cosmetics, like our ZenyumSonic power brush.

What are the most fun and most difficult things about your business? We are changing an industry which is very competitive, which makes Zenyum an intense and fast ride. At the same time, we are sitting on a very deep category and have the chance to build a large, resilient business that dominates our category in Asia for decades. Zenyum got very lucky attracting the top of the crop in terms of Venture Capital, raising over $60M from Sequoia and LCatterton within three years. The optionality this brings is very exciting, but it also comes with a responsibility for outsized returns.

Any advice for alumni starting or thinking of starting, their own business? Make sure that your total addressable market is there. Your chances of survival when building a start-up are anyways low enough, so try to even the odds by getting your timing and macro-economic tailwinds right. 

Interesting / fun fact about yourself: I like aquascaping (basically artsy fish tanks) and lighthouses.

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you first started out? No. Looking at the past too much makes you feel regret / nostalgia, looking at the future too much brings anxiety. The interesting parts of life are happening in the here & now.

How are you preparing for recovery after the pandemic? I don’t like using COVID as an excuse to change our approach dramatically. The best managers consistently beat the market. Due to the pandemic, two of our biggest competitors had to shut down their operations and brought us into the leading position in our play in SEA.

Book you are reading and another book you would recommend? Currently reading ‘Frank Slootman: Amp it Up’ and would always recommend ‘The Hard Thing about Hard Things’ by Ben Horrowitz

What is your leadership style? There can’t be one single style, it depends on the task-relevant maturity of the team and company around you. In the early days, I had to apply myself to every process and decision and probably would have been seen as a micro-manager. If I would display that right now, some of our best people would leave – they want to be given the deserved freedom to operate how they like. In start-ups you get to know what style to switch to depending on the context and stage of the company.

What keeps you up at night? Our OKRs. I wish I could tell you “I sleep like a baby.” but the truth is that our mission to make Asia Smile More has become one of the focal points of my life. The good news is that I love every second of it, even at midnight!

Introducing Boby Johnson EMBA’16Dec – IAA Singapore Diversity & Inclusion and CEO of Banalytics.

What were your key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD in relation to having a positive social impact on the community? I learned that every support and give-back can have a life-long impact on others. And it doesn’t matter how big or small you start, it’s all about the mindset and willingness to do good and give back to the society beyond making profits; it’s all about stakeholders and not just shareholders.

What do you believe are the critical elements for a business to act as a force for good? Making the act of ‘Business as Force For Good’ part of your DNA, part of what you stand for as a business. It doesn’t matter what you say or how much you make it part of your strategy, it’s not enough! It ​must be part of your DNA as a business, part of your mission, not just a strategy or business model.

What key Business BAFG principles would you like businesses in Singapore to embrace? There are so many BAFG principles, steps or actions businesses in Singapore can embrace. I think BAFG principles should be different for every business, but the most important thing is for every business to find their social purpose and make it part of their mission; Go beyond your Environmental, Social, Governance initiatives (if you have one!) because that is not enough!

What are some specific actions employees should do to enable a positive social impact on our community? Don’t wait for anyone before doing something, BAFG can also start with you as an employee. Of course it makes things easier if your company has a BAFG mission and vision, but you can be that change agent for BAFG within your organization. You can start by raising awareness about BAFG and bring more people along with you. It’s good to always start close to home, like creating a social program directly or indirectly (partnership) within your local community.

What were the main reasons for accepting an invitation to be an IAA Singapore BAFG judge? First of all, I think it’s amazing to see first-hand how all the candidates are really stepping up and showcasing their BAFG accomplishments; personally, it’s enriching and I learn from every single one of them. And lastly, it’s also a way for me to give back and to advocate and contribute to BAFG ideas.

Meet the judges interview series

Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Panning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
Series #2 – Brad Fraser MAP’18 – Head of Prime Derivative Services Asia Pacific at Barclays
Series #3 – Antonio DeLorenzo GEMBA’15 – Head of Innovation Labs, ING.
Series #4 – Manik Saha IDP’16 – Strategic Partner APJ, Product Engineering Group, SAP SE.
Series #5 – James Marshall MBA’99D – Vice President, Global Air Account Management, Expedia Group.
Series #6 – Apo Ozkececi MCCC’19Dec-S – IAA Singapore Vice President and SVP Commercial & Regional Head, Asia Pacific, Accelya.

Introducing Apo Ozkececi MCCC’19Dec-S  – IAA Singapore Vice President and SVP Commercial & Regional Head, Asia Pacific, Accelya.

What were your key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD in relation to having a positive social impact on the community? The wide range of benefits we can provide our social environment which eventually bring positive returns to us and our well-being.

What do you believe are the critical elements for a business to act as a force for good? Businesses are for-profit, so we can’t expect them to act in ways that hurt their profitability. However, a business that acts as a force for good knows how to prioritize their long term objectives for society against short term profits and gains.

What actions from companies have you seen which has been a Force For Good?
Although criticized heavily for pollution and climate change, air transportation companies have invested heavily in reducing their contribution to noise pollution, environmental pollution and climate change, while keeping world trade running. And big technology companies are providing infrastructure to rural areas and educating very large populations through their platforms.

What are some specific actions employees should do to enable a positive social impact on our community ? Employees should be more informed and aware of their actions when it comes to impacting their community and they should give more to the society they live in. This can be small or large, but they will benefit from giving as the feeling is priceless.

What key BAFG principles would you like businesses in Singapore to embrace?
Singapore businesses are very privileged to be operating from such an excellent country with the highest standards in financial, educational, infrastructure, jurisdiction and life-quality perspectives. Thus, I would expect the companies in Singapore to take a natural leading role for the Southeast Asian countries promoting all BAFG principles.

What were the main reasons for accepting an invitation to be an IAA Singapore BAFG judge? I truly believe in the values of INSEAD, I am a believer of the BAFG initiative, and I love Singapore as my adapted home. This role was at the intersection of the three, and I am very happy to be offered this role by our Executive Committee.

What motivated you to be an advocate for businesses to act as a force for good?
It resonates very strongly with my values, what I want to contribute to society, and I believe businesses are the strongest vehicles to act on any ideas.

Anything else you would like to add? There are many nominees this year, and this shows that IAA SG is on the right track to make the BAFG Awards a strong tradition. I’m looking forward to reviewing the nominations with my fellow judges. We will choose only one award winner in each category, but the nominees are already winners for society thanks to all they contribute.

Meet The Judges Interview Series

Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Panning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
Series #2 – Brad Fraser MAP’18 – Head of Prime Derivative Services Asia Pacific at Barclays
Series #3 – Antonio DeLorenzo GEMBA’15 – Head of Innovation Labs, ING.
Series #4 – Manik Saha IDP’16 – Strategic Partner APJ, Product Engineering Group, SAP SE.
Series #5 – James Marshall MBA’99D – Vice President, Global Air Account Management, Expedia Group.

Introducing James Marshall MBA’99D – Vice President, Global Air Account Management, Expedia Group.

What were your key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD in relation to having a positive social impact on the community? We’re in a privileged position graduating from INSEAD with a great professional network and ability to make some real impact in the community, so we need to use it wisely. At the same time we need to be proactive and be part of the change.

What do you believe are the critical elements for a business to act as a force for good? Every business should be a force for good. At Expedia Group we clearly see travel as a force for good and there is no better way than combining travel and business to achieve this goal. It’s about understanding how you can positively impact different stakeholders, even those indirectly connected with your business, and how to combine that with driving long term business objectives. If you’ve kept that positive impact goal as part of your vision, you’ll make the right decisions, and bring others with you – colleagues and business partners.

What actions from companies have you seen which has been a force for good? I just need to look at our industry, where many companies like us have been pushing for travel as a force for good, as well as sustainability, local community impact and education. We can strengthen connections, broaden horizons and bridge divides.

What are some specific actions employees should do to enable a positive social impact on our community ? We should educate our employees about positive impact goals, and help them understand how they have the power to influence the work their company and industry is doing. By mentioning these topics in their daily conversations and helping them measure impact, they’ll quickly learn how to act so they’re part of that force for good.

What are some examples in your profession/ company where you’ve experienced BAFG first-hand? The travel industry should in itself be a natural force for good, so we need to find a way to multiply that force with our own business. It starts internally, ensuring that we are inclusive, diverse and focused on equity. We then need to work with our business partners and help our travelers understand how they can add their grain of salt in having a positive impact in the communities they are visiting, or try to make the best choices towards sustainability for example.

What key BAFG principals would you like businesses in Singapore to embrace? Each business needs to understand how they can impact the community differently, often based on the nature of their business. They should not just wait to be asked, but should be proactive and engage with their partners locally or regionally, and see what stakeholders can benefit from their actions. Don’t try to be everywhere. Focus on one thing first: sustainability, environment, social welfare or education for example. Starting small is ok, but involve your employees and let them appreciate how they are having an impact, and in turn they will want to do more and start a flywheel of goodness.

What were the main reasons for accepting an invitation to be an IAA Singapore BAFG judge? From the day INSEAD announced officially the Business as a Force for Good Award, I’ve been keen to find a way to contribute. We all have a role in helping others push for that vision, so I’m delighted I was given the opportunity to bring something – even as small as being a judge.

What motivated you to be an advocate for businesses to act as a force for good? I’ve always been motivated by the impact our business has on others (customers, partners or the wider community). And business should always be aligned to improving our society. As I’ve progressed in my career and built my family, this interest has grown even more and becomes a central part of why I work and build relationships.

Anything else you’d like to add? I look forward to looking in detail at the candidates for this award. But I also hope this will inspire others to follow their steps and make “Business as a Force for Good” a central part of their purpose.

Meet The Judges Interview Series

• Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Panning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
• Series #2 – Brad Fraser MAP’18 – Head of Prime Derivative Services Asia Pacific at Barclays
• Series #3 – Antonio DeLorenzo GEMBA’15 – Head of Innovation Labs, ING.
• Series #4 – Manik Saha IDP’16 – Strategic Partner APJ, Product Engineering Group, SAP SE.

Introducing Manik Saha  IDP’16 – Strategic Partner APJ, Product Engineering Group, SAP SE.

What were your key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD in relation to having a positive social impact on the community? Building a profitable business and having a positive social impact at the same time is possible. As decision makers and leaders, it’s our responsibility to design the guardrails and framework around which positive social impact can be made, whether it’s for the environment or our communities.

What do you believe are the critical elements for a business to act as a force for good? I like to look at key decisions a business is making and analyse who it impacts and what the effects are. In the past, it was the norm to make business decisions without evaluating the social impact, but now (due to increasing scrutiny from regulators and the community momentum), businesses are looking at social impact considerations in their decision-making process.

What actions from companies have you seen which has been a force for good? The most obvious one is a commitment to carbon neutrality and chasing zero. As an employee in a forward-thinking tech company, we’ve made a series of commitments to carbon neutrality for our data centre electricity consumption, as well as aiming for a net zero footprint.

What are some examples in your profession/ company where you’ve experienced BAFG first-hand? A few years ago, we pledged to reduce plastic usage in our Singapore office and when we renovated the office last year, renewables and waste reduction were key design principles. Moreover, within the office, we now have distinct waste disposals for recyclables, plastic, and general waste, which is a major step forward in chasing zero. Employees are also encouraged to reuse cups and eliminate single use plastics completely. We also hold ongoing educational engagements with employees around building a sustainable lifestyle and being mindful of the impact they are creating.

What key BAFG principles would you like businesses in Singapore to embrace? I’d like them to put BAFG principles into their mission and vision statements, and drive clear goals and objectives to achieve them. Unfortunately, while ESG reporting has been introduced as a “comply or explain ” requirement for the SGX, the commitment across the board seems to be behind other western countries. I believe a regulatory reward scheme would accelerate the adoption of strong ESG principles in many more companies. For example, if a buyer could in the future demand the ESG impact from its suppliers, it would drive a very positive behaviour in the end-to-end supply chain.

What motivated you to be an advocate for businesses to act as a force for good? As a father of two young kids, if we take the right steps and spread the word today , we leave behind a better planet for our kids tomorrow.

Meet The Judges Interview Series

• Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Panning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
• Series #2 – Brad Fraser MAP’18 – Head of Prime Derivative Services Asia Pacific at Barclays
• Series #3 – Antonio DeLorenzo GEMBA’15 – Head of Innovation Labs, ING.

Introducing Antonio DeLorenzo GEMBA’15 – Head of Innovation Labs, ING.

What were your key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD in relation to having a positive social impact on the community? I furthered my love for entrepreneurialism and ethics in business, and build upon that foundation every day.

What do you believe are the critical elements for a business to act as a force for good? Equity, social justice, environmental impact, good governance, and a general sense of consciousness by employees.

What actions from companies have you seen which have been a Force For Good? I believe any dollar deployed to help humans consciously and responsibly further our interests in industry, are good dollars. I don’t believe in revolutions but in evolution and this is exactly what we’re seeing today. In the last few years, businesses have done lots to help reduce the negative effect we have on our planet and allow us to create more equity among communities and people. Great examples are decarbonization in shipping, the net zero banking alliance, and the big (and slow) shift from using fossil fuels to alternative sources of energy. I’ve also seen more businesses focused on less enabled communities like those with less capital or less access to technology.

What are some specific actions employees should do to enable a positive social impact on our community ? Firstly,  always question the status quo to seek opportunities for improving people’s lives, communities and the environment. Then link these opportunities to individual contributions for them to tackle, or raise them with a company that can make a change. Second, help colleagues, management, families, and communities be aware of what their companies are doing to help our lives.

What are some examples in your profession/ company where you’ve experienced BAFG first-hand? It’s great observing colleagues and leaders consciously work at ensuring a healthier workplace. It doesn’t take much time to ask someone how they’re doing but the effect is great. It leads to happier people leading happier lives at work and having better relationships with their colleagues, families, and communities.

What key BAFG principles would you like businesses in Singapore to embrace? Openness. Singapore is home to many companies, and a second home to many more. It’s a great opportunity to embrace dialogue across sectors that can enable more openness in knowing what we’re all dealing with, and can give us the ability to come together to tackle challenges we collectively face.

What were the main reasons for accepting an invitation to be an IAA Singapore BAFG judge? I’ve always been interested in alternative business models with inclusion. BAFG doesn’t mean good needs to be an alternative to what we do every day. Rather, what we used to call alternative needs to become the norm.

What motivated you to be an advocate for businesses to act as a force for good? Together with the community of my alma mater, we can push for a better tomorrow through positivity and rewarding progress.

Anything else you would like to add? The impact every dollar deployed may have on society and the environment should be carefully considered. Looking after our planet and communities should be of equal importance to profitability and compliance with laws.

Meet The Judges Interview Series

• Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Panning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
• Series #2 – Brad Fraser MAP’18 – Head of Prime Derivative Services Asia Pacific at Barclays