The New Customers Are In Town
Today's customers are increasingly demanding, in Asia as elsewhere in the world. Henry Astorga describes the complex reality faced by today's marketers, which includes much higher expectations than we have been used to. Today's customers want performance, and they want it now!
Bridge Story - A Tale of Two Dragon Cities
For first time visitors to China, one of the most stunning entry points is Shanghai. The view from the mouth of the Yangze River, which looks out over Shanghai and other cities, reveals an incredible urban and industrial panorama, clearly one of the most rapidly developing areas among all the cities of the world. And yet . . . The Chinese have described themselves as "A plate of scattered sand grains" that would never join or unite with each other. Piset, in his latest Awakening Dragon column, tells the story of Two Bridges to illustrate just some of the underlying dynamics of China's explosive economic growth.
Barrel of Monkeys, 2004 Edition: Notes on Philippine Elections
Well, it's election time in the Republic of the Philippines, and that means the monkeys are rolling around in those political barrels, having as much fun as they can while laughing their heads off at the strange goings-on that characterize a democratic process loosely based on the American model but that de facto looks more like a Fellini movie crossed with a Tom and Jerry cartoon - column includes a useful election-year glossary!
Globalization Circa 2003: Random Reflections
The word 'globalization' seems to have evolved into a cliche and handy dandy fighting word for ideologues. The alternative (and often conflicting) definitions and interpretations are enough to make you dizzy.
Oldsmobile: The final parking lot
Why General Motors dropped the Oldsmobile. The four brand paradoxes GM had to face - the name, the product, image re-positioning, and the consumer - all added up to a brand that had little hope of rebranding.
Not All Jobs Belong To The White Man: Asian Minorities, Affirmative Action, And The Quest For Parity At Work
Although a smattering of Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Indians, Thais, and others may crow about seeing their kind sitting in prominent positions in corporations and organizations in the USA, these accomplishments become mere cultural high-fives and ritualistic chest-thumping goaded and impishly patronized by 'mainstream society' - the milder and gentler term for the white-dominated populace.
Downhome Pinoy Blues, Intersecting Life Paths, and Heartbreak Songs
The Blues is alive and well in the Philippines, as evidenced by this appreciation of the Pinoy Blues band 'Lampano Alley', penned by columnist Clarence Henderson as a counterpoint to his usual economics, business, and culture fare.
The Best Places in Asia Survey
Thailand, after escaping the worst ravages of SARS and terror attacks, is the place of choice for APMF readers right now in our 'Best Places in Asia' survey. After more than 5,000 votes since March 2003, Thailand dominates the tourism categories (Best Business Hotel, Restaurant, Hawker Food, Tourist Resort, Bar, and Guest House) but Bali, Hong Kong, and Malaysia lead other sections such as Best Airline, Airport, City, and Tourism Destination.
Best Cities in Asia for Living
Chiang Mai is the surprise leader in the newest category of the APMF Asian Business Travel Survey, nudging out Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hong Kong as the most livable city in Asia. Add your vote and reasons to make your opinion count. Our Best Airlines survey has also surpassed the 1,000 respondent mark, with Cathay Pacific extending their lead over Singapore Airlines.
The Real Time Modern Manila Blues: Bill Monroe Meets Muddy Waters in the Orient
Globalization does strange things to people. A day in the life of a Manila Philippines based business consultant - proving that you really CAN talk about Muddy Walters, bluegrass and work all on the same page...
Best Asian Tourism Destinations
The new APMF survey of the best Asian tourism destinations has just kicked off, but it's crowded at the top, with Chiang Mai in Thailand just leading from perennial favourites Hong Kong, Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, and Bali in Indonesia. Be one of the first to vote and let us know your reasons.
What are the best cities for business in Asia?
One of our new categories in the APMF Sense of Place survey is for best Asian business city. After a couple of days, Singapore leads the pack, followed by Bangkok, Thailand and Hong Kong. Enter your vote and comments and make your views count. More new categories include best city for livability, and best tourism destinations.


The price of a whistleblower
As German authorities contemplate paying for data stolen from a Swiss bank, the industry is rethinking its security strategies
Business diary: Sophia Harris
Founder of the Solomon Harris law firm in the Cayman Islands says it was fortunate that it could not afford a big, flash opening
The public image: Bank of Scotland
A homely campaign seeks to re-establish the troubled lender's appeal
The woman helping to build the new China
The head of Soho China, one of the country's biggest property groups, insists that changes in government policy are the most important factor in determining the business's strategy
The careerist: Attracting headhunters
'If you associate yourself with the best it rubs off'
The job: Embalmer
'In two weeks you know whether or not you can do it'
Ports think outside the container
Owners and operators of shipping terminals are responding to environmental concerns. AP Moller Maersk's facility in Maasvlakte has cut its carbon emissions by 45% a year
Billionaire battle of the seas
As the America's Cup kicks off, Sir Keith Mills, founder of Airmiles and the Nectar card, tries to mediate between the warring teams fighting over one of sport's biggest businesses
20 questions: Jon Moulton
An insight into the maverick of the private equity industry
The call of the Russian investor
In a country where natural resources are the biggest lure and Silicon Valley-style venture capitalists are rare, a few investors are funding opportunities in the technology sector
Ambassador of cheese
Glyn Woolley has taken an imaginative approach to building his company, a leading exporter of British artisinal cheeses that is credited with helping to change perceptions of the country's produce
A matter of interpretation
For companies that do business in international markets, employing the right translator can be the difference between winning or losing a big contract
An inside job?
Research shows that someone from outside the group must be twice as strong to get the job, and yet Morrison's and ITV have both brought in outsiders
When the train takes the strain
Airport security and the environment are two reasons to go by rail
Business diary: Neil Jones
Interead founder says 2010 is year of the e-reader
The public image: Alfa Romeo
Textbook example of how to maintain aspirational brand values when making deep price cuts
Real people value
Jim Goodnight, head of SAS, the world's biggest privately held software group, ignores hierarchy and talks to as many employees as he can
The careerist: Socialising with colleagues
'Don't try too hard to impress and don't get too drunk'
The job: Fraud accountant
'A reputation for indiscretion can haunt you'
20 questions: Michael Morley
Coutts chief says wealth managers improve with age