| | Timeo's Talent Spotlight December 2024 | | | | | |
Dear Guest,
Smart Organisation and Strategizing Talent for APAC Growth in 2025
As multinational companies (MNCs & SMEs alike) seek to capitalize on Asia's dynamic markets in 2025, our Managing Director Isabelle Larche, French Foreign Trade Advisors in Singapore, joined fellow leaders to share her insights with ESSEC Business School students (Isabelle’s interview is on page 58). We are happy to share The "Asian Strategy Challenge" full report here (https://shorturl.at/Ssn90) and our executive summary below.
Helping our clients succeed in their APAC Growth is Timeo mission and we are happy to share a few practical examples of recent success stories that could inspire your own initiatives.
(Executive Summary) - How can an Organisation drive growth and increase competitiveness by establishing a presence in Asia, while minimizing risks? What are the optimal operating models for Organisations entering and or developing their business in Asia? Three areas of focus: headquarters location, functional distribution, and resilient supply chains.
Singapore emerges as a preferred regional headquarters due to its strategic location, political stability, robust intellectual property (IP) protection, business-friendly environment, and excellent connectivity. The "Glocal" approach—global oversight with local adaptations—is emphasized, ensuring strategies resonate with Asia's diverse markets.
1. Headquarters & Functional Distribution Singapore's advanced infrastructure, talent pool, and regulatory framework make it ideal for regional management, logistics, and high-level strategic functions. Non-core activities, such as customer support and localized marketing, are better suited to other ASEAN countries based on their strengths. For instance, Vietnam is highlighted for cost-effective manufacturing, Malaysia for engineering expertise, and Indonesia for consumer market potential.
2. Resilient Supply Chains The "China + 1" strategy is a key recommendation, advocating diversification of manufacturing and supply networks to mitigate risks tied to over-reliance on China. Vietnam and India are cited as attractive alternatives due to lower labor costs and growing industrial capacities. Nearshoring and multi-sourcing strategies enhance supply chain resilience, enabling businesses to adapt to geopolitical challenges, market demands, and disruptions.
3. Sector-Specific Insights The aeronautics and cosmetics industries illustrate how companies can leverage Singapore's strategic advantages. In aeronautics, Singapore's government initiatives and collaborative ecosystem foster innovation and regional connectivity, while its infrastructure supports efficient manufacturing and distribution. For cosmetics, Singapore's logistical capabilities and proximity to ASEAN markets allow global brands to cater effectively to diverse consumer preferences.
4. Sustainability & Innovation Sustainability is a recurring theme, with Singapore's Green Plan 2030 aligning with global trends. Companies are encouraged to integrate sustainable practices into their strategies, ensuring compliance with emerging regulations while driving innovation. By combining strategic regional presence, localized adaptations, and diversified supply chains, businesses can enhance competitiveness and growth in Asia while minimizing risks.
Our Expertise in Action: success stories that can inspire your initiatives in Asia
Regional Talent Organisation Strategy for a global leading Operator in Travel Retail. Timeo redesigned (jobs, roles and responsibilities) and implemented (hire, and train) an APAC talent strategy to re-distribute the company capabilities in nearby countries- based on the talent pool and markets (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam). We hired local teams in their fastest expanding markets, reviewed and built a pipeline for future senior regional roles (and ensure a more robust succession plan), consolidated the Regional hub in Singapore with senior hires operating on a matrix model.
Scaling success for a leader MNC in the Pro-Audio sector. We have help them build a very strong regional hub in Singapore to scale and win key markets in the region through the recruitment of experts Sales Managers in each market. We started with a one man show in 2021, hiring the GM Sales for APAC, based in Singapore to a 30+ strong team in 2024. Singapore being the regional hub for the Company (including a logistics hub). With a direct commercial presence on their key markets (China, Japan and Korea).
Localisation tactic for one of our clients in the Biotech industry Executing a “local to local” approach : Timeo helped established their (lean) regional base in Singapore, developing strong sub-hub in Korea and China, while advising on where to locate different key functions, like Regulatory Affairs, Digital Marketing, and more.
Employer attractiveness to support growth goals for one of our clients in the banking industry Helping a German bank stand out as an employer of choice in APAC amidst strong talent competition by fostering a unique environment for professional and personal growth. Our approach consists in designing a comprehensive people’s strategy which includes an internal mentoring program and a bespoke AI-powered digital learning platform for skills development for all. These initiatives are further reinforced by a strong management engagement, and targeted people management training.
Let's be good together™.
| | | | 10 Highly skilled individuals who we believe could be excellent additions to your teams | | Ref #1 Regional Sales Manager | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singaporean | | Industries | FMCG, Luxury goods
| Candidate highlights
| - 8 years of business development experience managing the travel retail channel
- Drives Joint Business Planning with key retailers and managing both sell-in and sell-out
- Experienced in forecast planning, GTM strategies and brand distribution
| | Specific skills |
Business development, Growth strategies and Stakeholder management | | Education |
Bachelor of Business Administration | | Languages | English and Mandarin
| | Availability | 3 months |
| | | | | | Ref #2 Regional HR Business Partner, South Asia Pacific | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singaporean | | Industries | Luxury Goods, Real Estate | Candidate highlights
| - Experienced in leading process efficiency changes including: creating efficient onboarding processes and working with global team to implement HRIS efficiencies and deliver to region
- Has been leading recruitment strategy and operations for regional office roles including: market mapping, developing talent pipeline, networking and actively seeking passive candidates through tech platforms
- Strong background in C&B: analyse compensation and benefits trends, shortfalls and opportunities and provide feedback and solution to implement
| | Specific skills | Talent Management; HRIS Implementation; HR Metrics
| | Education | Master in Human Resources
| | Languages | English and Mandarin
| | Availability | 2 months |
| | | | | | Ref #3 Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singaporean | | Industries | FMCG, B to B and B to C | Candidate highlights
| - 8 years of experience in marketing strategy, brand management and e-commerce
- Experienced in driving marketing events and partnerships, product launches and brand activation across SEA region
- Experienced in managing CRM system to enhance customer relationships and drive engagement
| | Specific skills | Marketing strategy, Brand management, Events & partnerships
| | Education | Bachelor of Business Administration | | Languages | English and Mandarin | | Availability | 3 months |
| | | | | | Ref #4 Regional Pricing Manager | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singaporean | | Industries | Aerospace / Airlines | Candidate highlights | - 7 years of experience in analysing pricing data to deliver insightful recommendations
- Managed a portfolio of databases, extracting insights and preparing dashboards for monthly reporting
- Web scraping from various sources to support joint business planning and analysed findings
| | Specific skills | Pricing analysis, Pricing strategy and Data cleaning
| | Education | Bachelor of Science in Marketing
| | Languages | English and Mandarin | | Availability | 1 month |
| | | | | | Ref #5 Financial Planning & Analysis Manager | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singaporean | | Industries | FMCG, F&B | Candidate highlights | - 7 years of experience in commercial finance and FP&A Experienced in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and variance analysis
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on business case assumptions and profitability of projects
| | Specific skills | FP&A, Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial reporting
| | Education | Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance
| | Languages | English and Mandarin | | Availability | 3 months |
| | | | | | Ref #6 Region Finance Director Asia | | Country Base
& Nationality | THAILAND
French National | | Industries | Manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | Candidate highlights
| - Experienced in implementing strategies to improve financial reporting and analysis.
- Expert in financial analysis and reporting to support decision-making and drive operational excellence passive candidates through tech platforms
- Experienced in Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business growth (site restructuration / E-commerce project / New site implementation)
| | Specific skills | Internal Control (SOX / JSOX / LSF), Audit Finance, Strategic planning, Management control
| | Education | Master degree in Audit and Finance Management | | Languages | English and French | | Availability | 2 months |
| | | | | | Ref #7 Distribution Partner Leader | | Country Base
& Nationality | CHINA
Chinese | | Industries | Audio, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing | Candidate highlights
| - 16 years working experience in Audio industry, including vertical market like hospitality, Touring, Install and Large Venue, Channel distributor management, business strategy plan and execution plan. Self-responsible, innovative, and self-structured with passion and professional management attitude
- Experienced with channel management, systems integrators, and distributors in APAC
- Expert in all sales internal & external business & executive negotiation
- Lead channel dealer development & explore sales opportunities in hospitality, commercial, and theme park tourism vertical markets.
| | Specific skills | Sales Management, Business Development, Channel Distribution Management, and Business Strategy
| | Education | Hotel Management School "Les Roches", Switzerland | | Languages | Chinese (native), English and Cantonese (fluent) | | Availability | 1 month |
| | | | | | Ref #8 Retail / Area Manager | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singapore PR | | Industries | Retail, Luxury Goods, FMCG
| | Candidate highlights | - With 15 years in the Perfume & Cosmetics industry, this candidate brings expertise in retail strategy across Southeast Asia, focusing on brand expansion, market share growth, and store enhancements. As a luxury retail leader, she has consistently guided retail teams to exceed sales targets by prioritizing their professional development and performance management.
- Her passion lies in building high-performance teams and driving organizational growth through strategic learning and development initiatives.
- Strategically developed and executed sales and marketing strategies across APAC markets
- Collaborated with local distributors to establish strategic go-to-market initiatives and optimizing point of sale efforts.
- Ensured sustainable growth and alignment with corporate objectives through diligent monitoring of budgeting and strategic implementations
| | Specific skills | Strategic planning & budgeting, Leadership & people management, learning & development, coaching training delivery, project management
| | Education | Master Degree in Marketing and Management | | Languages | English, Mandarin | | Availability | Immediate
|
| | | | | | Ref #9 Chief Operating Officer (Banking - Risk Management) | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
DP ONE Pass Visa Holder | | Industries | Banking, Financial Institutions | Candidate highlights
| - With over 20 years of experience in investment banking and corporate management, this candidate is a seasoned executive specializing in leading strategic, operational, and change initiatives within global organizations.
- Her career highlights include enhancing shareholder engagement, strengthening organizational resilience, leading transformative initiatives, and fostering ethical conduct and governance across diverse teams.
- Skilled at building strong relationships and navigating complex regulatory landscapes, she supports senior management in executing business strategies, improving risk mitigation, financial performance, and governance.
| | Specific skills | Business strategy execution, Regulatory, Risk Management, Framework implementation, Data quality and Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, Culture & Conduct Transformation
| | Education | Master in Banking and Finance (EM Strasbourg Business School, 2000) MBA (Central Queensland Universtity, 1998) | | Languages | English, French, German | | Availability | Immediate |
| | | | | | Ref #10 Global Regulatory Affairs Manager | | Country Base
& Nationality | SINGAPORE
Singaporean | | Industries | Pharmaceuticals. Biotech | | Candidate highlights | - Over 6 years experience in small molecules CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) Regulatory Affairs covering therapeutic areas of HIV, respiratory, oncology and antibody drug conjugate (ADC).
- Supported registration of MAAs and NDAs for new chemical entities (NCEs), led responses’ authoring and review for CMC questions, contributed to regulatory strategies for post approval variations, supported routine license renewals and annual reports.
- Regulatory compliance experience including setting up a framework for global SOPs and ensuring regional documentations and processes are in alignment and in place across 4 regions (North America, Europe, Japan and APAC).
- Experience in managing diverse teams and stakeholders from different functions such as manufacturing site, technical SME, quality control, quality assurance, contract manufacturer, supply chain and from different regions covering North America, Europe, Japan and APAC.
| | Specific skills | Regulatory strategies, Registration of MAAs and NDAs, API filing and registration, Strong advisory expertise in CMC, Framework set up for global SOPs | | Education | Bachelor of Applied Science (First Class Honours) - Specialization in Drug Chemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) (NUS, 2006-2010)
| | Languages | English, Mandarin (native) | | Availability | Immediate |
| | | | | |
Food for thoughts and actions The Secret to Mentor-Mentee initiatives that work | | | | | | At Timeo, we believe the secret formula relies on a few ingredients to get right. Here is a list (non exhaustive) of what we tackle when we design Mentor-Mentee programs for our clients. - How to establish trust in the Mentee-Mentor relationship, which often involves culture discrepancies (whether job culture, national culture...) and personality differences. How will the communication work successfully within the pair, right from the start and all along the journey?
- How to be clear on what is expected from the Mentors within our clients’ business context, and what should not, and why. What are the boundaries to set?
- Which essentials skills (soft skills) to develop within Mentors so they are confident and able to achieve their mission, and build on this program to further enhance their leadership qualities.
- How to make sure Mentors leverage on Coaching skills for the benefits of the Mentees. ? What questioning approach to warm up development discussions?
- How can we help Mentees take feedback positively, commit and act on them.
- How to help Mentees understand and overcome the barriers to effectively change.
Ready to take your Mentor-Mentee program to the next level? | | | | Mentor Staff in Improving Client Relationships | | Mentoring is an effective way to ensure that staff members not only understand their objectives, but through practice know how to achieve them, and remember their new skills. This course explains the PAT method for helping team members excel in their treatment of customers.
| | | | What you will learn • The stages of the PAT mentoring method• How to adjust the method for your team | | Training course overview • Explore the three stages of PAT mentoring• Put the PAT method into practice | | | | | | | | | | | | The Skills Factory for your performance in Asia-Pacific
We assess, build and develop teams for our clients to execute their business in Asia-Pacific. | | | | | | Isabelle Larché Managing Director, Timeo-Performance M: +65 9028 5920 w: timeo-performance.com Registration: 200811838D | EA license: 21C0685 | EA Reg: R1103259 | | | | | | | | | | | |
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