Trade Finance Instruments: Key Solutions for Risk Mitigation in International Trade
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Mar 28, 2025
SUMMARY - Trade finance instruments such as Letters of Credit (LC), Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC), Documentary Collections (DC), and Credit Insurance, help businesses mitigate risks in international trade. Each offers varying levels of protection and cost. Choosing the right instrument ensures secure transactions and facilitate seamless international trading operation.
Fractional Leadership: A Smarter Approach to Executive Talent
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Mar 14, 2025
Draft responses for the radio interview on CNA938 | Mind Your Money, aired on March 14, 2025. The podcast is available here.
SUMMARY - Fractional leadership lets companies access senior expertise part-time, aiding growth and transformation without full-time commitments. Popular among SMEs and startups, it faces slower adoption in Asia due to trust dynamics. As leadership evolves toward strategic guidance, businesses must identify roles that truly require full-time presence and adapt accordingly.
"Malaysian SMEs must adapt and innovate", says Exponasia Growth Partners' Founder
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Mar 13, 2025
An excerpt of this interview was published on theSun | Biz & Finance printed and web editions on Mar 13, 2025. The published interview is posted here.
SUMMARY - Malaysian SMEs are vital to the economy but face barriers to global expansion, including limited internationalization, cautious decision-making, and talent constraints. Overcoming these requires a global mindset, strategic funding, and collaboration with MNCs. Adaptability, innovation, and partnerships will be key for SMEs to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
A Conversation with David Norcross* on Transitioning to an Entrepreneurial Career and Succeeding in Southeast Asia
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Feb 26, 2025
* David Norcross is Owner and CEO of Lexicon, premier marketing agency based in Thailand. You can also watch the full video on the Exponasia Growth Partners' YouTube channel.
SUMMARY - In a recent interview, Giuseppe Di Lieto, founder of Exponasia Growth Partners, discussed his transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and time, noting that SMEs often need external expertise for effective international expansion.
Navigating Trade Agreements and Economic Growth in Southeast Asia
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Feb 18, 2025
This article was posted on the media Tech Collective on Feb 18, 2025 and can also be found at this link.
SUMMARY - Southeast Asia’s trade landscape is changing, driven by free trade agreements (FTAs), cross-border economic zones, and shifting supply chain dynamics. As businesses across the region strive to capitalize on these opportunities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves struggling with regulatory complexity, compliance requirements and awareness gaps that hinder their ability to fully benefit from these trade agreements.
Sealing an M&A Deal is Just the Start; Integration is the Finish Line
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Feb 16, 2025
SUMMARY - Many acquisitions fail due to poor integration. This article explores three common patterns of failure and provides few key guidelines for a successful integration.
Export-Oriented Manufacturing: A Pathway to Economic Transformation in Southeast Asia
Giuseppe Di Lieto | Nov 22, 2024
This article was posted on the media World Business Outlook on Nov 22, 2024 and can also be found at this link.
SUMMARY - Over the past decades, export-oriented manufacturing has been a driving force behind the industrialization and economic development of Southeast Asian economies. This article explores the region's progress, highlighting key strategies and drawing valuable lessons from Southeast Asia's development journey.
How Boutique Consulting Firms Empower Growth In Small & Medium Enterprises
Exponasia Growth Partners | Oct 18, 2024
SUMMARY - Growth is crucial for SMEs, yet limited resources make scaling and innovation challenging. Boutique consulting firms offer specialized expertise, strategic insights and personalized support without the need to hire full-time executives. They assist with market entry, expansion, planning, and operational improvements. SMEs benefit from boutique firms' agility, client focus, and fractional leadership, accessing senior expertise on a flexible basis to achieve sustainable growth.
The Enduring Importance of Trade Shows in Southeast Asia’s Post-Pandemic Business Landscape
Exponasia Growth Partners | Oct 14, 2024
SUMMARY - Trade shows in Southeast Asia remain vital post-pandemic, reflecting the region’s focus on trust and relationship-building. While hybrid formats add digital reach, the return of in-person events is essential for reconnecting businesses, rebuilding supply chains and driving regional trade. With government backing and industry collaboration, these events foster growth and partnerships, balancing tradition with modern innovation.
Hiring Top Talent in Southeast Asia vs. Other Global Regions: What Foreign Employers Should Know
Mike Parson, CEO at Fathom | Oct 11, 2024
Fathom is a Singapore-headquartered talent insights and employer branding firm, with clients from all industries across Asia and beyond.
SUMMARY - Hiring top talent in Southeast Asia (SEA) poses unique challenges for foreign employers compared to other regions. The diverse cultural and regulatory landscape requires tailored recruitment strategies. Employers should localize their branding, invest in upskilling, and navigate labor regulations. Understanding these complexities allows businesses to attract and retain top talent effectively in this dynamic and vibrant region.