Recently, I attended the Philippine premiere of Dear You, a moving film about overseas Chinese pursuing a better future while remaining connected to their roots. Despite its modest budget, lack of major stars, and dialogue largely in the Teochew dialect, the film found a wide audience because its story felt authentic and universal. It reminded us that behind every immigrant journey […]
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A Discovery in Shanghai Sometimes, the most meaningful strategic journeys begin with a simple question. During a visit to the Shanghai Museum, I walked through galleries filled with reminders of China’s extraordinary past: ancient bronze vessels, calligraphy, and artifacts that carried stories from civilizations that rose, flourished, and disappeared thousands of years ago. Then I saw something that made me […]
Atty. Kesterson Kua is the founding partner of Kua Sy and Yeung (SKY Law). With deep expertise in commercial and family business law, he has worked closely with many Chinese-Filipino (Chinoy) entrepreneurs. In this interview, he shares insights into the legal, cultural, and generational dynamics that shape Chinoy family businesses, and how governance, foresight, and self-awareness can help preserve both […]
It’s tempting in business to chase the next campaign, launch a discount, or offer a flash promotion. But often, these are solving symptoms, not solutions, like painting over a crack while ignoring the foundation. In a low-trust economy like the Philippines, this approach is risky. Customers are skeptical. Partners are cautious. And trust, once broken, can take years to rebuild. […]
As a new year is about to begin, many companies are reviewing what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. It’s a time for reflection, and for most leaders, that includes confronting failure. But not all failures are bad. Some signal that your organization is learning fast. That was one of my key takeaways from Harvard Business School professor […]
Across Manila, Jakarta, and Kathmandu, one force is reshaping markets: public outrage, not just at corrupt politicians, but also at ‘nepo baby’ influencers, entrenched institutions, and once-untouchable brands. In today’s hyperconnected world, trust isn’t given, it’s earned. Lose it, and you lose customers. Scandals involving misused funds, political favoritism, and influencer complicity aren’t just headlines; they’re changing how Filipinos and […]
During two visits to Taipei in 2025, I noticed a seemingly small, everyday action: handing over a credit card to a server that reflected something much larger: how trust shapes both business and society. With decades of studying market trends and consumer behavior, I’ve seen firsthand how trust influences business interactions. This article reflects those insights, particularly in Taipei and […]
Too many entrepreneurs treat networking, marketing, or content as magic fixes. We join clubs, attend meetups, post daily, hustle hard. But no matter how busy you seem, if your business model is flawed, nothing sticks. I’ve learned this after mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs and guiding teams at Mansmith & Fielders. Let me show you why so many fail despite the […]
Leaders are expected to decide fast, act boldly, and drive results. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business leaders don’t stop to think about how they think. They operate on autopilot, relying on gut, experience, and instinct, convinced they’re exercising sound judgment. This mindset isn’t just common; it’s a leadership blind spot with serious consequences. In an age of complexity and uncertainty, […]
In celebration of Mega Prime’s 50th anniversary, we had the privilege of speaking with its visionary chairman, William Tiu Lim, whose leadership has transformed the company from a small fishing operation to the market leader in canned sardines in the Philippines. Under his guidance, Mega Prime has continuously redefined industry standards through innovation, from investing in advanced fish preservation technologies […]