Articles
Articles
Notes from the editors on leadership across Asia-Pacific.
- 13th month pay explained for employers in Asia
13th month pay is a legal duty in the Philippines and a contract matter in Singapore. Learn who gets it, when it is due and how to budget it.
- Strategic planning offsite agenda: how to run one
A strategic planning offsite works when the agenda is short and the decisions are named. Get a two day plan, pre-work, ground rules and follow-up.
- Vietnam labor contract types explained for employers
Vietnam labor contract types under the 2019 Labor Code: indefinite and fixed term, the 36 month limit, probation caps and the written form rule.
- Coaching vs consulting: which one does your team need
Coaching vs consulting explained in plain terms: scope, deliverables, cost model and fit, so you can pick the right outside help for your team.
- Mid-year goal reset: a checklist for team leaders
A mid-year goal reset in six steps: review half-year progress, drop stale goals and set a clear second-half plan for your team.
- India business etiquette for visiting executives
India business etiquette made simple: how to greet, schedule, show respect and share a meal so your first meetings in India go well.
- Incident response plan for small business: a checklist
An incident response plan for small business in plain steps: roles, the first hour, who to tell and how to review what happened after a cyber incident.
- Project kickoff meeting checklist for new teams
A project kickoff meeting gets a new team aligned fast. Use this checklist for goals, roles, scope, risks, communication rhythm and first steps.
- Hong Kong MPF contributions explained for employers
Hong Kong MPF contributions explained: the 5 percent rate, the HK$7,100 and HK$30,000 income levels, new hire rules and the monthly contribution day.
- 360 degree feedback explained: how to run it well
360 degree feedback gathers views from peers, reports and managers. Learn who gives input, how to protect anonymity, and how to turn results into action.
- ATA Carnet explained for trade show exhibitors
ATA carnet basics for trade show exhibitors: what it covers, how long it lasts, what it costs you, and which Asian markets accept it.
- Asia public holidays 2026: plan your business calendar
Asia public holidays 2026 for Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, month by month, so your deadlines and launches do not land on a shutdown.
- Decision journal for leaders: how to start and what to log
A decision journal helps you judge choices by their reasoning, not luck. Learn a five-line template to log the choice, reasons, odds and review date.
- Thailand business etiquette for visiting executives
Thailand business etiquette for visiting executives: how to wai, address hosts, dress, show respect for rank and behave in Bangkok meetings.
- Difficult conversations at work: a five step framework
Difficult conversations at work are easier with a plan. Use five steps to prepare, open, listen, agree and follow up with a team member.
- Malaysia SST explained for foreign businesses
Malaysia SST explained: what sales and service tax is, who must register, the current rates, and how it differs from VAT or GST.
- Individual development plan: a simple template for leaders
An individual development plan is a one page guide to your growth. Use this simple template with goals, skill gaps, actions and review dates.
- Supplier due diligence checklist for overseas buyers
Supplier due diligence checklist for overseas buyers: six checks on registration, finances, references, audits, samples and contract terms.
- Gantt chart vs Kanban board: which suits your team
Gantt chart vs kanban board: a plain guide to how each works, where each fits, and how a manager can pick one for a team.
- HS code classification: how to find the right code
HS code classification explained: how the six digit system works, how to find the right code for your product, and why a wrong code costs money.
- Crisis communication plan: seven steps for small firms
A crisis communication plan for small firms: who speaks, what to say first, how to update staff and customers, and how to review afterwards.
- Servant leadership explained: principles and examples
Servant leadership puts the growth of your team first. Learn Greenleaf's core idea, ten traits, daily habits and honest limits, with plain examples.
- Pareto principle for leaders: focus on the vital few
The pareto principle says a few causes drive most results. Learn how leaders find the vital few tasks, customers and problems, and where the rule fails.
- Pre-mortem analysis: spot project risks before launch
A pre-mortem analysis asks your team to imagine the launch has failed, then explain why. Here is a 30 minute method with prompts you can use.
- Safety stock formula: how to avoid stockouts and overstock
The safety stock formula in plain steps: z-score x demand variability x square root of lead time, a worked example, and a simpler rule.
- SPF DKIM DMARC explained: a simple guide for business email
SPF DKIM DMARC are three DNS checks that prove your business email is real. Learn what each does, how to set them up, and why bulk senders need them.
- Vietnam e-visa for business travelers: how to apply
Vietnam e-visa for business travelers: how to apply on the official portal, how long it lasts, and the mistakes that cost time. A plain guide for executives.
- Executive presence: what it is and how to build it
Executive presence is how others read your confidence, clarity and judgment. Learn its three parts and practical ways to build each one.
- Employee engagement survey questions managers can use
Employee engagement survey questions managers can use: a short list of 12 items, how often to ask, and how to act on the answers so staff see results.
- Balanced scorecard explained for small and mid-size firms
A balanced scorecard tracks four views of your firm: money, customers, processes and learning. See how a small firm can use it with a one-page plan.
- India DPDP Act explained for foreign businesses
India DPDP Act explained: who it covers, the duties it sets for firms that handle data of people in India, and what is still unclear.
- CBAM explained for Asian exporters shipping to the EU
CBAM explained: what the EU carbon border mechanism covers, the reporting phase that began in October 2023 and what exporters should prepare.
- Time blocking for executives: a calendar method that works
Time blocking for executives means giving every hour of the day a job. Learn a simple calendar method to protect deep work, meetings and admin.
- First 90 days as a new leader: a simple plan to follow
Your first 90 days as a new leader go better with a plan. Learn in month one, build trust in month two, and win early in month three.
- Reverse mentoring explained: how to set up a program
Reverse mentoring pairs junior staff with senior leaders so both learn. Here is how it works, what each side gains and a simple six month plan.