Category: News
Why Toyota Indonesia succeeded as an Export Powerhouse
Toyota: From Japan, now a Powerhouse in Indonesia Toyota Indonesia recently received an award from the Ministry of Trade after surpassing 3 million cumulative car exports, with 218,162 units exported between January and September 2025 alone. During this period, SUVs accounted for around 36% of total exports, MPVs 35%, compact models 22%, and electrified vehicles,
Smart Elderly Care Spending: How Businesses Can Help Seniors Avoid Wasteful Costs
As people age, planning for elderly care becomes increasingly important. With aging populations worldwide, making informed decisions about when and how to invest in home modifications, long-term care, or assisted living can protect retirement funds and maintain quality of life. Across the globe, seniors face rising care costs while governments struggle to sustain long-term care
From Singapore to Southeast Asia: Singaporean F&B Brands and the Overseas Expansion Imperative
Singaporean F&B brands overseas are not something new. The industry has long been a hub of culinary innovation. In the early 2010s, the sector benefited from relatively manageable rental rates, an enthusiastic consumer base, and a favorable environment for new dining concepts. However, over the past decade, rising costs, tighter labor regulations, and a saturated
Asahi Cyberattack Highlights Supply Chain and Operational Risks for F&B Sector
The recent Asahi Cyberattack is a strong warning on why Cybersecurity is important and is not limited to just IT servers. On September 29, 2025, Asahi Group Holdings, Japan’s largest brewer and a major global beverage company, announced a system failure caused by a cyberattack, affecting its operations in Japan. The company suspended order and
Japan Business Manager Visa Updates: What Foreign Entrepreneurs Need to Know
In early August 2025, Japan announced that the Business Manager Visa requirements will tighten from October 2025. These amendments aim to attract more substantial and sustainable foreign investments by raising the bar for entry. Who Will Qualify Under the New Rules? Established Entrepreneurs: Individuals with a master’s degree or equivalent experience in business management. Well-Capitalized
How to Survive as an F&B owner in Singapore in 2025
Seemingly surviving as an F&B owner in Singapore in 2025 is very challenging. Rising rents, manpower shortages, and shifts in consumer spending have put traditional restaurants and cafes under immense pressure. Many established outlets have closed, while smaller, home-based F&B ventures continue to grow. Yet, opportunities remain for entrepreneurs who understand the market, adapt to
How Typhoon Ragasa Exposed Supply Chain Fragility—And How to Protect Your Business
When Super Typhoon Ragasa tore through Asia in September 2025, it didn’t just bring devastating winds beyond 200 km/h—it exposed how fragile global supply chains really are. The Devastating Typhoon Ragasa The typhoon slammed into the Philippines, forcing closures across 29 provinces and killing 3 people. It ravaged Taiwan, where a barrier lake overflow in
The Breakfast Business Revolution: How Morning Izakayas Are Capturing the Corporate Morning Market
Picture this: It’s 8:30 AM in Tokyo’s business district, and a familiar red lantern glows outside what was once a late-night drinking spot. Inside, instead of tired salarymen nursing their last beer, crisp-suited office workers enjoy grilled fish, miso soup, and yes—even a morning beer—before heading to their desks. Japan has recently seen a surge
The Great Wall of Milk Tea: Why Chinese F&B Brands in Southeast Asia’s Are Built Different
A quiet revolution is unfolding: Chinese F&B brands are taking over Southeast Asia. Between the golden arches and green Starbucks sirens, a new army of brands has emerged—from Yunnan, Zhengzhou, and Jianyang. With names like Chagee, Mixue, and Haidilao, Chinese food and beverage brands have embarked on one of the most aggressive and successful international
Ishiba’s resignation: How exporters might benefit
Ishiba’s resignation from the LDP and as prime minister immediately impacted the economy. Hours following the announcement, the Nikkei stock average rose by over 1.0%, and the yen depreciated against the US dollar. This economic shift is a significant boon for Japan’s export-oriented sectors. A weaker yen makes Japanese products more price-competitive globally, directly boosting
