Business Awards 2024 Featuring: Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford “The Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive” Long drive is a high-performance sport where players compete to drive a golf ball the farthest. The sport has an interesting history reaching back to when Chick Harbert won the inaugural long drive event during the 31st PGA Championship in 1949. However, there is a team making the history of the sport even more rich, the New Zealand Long Blacks. Supported by the International Golf Associates New Zealand (IGANZ), Xtreme Drivers League has swiftly made a name for itself as a global leader revolutionising the sport of long drive. Home to the New Zealand Long Blacks, XDL is an award-winning national sports league for the high-performance sport and, here, we’re proud to celebrate its Founder and Owner Olna Ford. In this issue:
Welcome to the Business Awards 2024 The APAC Business Awards 2024, presented by APAC Insider, is a prestigious accolade programme celebrating the vibrancy, innovation, and growth of businesses across the Asia-Pacific region. Returning for its ninth year, this annual awards programme recognises the remarkable contributions of firms that excel in their industries, drive economic growth, and set recognised benchmarks for excellence! The APAC Business Awards 2024 targets a broad spectrum of enterprises, from flourishing start-ups to well-established businesses. Whether you are a small enterprise making waves in your local market, or a large corporation influencing the entire region, this programme is designed to showcase your achievements! APAC Insider aims to shine a spotlight on the diversity and enterprising spirit of businesses of all sizes that are innovating, evolving, and contributing to the thriving APAC business landscape. Heading into 2024, the APAC region stands at the forefront of global economic growth, contributing a projected 60% to the world’s GDP. Key trends include the rise of connected TV (CTV), transforming media consumption and advertising, regulatory crackdowns on big tech, and the expansion of generative AI, expected to dominate online content. The podcast market is booming, and health tech innovations are reshaping consumer experiences. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. Xtreme Drivers League: Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford 8. Corrivium: Resilient Live Streaming Solutions Provider of the Year 2024 – Australia & APAC Insider Virtual Event Solutions Company 2024 10. SOPHOLA, Inc: Most Pioneering Digital Marketing Technology Solutions Company 2024 & APAC Insider Excellence Award for Traditional Crafts Promotion Services 2024 11. The Car Show Room: Best Pre-Owned Car Dealership 2024 – Victoria & Excellence Award in Vehicle Sourcing 2024 - Victoria 12. Tokiotours: Best Bespoke Tour Operator 2024 – Japan & APAC Insider Excellence Award for Interactive Guide Books 2024 13. Peak Corporate Solutions: Best Employer Branding Enterprise 2024 – Australia & APAC Insider Employer Solutions Innovation Award 2024 14. iKala: Best International AI Transformation Solutions Provider 2024 & APAC Insider MarTech Solutions Excellence Award 2024 15. OKKAMI: Best Hospitality Guest & Staff Management Platform 2024 & APAC Insider Excellence in Innovation Award 2024 16. Sumsub: Best AI-Powered Identity Verification Platform 2024 & APAC Insider Fraud Prevention Innovation Award 2024 17. InventIndia Innovations Pvt Ltd: Most Innovative Product Design & Development Firm 2024 & APAC Insider Excellence in Communication Design Services Award 2024 18. EBSA Pty Ltd: Best Bespoke Tour Operator 2024 – Japan & APAC Insider Excellence Award for Interactive Guide Books 2024 19. Kuala Lumpur: Best Convention Centre 2024 – South East Asia Contents
Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford “The Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive” Long drive is a high-performance sport where players compete to drive a golf ball the farthest. The sport has an interesting history reaching back to when Chick Harbert won the inaugural long drive event during the 31st PGA Championship in 1949. However, there is a team making the history of the sport even more rich, the New Zealand Long Blacks. Supported by the International Golf Associates New Zealand (IGANZ), Xtreme Drivers League has swiftly made a name for itself as a global leader revolutionising the sport of long drive. Home to the New Zealand Long Blacks, XDL is an award-winning national sports league for the high-performance sport and, here, we’re proud to celebrate its Founder and Owner Olna Ford. In 1974, the long drive event took off and became much more common in the extreme sports sphere. Then, it was 2016 when the rules for long drive changed significantly, elevating the sport and resulting in the same restrictions which pro tour players had to abide by. This alteration of the rules solidified the sport’s legitimacy and guaranteed a more fair approach when people stepped up to play. Fast forward to recent years, namely 2018, the New Zealand Long Blacks made history at The Kinloch Club, Taupo, when they won the Trans-Tasman Clash and were awarded with the Darren Wise – Stingray for the very first time. The New Zealand Long Blacks, under the guiding hand of IGANZ’s Xtreme Drivers League (XDL), have become a globally renowned long drive team of dedicated athletes looking to enrich the sport and grow their presence even further. Through its top-tier XDL, IGANZ is set to become a global leader in sports by bringing the underappreciated sport of long drive to new markets and establishing a new spectator sport that people everywhere can enjoy. Based on honesty, integrity, innovation, and fair play, the IGANZ serves a wide range of customers, from golfers and enthusiastic drivers to sponsors and partners. It also offers a wide range of services, with Olna and her team of driven professionals offering drive training, event management, event organisation, and player management, among other things. Proudly introducing CEO of IGANZ and Founder and Owner of XDL Olna Ford: the “Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”, we’d like to demonstrate her contribution to the world of long drive, and the elevation of the athletic mindset in general. Steeped in years of experience, Olna has led XDL with determination, commitment to excellence, and an unbeatable passion for success in the highperformance sport of long drive since 2016. Transforming the extreme sports landscape, Olna has focused on the success of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and the XDL – the national organisation for the illustrious sport. Olna’s own tremendous story of growth and strength within the sports industry is noteworthy and inspiring as she has dedicated much of her life to athletics, team building, and professional development. Beginning her professional journey as a 12-time beauty pageant winner as well as model in the sports industry, Olna stepped into a world that would allow her to blossom. She has been featured on the covers of many magazines and billboards, on television, and has been heard on the radio for the advertising and live promotions of The Total Fitness Company. Over the years, Olna has contributed to charities through her dedication to extreme endurance events such as the 36 hour walk from Hamilton to Auckland, 24 hour treadmill run at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fitness weekend, and more. She has also represented and been sponsored by some of the top names in the world of fitness, such as Nike, Puma, Shiseido, Ray Bans, Adidas, Asics, Reebok, Oct24275 Chrysler, Toyota, Fujifilm, Line 7, Speedo, and DFS. This year Olna’s agency – Olna Inc Management – is set to relaunch and, with her rich tapestry of experience, it is sure to be a success. Acting as a buttress for both XDL Champions and International Performing Artists, Olna’s agency is able to offer international representation backed by years of first-hand experience in the field. In 2016, Olna became the CEO of IGANZ and Founder & Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and XDL. Her love for sport increased immensely over the years of working and modelling in the industry, and she has since flourished further with promoting, investing, and growing the sport of Long Drive in her region – and beyond. She has a goal of creating even more of a separation between long drive and standard golf and, as a firm believer in the extreme and high-performance sport, her efforts are paying off as the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and XDL continue to reach new heights. Investing in the future of the sport, Olna’s work as CEO of IGANZ has resulted in the eightcompany collective’s growth, eight registered trademarks, and the two incredible national teams making long drive even more exciting than ever before. Already hosting 40 successful events spanning eight countries, Olna has been spreading the word of long drive and the teams with whom she works. With further plans in the pipeline to expand the sport’s presence in over 50 countries with Government officials, continue representing XDL Champions for unmissable endorsement opportunities, and raise awareness of the sport for individuals everywhere. As a certified personal trainer, aerobics instructor, and open water diver, Olna is no stranger to discipline and dedication both physically and mentally. This also leans into her experience as a psychosomatic therapist and her certifications for personal protection, security, and CPR, which are all achievements she has worked hard for. She promises to deliver major events with drive and compassion, and truly enjoys watching and helping others to bloom. Olna told us she is working tirelessly to grow the sport with juniors and students – with a school programme being introduced in 2025. She is also looking forward to XDL’s transition into the realm of e-sports, and even covering new ground with the official XDL Competition Grid already positioned in the USA. This new project is all part of XDL’s landmarking within the highperformance sport’s history, and Olna is excited to be part of the process. This land mass will be a home away from home for the team and it will inspire further grids to be landscaped for the future of the sport that will support her International hosts, federation partners, and the upcoming Special Buckley Series arriving in 2025. As it is Olna’s lifetime commitment to sport which has truly assisted this new transition, XDL’s journey to becoming even
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 5
more present around the world. In addition, Olna has reached out to particular agencies to embark on new touring events which will then introduce the sport to London, connecting New Zealand to the opposite side of the world. Furthermore, with innovative and original technologies also due to launch next year, XDL is going to introduce and promote new identities for drive cages, drive balls, a virtual grid, on and off range or road experiences, and a new concept for a Drive and Lounge facility including a virtual competition platform. This is definitely “the only place where you can drink and drive!” Attending the Drive and Lounge facility will be a new experience for those looking to up their game, get the most out of new technologies, and spend time with champions. As a multifaceted concept, these events will touch the hospitality and entertainment industries while nourishing long drive players – no matter their age, gender, or experience. Atop Olna’s success as a business manager taking a stand against sexism in the sports industry, she has been a driving force behind the IGANZ Women brand, which inevitably diversifies the sport and gives women and girls the chance to live out their long drive dreams. Both the Aussie Long Ballers and the New Zealand Long Blacks are home to women’s teams, and Olna has fully supported their development over the last eight years. This much can be said for the IGANZ Kids brand, where children are encouraged to explore their passion for the sport from a young age – giving them the sturdy foundation needed to grow up more able to compete in professional leagues. Additionally, Fruit Guys, a sponsor of the IGANZ Kids events since 2016, continue to provide fresh fruit for young ones and audiences across New Zealand. By cultivating an environment of strength and nourishment for people of all ages and identities, Olna, IGANZ, and XDL deliver a path to success and allow individuals to live out their athletic visions. New Zealand is historically proud of its contribution to the sports landscape and, partnered with international organisations such as wiistream and Kingsman and NZ partners such as Mercedes Benz North Shore, Exact Earthmoving, PowerVault, All Stone and Rock, Westend Concrete, and Design 11, XDL continues to support the athletic ecosystem of the country. Olna gives a special thanks to Mercedes Benz North Shore who has been the Luxury Brand providing Olna, her Champions and national teams with Luxury Vehicles in promotion of Olna’s DRIVING Luxury to the Tee vision. With Olna’s support, in addition to backing from international sponsors and investors, the league is guaranteed to continue on its upward trajectory. Setting the pace for the sport, the New Zealand Long Blacks – comprised of the best players in the realm of long drive – will repeatedly gain recognition for their skill and enthusiasm as they make history for their country. Moreover, with North Island Champs, South Island Champs, and New Zealand Champs this December, as well as the Australian Championship Qualifier in Queensland and national team events, coming soon in mid-2025 to represent past, present, and future – and the global launch of the sport – this year has been thrilling, and next year will definitely follow suit. Highlighted by the New Zealand Sports Minister in 2020, as the first National Sports Organisation for Long Drive for both amateur and professional spheres, XDL was listed by champions during the pandemic. Additionally, the New Zealand Long Blacks were nominated for a Halberg ‘Team of the Year’ in 2021 making the nominations list in media and creating sports history walking the red carpet at this prestigious event. In 2022 Olna’s nominated XDL athlete received a Queen’s Honour, and a second Halberg nomination for Team of the Year was made for the New Zealand Long Black’s win for a 3rd consecutive year in 2023. Here at APAC Insider, we’re committed to celebrating and highlighting those businesses and individuals which ultimately carve out a path of innovation and excellence for themselves and those who will come after them. As our Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024, Olna has gained our recognition for the second consecutive year in our APAC Business Awards – further solidifying her position as a leading light in the corporate and sporting landscapes. XDL is a multi-award-winning league with such exciting plans coming into fruition for 2025, and more years to come. Because of this, Olna and XDL are guaranteed to contribute magnificent moments to the history of the sport. Just recently, Olna partnered with a new stakeholder and visionary partner for XDL’s Australian expansion. Dr. Chenggen Hu, CEO of Wanfront Sports & Media now owns shares in the Aussie Long Ballers – one of XDL’s premier teams – and will serve as the International Long Drive Federation Host for Australia. This partnership is spearheaded by Olna herself, who tells us, “We are honored to welcome Dr. Hu into the XDL family. Together, we will elevate Long Drive in Australia, offering fans unparalleled experiences and redefining the sport on a global scale. ” With unique benefits to share with Dr. Hu, XDL Australia is set to skyrocket in 2025, and the venues and dates for Australian events are soon to follow. We’re excited to see XDL’s future unfold as Olna continually supports the company as well as the individuals and teams which surround her. Here’s to a strong future of collaboration and the rich, trailblazing energy and experience Xtreme Drivers League brings to long drive. Contact Details: Contact: Olna Ford Company: Xtreme Drivers League Web Address: https://xdlworldwide.com/
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 7
Passionate about the world of live streaming, Corrivium is an innovative Australian marketing company which employs cutting-edge media services and agile event solutions to help businesses reach, engage, and understand their audience through high-quality, engaging, live experiences. We find out more from Founder and Director, Steve Jones, as the company celebrates a double success in the APAC Business Awards 2024. As a leading global live streaming and media services provider based in Sydney, Corrivium specialises in delivering high-quality live OTT broadcasts, virtual meetings, presentations, and sports event streaming for a diverse range of clients. From one-off live streams to complex, customised platforms for regular use, Corrivium prides itself on offering end-to-end solutions tailored to individual client needs. The firm’s comprehensive services encompass everythingfrominitialstrategy and microsite development to the technical execution of live event delivery, video distribution, VOD, Streaming MCR services, and event management. Leveraging cutting-edge cloud tools such as AWS, and Grass Valley AMPP, Corrivium ensures efficient, scalable, and secure solutions that empower clients to reach audiences across the globe. Corrivium’s clients include major organisations looking for robust, flexible, and innovative streaming solutions. The firm can cater to varied requirements - be it secure, hosted live delivery platforms for global access, or highly interactive streaming solutions integrated with social and audience engagement tools. What sets us apart is our ability to create bespoke workflows that adapt to each client’s unique needs while ensuring seamless delivery across different locations and time zones. Corrivium is the brainchild of Steve Jones, who has worked with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver amazing live streaming experiences over the last decade. The word ‘Corrivium’ is Latin for the ‘convergence of two streams’. It was chosen as the organisation’s name as, whenever the firm streams, it always uses both a primary stream and a backup stream, which converge to create a cohesive single output for the audience. Founded in 2016, Corrivium was born from a desire to focus on one thing – ‘live’ – and execute it flawlessly. Steve’s vision was to take his expert live streaming services to clients who hold large-scale, high-visibility events and need the highest quality live streaming service in the market. It was his aim, and Corrivium’s mission today, to provide a bespoke service that is entirely reliable, so that clients have complete confidence in taking their events live. At a time where live streaming can be watched anywhere, there is an expectation that events no longer be confined to the event venue, instead being made immediately available to audiences around the world. But a whole host of things can, and often do, go wrong. Calling on a global network of digital specialists, Corrivium provides a team of experienced and highly skilled professionals trained to deal with any live situation. And with a focus on operational excellence, the company is meticulous, reliable and methodical in its approach, using the best equipment in the business to keep its client’s event live at all times. “At Corrivium, our core values revolve around agility, innovation, and client-centricity,” explains Steve, telling us more about the company’s objectives and goals. “We aim to bridge the gap between complex video workflows and modern cloud infrastructure, enabling organisations to transition seamlessly to scalable, costeffective models. Our mission is to empower clients with cuttingedge live streaming capabilities, fostering connections regardless of geographic or logistical challenges.” Since its establishment, Corrivium’s focus has evolved alongside technological advancements and client needs. Initially, the emphasis was on traditional broadcasting; however, the growing demand for flexibility, speed, and scalability led the company to embrace cloud-based solutions that it can deploy at speed and use anywhere in the world. This shift reflects Corrivium’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and delivering unmatched value to its clients. “By continually refining our services and embracing innovative tools, Corrivium ensures its clients not only meet but exceed their audience engagement goals,” Steve elaborates. “We aim to remain at the forefront of live streaming technology, offering solutions that are not only effective but also future-ready.” The organisation also has a steadfast philosophy behind client service, which revolves around delivering unparalleled client-centric solutions that are agile, reliable, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. Corrivium believes that every event, every production, and every client is different, and therefore deserves a bespoke approach, with the end goal being to empower its clients to achieve their vision, whether it’s a one-off live streaming solution, a complex series of broadcasts, or a globally scaled virtual event. Corrivium also prides itself on flexibility, innovation, and responsiveness. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, it can ensure that it can adapt quickly to any requirement, overcome challenges in real-time, and offer solutions that enhance the client’s experience. This commitment to collaboration, transparency, and excellence underpins everything that the firm does and every project that it undertakes. “At Corrivium, client service isn’t just about meeting expectations - it’s about exceeding them,” enthuses Steve. “We maintain our high standards by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability, ensuring every project we deliver reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and client success.” The APAC region is a dynamic hub for growth and innovation, Resilient Live Streaming Solutions Provider of the Year 2024 – Australia & APAC Insider Virtual Event Solutions Company 2024 Oct24231
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 9 particularly in the media, technology, and events industries. Australia, where Corrivium is based, plays a pivotal role in the region, combining advanced infrastructure with proximity to emerging APAC markets. This strategic position enables the firm to cater to the increasing demand for highquality live streaming and media services, especially for largescale corporate events that require flawless execution and global reach. Corporate events in Australia and the APAC region are becoming increasingly large-scale and complex, with companies seeking to engage broader audiences both locally and globally. This includes hybrid events that seamlessly combine in-person and virtual elements. Businesses now require highly reliable and scalable solutions to ensure their events are accessible, engaging, and successful every time. With platforms like Grass Valley’s AMPP, Corrivium is uniquely positioned to deliver bespoke workflows that guarantee reliability, interactivity, and scalability, helping its clients to make a lasting impact. Australia’s advanced digital infrastructure and expertise in event production make it an ideal launchpad for delivering services across APAC. Companies are increasingly hosting corporate events that target both local and international audiences, requiring seamless delivery across different geographies and time zones. Corrivium’s ability to develop, test, and deploy workflows locally in Australia while delivering them globally ensures its clients’ events are not just successful but transformative. The APAC region is also experiencing a surge in demand for corporate events that extend beyond physical venues, requiring robust streaming solutions to reach wider audiences. Organisations now expect events to be available in realtime, accessible from anywhere, and supported by interactive features to engage remote attendees. These expectations create opportunities for Corrivium to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet these needs, enhancing the reach and impact of every event. Corrivium’s culture plays a huge role in its overall success and, when recruiting new team members, the firm seeks individuals who embody the certain traits, which align with and enhance the company culture. These include curiosity and adaptability; authenticity and empathy; integrity and accountability; teamwork and communication; technical expertise paired with creative problem-solving; and work-life balance awareness. Steve tells us more: “These qualities ensure that new hires align with our core values and adaptquicklytoourcollaborative, fast-paced environment. Their curiosity helps them embrace our innovative technologies like Grass Valley AMPP. Their authenticity fosters trust within the team, while integrity ensures they meet the high standards our clients expect. “At Corrivium, our people are our greatest strength, and maintaining a culture that inspires, supports, and empowers them is our top priority. Together, we continue to deliver excellence for our clients while growing as a dynamic, forward-thinking team.” Recently, in recognition of its commitment to both the industry and its employees, Corrivium was bestowed with two notable accolades in the APAC Business Awards 2024, namely Resilient Live Streaming Solutions Provider of the Year – Australia and APAC Insider Virtual Event Solutions Company. Now, Corrivium is constantly evolving to meet the growing demands of live-streaming and media services. As Steve looks ahead to the last few months of 2024 and beyond into 2025, he is excited about the opportunities to build on the firm’s existing strengths, embrace innovation, and continue delivering exceptional value to clients. “In 2025, we aim to extend our reach further into emerging APAC markets, such as Indonesia, Japan and India, while strengthening our presence in established regions,” he enthuses. “Our goal is to position Corrivium as the go-to provider for scalable, innovative streaming solutions across the APAC region and beyond. “The future of Corrivium is one of opportunity and growth. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals by delivering innovative, reliable, and impactful solutions. With the rapidly growing demand for live-streaming services and large-scale event support, we are poised to lead the way in transforming how organisations connect with their audiences. “As we close 2024 and move into 2025, our focus will remain on innovation, client success, and building a future where every event - whether local or global - is a resounding success.” Contact: Steve Jones Web Address: https://corrivium.com
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 10 SOPHOLA, Inc is a digital marketing company with a unique dual focus that aims to contribute to resolving the social issues faced by rural Japan through providing cutting-edge solutions. Company Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Masaki Iino, tells us more about the innovative firm and how it has positioned itself for future success. Founded in April 2018 in Nagano, Japan, SOPHOLA, Inc’s (SOPHOLA) mission is centred around contributing to local revitalisation, with goals focusing on addressing key social challenges in rural Japan, such as depopulation, the aging population of traditional artisans, and the promotion of local attractions to global audiences. The firm strongly believes that solving these issues at a local level can pre-emptively address similar challenges in major metropolitan areas. To achieve these ambitious objectives, SOPHOLA has a unique dual focus, operating in two primary areas, these being digital marketing consulting and outsourcing, whereby it partners with over 18 global tech firms to bring cutting-edge solutions to Japan, helping nearly 400 domestic clients, including major enterprises like MitsuiSumitomo Bank Group and Dentsu Group, achieve significant performance gains and operational efficiencies. There is also the B2B e-commerce arm of the firm which is geared towards the supporting and enhancing the country’s traditional crafts, whereby SOPHOLA connects international clients with Japanese artisans to promote and preserve centuriesold craftsmanship, thus enhancing their global reach. “While our mission to support local revitalisation has remained consistent since our founding, our methods have evolved to address emerging challenges and capitalise on technological advancements,” further explains Masaki Iino, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the firm. “We are particularly proud of our role as a cultural bridge, connecting Japanese artisans with global clients while preserving their invaluable craftsmanship. Our dedication to tackling social challenges through business innovation remains at the core of our operations.” To further enhance its expansive offering, SOPHOLA’s client service philosophy is rooted in delivering exceptional value through innovation and reliability, and high standards are maintained in several ways, including: partnering exclusively with global leaders in technology to offer unmatched solutions in Japan; regularly tracking performance metrics to ensure that clients achieve tangible results, such as 30-60% performance improvements and significant cost reductions; and providing culturally sensitive and well-contextualised services, particularly in promoting Japanese traditional crafts internationally, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the firm’s work. Client feedback and proactive support also play a critical role in continuously refining SOPHOLA’s offerings. The APAC region, specifically Japan, presents a dynamic mix of challenges and opportunities. The country’s rapidly aging population, shrinking rural economies, and the need to adapt to global digital transformation trends are clear obstacles to SOPHOLA’s mission, however its rich cultural heritage and world-class artisanship offer untapped potential for global expansion. Additionally, the increasing adoption of advanced digital marketing technologies provides significant growth potential for companies like SOPHOLA, which bridge local markets with global innovation. The firm addresses these challenges head-on, meaning it is uniquely positioned to capitalise on such opportunities. The firm also distinguishes itself as a clear leader by fostering a culture of innovation, social responsibility, and teamwork - actively promoting collaboration across its diverse teams and encouraging a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Masaki elaborates further on what the company looks for in potential new recruits, “We seek individuals with a strong sense of initiative and curiosity, an appreciation for both modern technology and traditional culture, and skills in cross-cultural communication, as many of our projects involve international clients and partners,” he explains. “These traits help new staff integrate seamlessly and contribute meaningfully to our mission.” For its success and dedication to digital transformation and social impact in rural Japan, SOPHOLA was recently recognised in the APAC Business Awards 2024 and bestowed with the two prestigious accolades of Most Pioneering Digital Marketing Technology Solutions Company and the APAC Insider Excellence Award for Traditional Crafts Promotion Services. Regarding the future, Masaki has ambitious plans for the company that focus on expanding partnerships with global tech firms to introduce more cuttingedge solutions to Japan, as well as launching new initiatives aimed at promoting Japanese traditional crafts in untapped international markets and, furthermore, developing additional solutions addressing the digital transformation needs of rural and urban businesses. “Through these projects, we aim to strengthen our position as a leader in digital marketing and cultural preservation.” Contact: Masaki Iino Company: SOPHOLA, Inc Web Address: https://sophola.jp/en/ Most Pioneering Digital Marketing Technology Solutions Company 2024 & APAC Insider Excellence Award for Traditional Crafts Promotion Services 2024 Nov24125 SOPHOLA, Inc
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 11 With over 15 years of experience within the automotive industry, plus a highly knowledgeable team, The Car Show Room aims to be one of the best used car dealers in Australia. We speak to Saleem Zermati and Emad Salamat about the firm’s unique approach to customer satisfaction as it gains recognition in the APAC Business Awards 2024. P r e m i e r dealership, The Car Show Room, is dedicated to offering a wide selection of quality used vehicles, complemented by providing exceptional customer service. With clients ranging from first-time buyers to seasoned car enthusiasts, as well as businesses looking for reliable fleet options, the firm prides itself on offering tailored vehicle solutions that meet diverse needs, supported by financing options and comprehensive after-sales services. With core values steeped in integrity, customer satisfaction, and innovation, The Car Show Room utilises these principles to guide every aspect of its operations, from the rigorous vehicle selection process to its stellar focus on building long-term relationships with clients. Saleem Zermati and Emad Salamat from The Car Show Room tells us more about the company and its approach. “Our mission is to redefine the car-buying experience by prioritising transparency, trust, and value, ensuring that customers are at the centre of everything we do, including leaving with confidence in their purchase,” he explains. “This mission has remained a consistent since our establishment. However, as the automotive industry evolves, we’ve expanded our efforts to embrace sustainability and fuel efficiency, aligning with global environmental goals and customer preferences.” By continually adapting to industry trends while upholding its founding principles, The Car Show Room maintains its position as a leader in quality, service, and innovation. Its client service philosophy is another example of the firm’s unique offering and is likewise rooted in the principles of transparency, personalisation, and trust. Saleem believes that buying a car should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience, and The Car Show Room achieves this by tailoring its services to meet the unique needs of each and every client. To ensure it upholds the high standards it has become known for, the company focuses on certain key areas, including staff training and development, rigorous quality control, feedback and continuous improvement, and after-sales support. “By combining these efforts, The Car Showroom has built a reputation for exceptional service,” elaborates Emad. “This makes us a trusted choice for clients across the automotive market.” As part of the vibrant APAC region, Australia, presents both challenges and opportunities for the automotive industry. One of the primary challenges is the rising cost of living, which has influenced consumer priorities, driving demand for affordable and reliable vehicles. This economic pressure requires businesses such as The Car Show Room to deliver exceptional value without compromising on quality. Additionally, global supply chain disruptions have affected the availability of new vehicles, leading to increased interest in pre-owned options - a trend which the firm has embraced to meet the evolving needs of its clients. However, Australia’s strong car culture also provides a fertile ground for growth. Whether it’s urban buyers seeking stylish city cars or regional customers looking for practical and durable vehicles, the market caters to diverse needs and preferences. The unique lifestyle requirements of rural communities, where cars are essential for mobility, offer further opportunities for The Car Show Room to serve a critical segment of the population. In turn, the company capitalises on these dynamics by offering a comprehensive range of vehicles and by prioritising customer satisfaction. By understanding the unique demands of Australian buyers and adapting to market trends, it can continue to thrive in this ever-changing landscape. The dedicated team at The Car Show Room is united by a shared commitment to providing exceptional service and creating a welcoming environment for clients. Emad tells us more about how this is instilled in all of its staff members. “To maintain and develop this culture, we focus on open communication, continuous learning, and mutual respect,” he enthuses. “Regular team-building activities and training sessions keep our staff motivated and aligned with the company’s values, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.” In recognition of its dedication to vehicle sourcing and its exceptional after-sales care, The Car Show Room recently become the recipient of two prestigious titles in the APAC Business Awards, namely Best Pre-Owned Car Dealership 2024 – Victoria and the Excellence Award in Vehicle Sourcing 2024 – Victoria. However, a business such as The Car Show Room cannot afford to rest on its laurels in such a competitive industry, and an ambitious and exciting plan for the future of the firm involves the expansion of its offerings and the strengthening of its position as a leading name in the automotive space. Contact: Emad Salamat Company: The Car Show Room Website: thecarshowroom.com.au Best Pre-Owned Car Dealership 2024 – Victoria & Excellence Award in Vehicle Sourcing 2024 - Victoria Nov24092 The Car Show Room
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 12 Best Bespoke Tour Operator 2024 – Japan & APAC Insider Excellence Award for Interactive Guide Books 2024 Tokiotours Celebrates Double Wins and Expands Horizons with New Ventures For the second consecutive year, Tokiotours has been awarded Best Bespoke Tour Operator in Japan at the APAC Business Awards. Adding to this incredible achievement, Tokiotours has also received the Excellence Award for Interactive Guide Books, solidifying its place as a leader in creating immersive and customized travel experiences in Japan. These awards reflect the company’s commitment to providing tailored tours with local expertise, as well as its innovative approach to helping travellers connect with Japan’s rich culture. Expanding with Elite Travel Experiences Tokiotours isn’t resting on its laurels. As demand grows, the company is preparing to launch a sister brand, Elite Travel Experiences, which will offer exclusive package deals across various countries in Asia. Elite Travel Experiences aims to bring the same level of personalization and depth to other destinations, leveraging Tokiotours’ successful approach to bespoke travel. With this new venture, the company is set to extend its reach and offer travellers curated, luxury experiences across the APAC region. New Line of Travel Guides In addition to Elite Travel Experiences, Tokiotours is about to launch its own line of travel guides. These guides are designed to help travellers who may need extra assistance in crafting their perfect Japan itinerary. The guides include insider tips, detailed itineraries, and cultural insights that go beyond the typical guidebook. Whether travellers are exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods or visiting the serene landscapes of Hokkaido, these travel guides aim to make every journey as fulfilling as possible. Introducing Verken Japan: A New B2B Approach Another exciting development for Tokiotours is the creation of a second sister company, Verken Japan (Explore Japan), which is geared toward the B2B market. With Verken Japan, Tokiotours will be offering its expertise to entrepreneurs and businesses interested in exploring the Japanese market. This brand is designed to facilitate B2B connections, market insights, and support for companies seeking to understand and enter the Japanese business landscape. Verken Japan will operate under a separate brand, but with the same dedication to quality and personalized service that Tokiotours is known for. The Future is Bright for Tokiotours Winning these prestigious awards and launching multiple new initiatives marks an exciting new chapter for Tokiotours. With Elite Travel Experiences, a new line of travel guides, and Verken Japan, the company is set to make a larger impact not only in Japan but across Asia. As Tokiotours expands its horizons, it continues to be a trusted name in bespoke travel, setting the standard for high-quality, personalized, and immersive travel experiences. Contact Details Contact: Nicki van Ingen Schenau Company: Tokiotours Web Address: www.tokiotours.nl Oct24440
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 13 Oct24309 Based in Sydney and supporting clients throughout Australia, Peak Corporate Solutions focuses on developing simple and practical people solutions to drive business growth through employer branding, EVP development and HR advisory services. We learn more about the firm and its unique offering from MD Malcolm Peak as it is awarded not one, but two, prestigious accolades in the APAC Business Awards 2024. Peak Corporate Solutions (Peak) was originally established in 2013 in order to help its clients become first-choice employers for the calibre of people they are looking to recruit and retain. With a client base ranging from large public sector and private companies to small family businesses, Peak aims to be a trusted partner that clients turn to when require pragmatic and insightful advice, and when they need assistance that is flexible enough to implement that advice in a way that keeps the wheels turning in the business. At its initial inception, the business focused closely on Employee Value Proposition (EVP) development, adding the HR advisory service line soon after. Today, it supports clients with talent sourcing and retention (through powerful and resonant EVPs), organisational review and reframing, leader development and HR strategy and advice, having adopted an associate model, so the people working on projects bring their experience from other engagements, adding to the company’s overall capabilities. In the EVP development area, Peak operates a little differently. The firm is not looking to develop recruitment campaigns alone, but instead to help its clients build the internal capability to recruit and retain the calibre of people they need to achieve their goals. “In our EVP work, we are about helping them to create the attractive imagery, resonant messaging and experienced leader behaviour that allows them to bring their EVP to life in a sustainable way,” elaborates Malcolm Peak, the firm’s Managing Director. “In our advisory work, as baby-boomer business owners transfer ownership of their businesses to their children or look to other exit strategies, we help them take deliberate steps so they can comfortably manage the transition.” The philosophy that Peak has adopted is anchored in its overall approach of being pragmatic, insightful and flexible in all that it undertakes. Not all of its clients have the capacity to dedicate resources to projects full-time, so Peak is required to design bespoke solutions that can be implemented in partnership, while keeping businesses running efficiently and successfully. The firm’s high standards are maintained by constantly scanning the market for new methods, approaches, influences and technology, and it is a careful adopter of AI within its business, with the motto “we use both AI (actual intelligence) and AI (artificial intelligence) in our work.” Across the APAC region, there are certain challenges which Peak faces, for example, there exists a number of very different cultures, all of which are operating in varying economic circumstances. In Australia, there is currently a very strong labour market, so it is often challenging for organisations to find good talent. When combined with higher inflation than other developed countries, and increasingly inflexible labour legislation, employers are faced with increasing labour costs. Australia is also in the midst of re-balancing flexible working arrangements, with a number of high-profile organisations now demanding employees return to the workplace full-time. “These organisations have to lean into their employee value proposition and ‘earn the commute’ by creating an environment that employees want to return to rather than one they are obliged to turn up to,” Malcolm elaborates. “The strong labour market means that a number of organisations are looking at who does the work and how work is done differently. They are refocusing on automation, outsourcing and AI as the scarcity of labour means they have no option but to look at alternative to hiring new employees.” As a small business, with less than five employees, Peak looks to operate under an associate model, aiming to engage with experts in their areas and utilise them for their capabilities rather than tie them to corporate structures. This allows the firm to work for a range of organisations and develop a range of experiences which benefit everyone and ensure that Peak can deliver market-leading services in everything it does Recently, Peak gained notable recognition for its stellar work and was rewarded with the prestigious accolades of Best Employer Branding Enterprise 2024 – Australia and the APAC Insider Employer Solutions Innovation Award in the recent APAC Business Awards 2024. Contact Details Contact: Malcolm Peak Company: Peak Corporate Solutions Web Address: peakcorporatesolutions.com.au Best Employer Branding Enterprise 2024 – Australia & APAC Insider Employer Solutions Innovation Award 2024
APAC Insider- Business Awards 2024 | 14 AI has become the driving force behind data and cloud demands and iKala, with a strong R&D team of over 50 AI and cloud experts, is positioned at the forefront of this wave, offering AI solutions to help clients accelerate their AI transformation. We profile the firm in the wake of it gaining recognition in the APAC Business Awards 2024. Leading AI transformation solutions provider, iKala, has a mission to “enable AI competencies” of enterprises by providing AI adoption and AI-driven MarTech solutions, to optimise their operational efficiency and increase customer engagement. With innovative solutions and SaaS products that are available in over 190 countries, iKala enables more than 1,000 enterprises and top-tier brands, including Fortune 500 companies, to transform their businesses with its two hero offerings. iKala provides custom AI solutions for enterprise, and Kolr, which possesses a database of over 300 million international influencers and over six billion of real-time social media platform data from Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter monthly, utilises advanced AI technology to deliver optimal recommendations of influencers, building up precise and outstanding influencer marketing performance through data. Operating a client-centric approach, iKala is dedicated to empowering businesses with AI. “We are guided by the principle of ‘customer obsession’ and maintain a strong focus on creating a client-centric approach,” elaborates iKala’s cofounder and CEO, Sega Cheng. “Customers are at the forefront of our priorities, and our team is committed to building and maintaining their trust.” In the APAC region, the demand for influencer marketing market is growing significantly with the influence of social media on consumer purchasing decisions continuing to deepen. According to Goldman Sachs (Mar 2023), the total addressable market of the creator economy could roughly double in size over the next five years to $480 billion by 2027 from $250 billion in 2023. Currently, iKala is actively expanding its influencer database, and already has over 300 million influencer profiles across multiple platforms and countries. Through AI influencer marketing solutions, the firm facilitates cross-border sales from Japan to Taiwan and Japan to Southeast Asia. iKala also places significant emphasis on employer branding, firmly believing that the relationship between a company and its employees is mutual. In this regard, iKala actively communicates its eight core corporate culture values to the public, which include principles such as freedom and responsibility, customer obsession, embrace reality, transparency, growth mindset, diversity, less is more, and sustainability. “Our aim is to attract talents who resonate with iKala’s culture and values,” Sega explains. “Moreover, I regularly share articles on AI technology and business management across personal social networks. This not only extends our potential talent pool but also effectively helps suitable candidates become acquainted with and join iKala.” Every month, iKala hosts an all-hands meeting to ensure the CEO and various departments can disseminate information to all employees simultaneously, enhancing mutual trust and accelerating execution. The dedicated team also consistently embodies a growth mindset, proactively organising technical workshops, R&D sharing sessions, and book clubs to foster the growth of all members, preparing them to thrive in a changing environment. Recently, in recognition of its hard work and commitment to the industry, iKala was bestowed with the two prestigious accolades of Best International AI Transformation Solutions Provider and the APAC Insider MarTech Solutions Excellence Award in the APAC Business Awards 2024. Now, the company is poised for a bright and lucrative future. To begin with, it will remain committed to enhancing the AI capabilities of businesses by offering AI adoption and AI-driven MarTech solutions that enhance operational efficiency and boost customer engagement. In response to the growing demand for cross-border influencer marketing, iKala will also continue to accelerate the expansion of global influencer profiles. This will assist more brands, marketing planners, and agencies in the global market to utilise iKala’s AI influencer marketing platform, Kolr, to achieve effective influencer marketing and customer acquisition. “The rapid development of generative AI technology is driving the emergence of specialised search engines in various vertical industries, diversifying search methods from current user-friendly natural language processing to future possibilities such as full-text and image searches,” states Sega. “By achieving “AI explainability,” we create an optimal user experience that helps users understand the reasoning behind AI recommendations, reinforcing trust. “In the next phase, we aim to leverage AI-powered reasoning to uncover hidden insights and design optimal campaigns beyond human capabilities, advancing toward super-intelligence for marketing.” Company: iKala Web Address: iKala.ai Best International AI Transformation Solutions Provider 2024 & APAC Insider MarTech Solutions Excellence Award 2024 Oct24292 iKala
apacinsider.digitalRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3