Operating across multiple channels, the APAC Insider mission is to bring you news and features from across the Asia Pacific region, including everything from regional news to business and innovation articles and beyond.
Hosting more than a third of the world’s biggest businesses, including Toyota, Samsung, and the Bank of China, the APAC region is a dynamic and fast-paced landscape. To help recognise innovative businesses, APAC Insider is proud to offer awards to shine a spotlight on the companies and individuals changing the business landscape.
APAC Insider operates as part of the AI Global Media portfolio, and its publications are proud members of CPD, an independent accreditation centre working across all sectors and disciplines.
All CPD submissions are assessed and accredited against the universally accepted structured checklist which The CPD Service has developed over the past 20 years. The process takes an impartial and objective overview of structure and value to ensure full conformity to CPD guidelines.
Thinking of being featured online or in a quarterly issue of APAC Insider? Take a look at our media pack to find out how we can help your business grow.
View media pack ➜Investments That Make A Difference: The Benefits of Micro-Financing
The term has become a financial buzzword in the last couple of years, but just what is microfinance? Well, it’s a new model of ethical investment, with investors loaning small amounts to individuals or start-ups, most often through a registered company or NGO, to those living in poverty or who do not have access to traditional financial institutions like banks. Microfinancing services aim to empower those looking to build up their own business, or get the resources they need to develop a trade and earn a better wage. Once the business is up and running, your loan is returned. If you’re thinking about investing your money but want to explore ethical avenues for doing so, microfinancing is a revolutionary way to help people around the world, from Vietnam to the Philippines – where bad loans ratios recorded by banks are at their highest in 8 months. In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of microfinancing, so you can learn more about the process and why it’s a valuable form of investment from both a financial and moral perspective. Read on as we discover how your investment will make a difference. Financial Inclusion Of Marginalised Groups The primary aim of microfinancing is to provide loans and help finance emerging businesses to communities around the world who may otherwise struggle to receive this necessary help. Microfinancing is not charity and works the same in principle as ordinary loans. The difference lies in the fact that the amount is typically smaller than you’d expect for standard business loans, and the funds are provided to people you may not have a direct interaction with, or who are living in a totally different part of the world. Conflict, corruption, isolation, and government restrictions such as rules on who is allowed to open a bank account in a certain country, or the limited rights of refugees and asylum seekers, are all factors that can affect an individual’s access to financial aid or independence. Without secure funding, it’s difficult for any business to build a secure foundation, so microfinancing steps in to provide this assistance in places where it may be more difficult to reach. Steps Towards Gender Equality Typically, it is women who make up a large proportion of groups affected by financial limitations when it comes to starting or succeeding in their business, with women representing 55% of the ‘unbanked population’. This may be due to barriers to opening a bank account, limited educational resources, receiving less financial and peer support, or a reduced income due to restrictive laws or childcare responsibilities. Microfinancing often targets female entrepreneurs specifically, leading to positive steps towards gender equality on a global scale. Contribution To Community Development A flourishing local business doesn’t just help the business, it supports the whole community. When there is more money being invested into a local area, it attracts more spending customers and has a ripple effect that can create jobs in operations, marketing and customer service. At the grass-roots level, providing local communities with more products and services through the development of local businesses improves the standard of living as well as bolsters social cohesion. It is a simple way to enhance economic growth and tackle poverty, as well as inspiring others to start their own entrepreneurial ventures in witnessing the success of their peers. Economic Resilience Building Less economically developed countries tend to be more prone to suffering from economic and natural disasters. Whether it’s a global recession, a devastating earthquake, or a wipe-out monsoon, countries with less resources are often those who take the longest to recover and can end up becoming reliant on international aid. Creating economic structures which are independent of charity empowers individuals. They can start earning enough to save and have a means for which to recover from economic setbacks more effectively. Promoting Global Entrepreneurship For most of us, starting a business is as simple as going to the bank, asking for a loan, and getting started. Microfinancing offers individuals in remote or economically challenged communities this often taken-for-granted opportunity – so one benefit is as simple as making it easier to access. This serves to enhance global trade, rather than restrict emerging businesses to come only from countries with strong or rapidly growing GDPs. Aside from this, see microfinancing as an opportunity to enhance your own international connections. As an investor or fellow business owner, the individual or company you choose to help during its initial set-up stages may end up growing to become a valuable collaborator from which you can both benefit by sharing customers and resources. For example, giving a microloan to a tailoring business in Vietnam may enable you to secure discounts on tailored suits further down the line, in exchange for something of value to their company. Assisting In Poverty Alleviation Ultimately, the goal of any loan is to generate more money. Whilst entrepreneurship should be celebrated worldwide, allocating your funds to places and people who will see a drastic benefit in its results makes it easy to feel reassured that your investment is a worthy decision. Knowing that your loan is contributing to the ability of like-minded business people in less fortunate circumstances, allowing them to build up their enterprises and play a small part in moving themselves and their communities away from poverty is a financially worthy investment, as well as an easily-justifiable ethical decision. As you can see, the benefits of microfinancing span a wide variety of positive social changes that can help you sleep soundly at night, knowing you’ve put your money alongside your morals. From assisting in poverty alleviation to helping tackle global gender inequalities, a small loan can make a big difference. So if you’re considering how to invest your hard-earned money, consider putting it somewhere you know it will be treated with care and gratitude. You don’t need much to make a difference, but the change it sparks can be huge.
Read nowUnderstanding the Importance of Scalability in Choosing a Printing Platform
Scalability plays a role in selecting a printing system for your business. It pertains to the system’s capability to manage growing workloads smoothly and efficiently without any drop in performance. In today's business environment, where growth and expansion are key objectives, having a scalable printing platform is crucial. This article delves into the significance of scalability when choosing a printing system and outlines the advantages it can provide to businesses.Meeting Increasing DemandsWhen conducting a Vistaprint alternatives comparison, scalability emerges as a crucial factor in selecting a printing platform. The platform's ability to meet rising demands is essential as your business expands and attracts more customers, potentially leading to a surge in print jobs. Without a scalable printing platform, you may encounter issues such as delays in processing print requests, system failures, or compromised print quality.A scalable printing platform allows businesses to efficiently manage increased workloads by allocating resources based on demand. This ensures that your operations can handle surges in print orders without sacrificing quality or delivery speed.Adaptive for Future ExpansionScalability also provides businesses with the adaptability needed for growth and expansion plans. When selecting a printing platform, it's crucial to choose one that can adapt smoothly as your company grows over time.A scalable printing platform removes constraints imposed by hardware or software limitations that could impede growth opportunities. By opting for such a solution from the beginning, organizations ensure they won't encounter migrations or upgrades later on as they exceed their current setup. This strategy allows for success without technical barriers.Cost EfficiencyScalability also brings cost-efficiency benefits. The ability to scale resources when necessary reduces expenses linked to maintaining a robust infrastructure constantly.By having a printing platform that can adjust to changing demands, businesses prevent overspending on hardware or software licenses. They can optimize resource utilization, cutting costs while effectively meeting performance needs. Scalability helps strike a balance between cost efficiency and ensuring the required capacity for print operations.Enhanced User-experienceIn today’s world, where customers demand top-notch service and experiences, delivering a seamless user experience is vital for any business. A scalable printing platform plays a role in improving user satisfaction.By reducing downtime, avoiding delays, and consistently delivering high-quality prints regardless of workload and size, you can consistently surpass customer expectations. Meeting or surpassing customer needs fosters brand loyalty and bolsters your reputation as a provider, ultimately resulting in higher customer retention rates and enhanced customer satisfaction.Enhanced Business ContinuityThe scalability of your printing platform also directly influences your strategies for business continuity. With a solution in place, you strengthen your organization against troubles like power outages or system failures that could disrupt productivity.Scalability equips businesses to swiftly reallocate resources elsewhere if an unexpected issue affects one part of their operations. This helps minimize service interruptions and sustains productivity, which are crucial for effective business continuity management.Enhanced Performance and ProductivityA scalable printing platform significantly enhances business performance and productivity. Businesses can improve their overall productivity by ensuring that the system can handle increased workloads without compromising efficiency.When exploring printing options, considering Vistaprint alternatives is essential for scalability. A scalable solution minimizes bottlenecks in the printing process, ensuring smooth workflow management. This results in faster job completion times, quicker delivery of print materials, and optimized resource utilization. By enhancing performance, businesses can tackle more projects and expand their output capacity, ultimately unlocking higher revenue potential and gaining a competitive edge in the market.ConclusionScalability plays a role when selecting a printing platform for your business. By choosing scalability from the start, you ensure that your organization is ready to handle increasing demands while maintaining top-notch print quality and quick turnaround times across various workloads.Investing in printing solutions provides flexibility for future growth plans while promoting cost efficiency through optimized resource distribution. It also enhances user satisfaction by delivering high-quality prints regardless of workload size.Ultimately, opting for a printing solution provides companies with the resources not just to succeed but also to sustain continuous operations amidst unexpected events that may hinder efficiency.
Read nowThe Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claims
If you've found yourself in a situation where you're considering pursuing a personal injury claim, you might be feeling overwhelmed. After all, navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially when you're dealing with the aftermath of an injury. However, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make during this process is choosing the right lawyer to represent you. Your choice of legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your claim, so it's essential to do your homework and find a lawyer who is the right fit for your needs. In this guide, we'll explore why engaging legal experts, such as Turner Freeman lawyers, is so important and offer some practical tips to help you make the best decision for your personal injury case.Understanding the ImportanceBefore we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to choose the right lawyer, let's take a moment to understand why this decision is crucial. When you're dealing with a personal injury claim, you're likely facing medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain. The last thing you need is to add the stress of navigating the legal system alone.A skilled personal injury lawyer can be your advocate, guiding you through the complexities of the legal process and fighting to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They manage paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. In short, they'll shoulder the burden so you can focus on healing.Qualities to Look ForSo, what should you look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer? Here are a few key qualities to keep in mind:Experience: Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and has a track record of success with cases similar to yours. Experience matters when it comes to navigating the nuances of personal injury claims and maximizing compensation for clients.Reputation: Research the reputation of the lawyer or law firm you're considering. Read online reviews, ask for referrals from friends or family, and check with professional organizations to ensure you're working with a reputable and trustworthy attorney.Communication: Communication is key in any legal case. Choose a lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails, and who takes the time to explain your options and answer your questions in plain language that you can understand.Compassion: Dealing with a personal injury can be emotionally taxing. Look for a lawyer who demonstrates empathy and compassion for your situation, and who genuinely cares about helping you get the best possible outcome.Resources: Personal injury cases can be complex and expensive to litigate. Make sure your lawyer has the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your case, hire expert witnesses if needed, and take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.Questions to AskWhen meeting with potential lawyers, don't be afraid to ask tough questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are a few questions to consider:1. What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?2. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?3. What is your fee structure, and do you work on a contingency basis?4. Can you provide references from past clients?5. How do you plan to approach my case, and what is your strategy for achieving a successful outcome?Red Flags to Watch Out ForWhile there are plenty of excellent personal injury lawyers out there, it's essential to be aware of red flags that may indicate you should look elsewhere for representation. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:Lack of Communication: If a lawyer is slow to respond to your inquiries or doesn't take the time to explain things clearly, it may be a sign that they're not invested in your case.Unrealistic Promises: Be wary of lawyers who guarantee specific outcomes or promise unrealistic amounts of compensation. Every case is different, and there are no guarantees in the legal world.Pressure Tactics: If a lawyer pressures you to sign a contract or make a decision before you're ready, proceed with caution. You should feel comfortable taking your time to weigh your options and make an informed decision.Lack of Resources: If a lawyer doesn't have the resources or support staff to handle your case effectively, it could jeopardize your chances of success.Personal Injury Law in AustraliaIn Australia, personal injury law encompasses accidents, medical negligence, workplace injuries, and public liability claims. The legal framework surrounding personal injury claims varies from state to state, with each jurisdiction having its own statutes and regulations governing the process.One key aspect of personal injury law in Australia is the concept of negligence. To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, the injured party must demonstrate that another party owed them a duty of care and breached that duty, resulting in harm or injury. This can involve proving that the responsible party failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the injury from occurring.In many cases, personal injury claims in Australia are resolved through negotiation and settlement, providing compensation to the injured party to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, if no fair settlement is reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.It's important for individuals considering a personal injury claim to seek legal advice from a specialized attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can assess the merits of the case, provide guidance on the legal process, and advocate for the best possible outcome on behalf of the injured party.ConclusionChoosing the right lawyer for your personal injury claim is one of the most important decisions you will make. By taking the time to research your options, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts, you can find a lawyer who will advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to consult multiple lawyers and choose the representation that best meets your needs.
Read nowGet news and great content quarterly. Just subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a thing!
Sign me up!