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In an insightful interview with Dailystraits.com, Choco Up co-founder and CEO Percy Hung shared the captivating journey of how he and his university friend Brian Tsang pivoted from their initial forays into e-commerce to establishing Choco Up, a premier revenue-based financing platform in Asia.

The Genesis: From E-Commerce to Choco Up

The story begins in 2008, with Percy delving into e-commerce by sourcing products from China to sell in the U.S. through eBay. Despite the rudimentary internet and logistics infrastructure of the time, Percy's early ventures laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on these experiences, Percy highlighted the steep learning curve and the significant challenges, from high setup costs to navigating consumer returns and account suspensions.

Percy and Brian's collaborative efforts led to several ventures, including cloud kitchens, cafes, and direct-to-consumer brands, before the inception of Choco Up. Each experience sharpened their understanding of the business world, from managing physical stores to leveraging data analytics for e-commerce success.

The Birth of Choco Up

The idea for Choco Up emerged from their collective experiences and the recognition of a gap in the market for new economy businesses unable to secure traditional bank financing. Choco Up offers an innovative revenue-based financing solution, adapting a model familiar in the West to the unique market dynamics of Southeast Asia and Australia.

Fueled by their own capital initially, Percy and Brian navigated early challenges by demonstrating the viability of their business model. Their breakthrough came with significant investment from a NASDAQ-listed company, propelling Choco Up into a leading position in the industry.

Choco Up Today

Today, Choco Up has funded over 700 businesses with more than $150 million USD, offering financial support ranging from $10,000 to $1 million USD based on the businesses' revenue. The platform utilizes advanced algorithms and data analytics to streamline the funding process, providing quick and efficient financial solutions to businesses across Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

Percy and Brian's journey from e-commerce entrepreneurs to fintech innovators exemplifies the power of resilience, innovation, and strategic pivoting in the business world. As Choco Up continues to expand and support more businesses, its founders' commitment to providing an "energy boost" to the market remains unwavering, much like the uplifting effect of chocolate they liken their company to.




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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is highlighting a concerning uptick in reports of forced labour and exploitation within Australia, signaling an almost 50% increase over the past five years. As of the current period since 2018-19, a total of 178 incidents have been reported, shedding light on a disturbing trend affecting both domestic and overseas workers seeking employment in the nation.

Forced labour, a severe form of human trafficking, involves coercing, threatening, or deceiving individuals to work against their will. Victims often face physical and psychological abuse, endure poor working conditions, and find themselves in debt bondage, believing they owe a significant debt to their employers.

Australia, known as a migration corridor for temporary workers, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, has seen migrant workers fall prey to exploitation due to factors like visa status, limited understanding of Australian worker rights, cultural barriers, and social isolation. AFP Commander Helen Schneider voiced concerns over criminals targeting vulnerable individuals for exploitation through deceptive recruitment methods.

Recent cases underscore the severity of the issue. In one instance, a Victorian man was sentenced for forcing a victim to work under grueling conditions for two years, while another case involved a Darwin man charged with similar offences after allegedly recruiting deckhands through deceptive means, leading to their forced labor without pay.

These incidents prompt the AFP to urge individuals, especially those hired for seasonal or temporary work in sectors like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, to be vigilant of forced labor indicators. The AFP's efforts to combat these crimes include using technology, developing training programs, and collaborating with state, territory, and non-government organizations.

The AFP encourages anyone suspecting forced labor or exploitation to report via their confidential online form or contact number. For immediate safety concerns, the public is advised to dial Triple Zero (000). Information and support for exploited workers are available through the Work Right Hub, Anti-Slavery Australia, and the Australian Red Cross's Support for Trafficked People Program.




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In this podcast episode, we feature Simran Kaur, the co-founder of Pounce Agency, who shares her inspiring journey from Malaysia to establishing a successful digital marketing agency in Sydney and its expansion back to Malaysia. Simran's story begins with her moving from Malaysia to Australia as a teenager. Her time at Taylor's College and the University of Sydney is explored, highlighting how she balanced her studies with various jobs, laying the foundation for her career in marketing.

Simran recounts the early days of Pounce Agency, started in 2016 with just $10,000 in savings. The discussion delves into the challenges she faced, the rapid growth of the agency, and how her networking skills and market understanding were crucial to its success. The episode also touches upon her experiences in the male-dominated tech industry, focusing on navigating gender biases and the importance of working with clients who share her values and respect.

Key milestones for Pounce Agency are discussed, including securing Panasonic as a major client. Simran opens up about her personal growth, including marrying her business partner Rex, and how their partnership has been integral to the agency's success. The strategic decision to expand Pounce Agency to Malaysia is covered, highlighting Simran's insights into the establishment of Pounce Agency Malaysia and its early successes.

Simran offers valuable advice to Malaysian entrepreneurs aspiring to start a business in Australia, emphasizing the need for thorough research, engaging with local networks, and understanding market dynamics. The podcast concludes with Simran reflecting on her journey, blending personal anecdotes with professional advice, and sharing her vision for Pounce Agency in the digital marketing world.

Listeners are encouraged to listen to the full interview with Simran Kaur to gain a deeper understanding of her journey and insights into bridging diverse markets across continents.


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In an exclusive interview on the renowned podcast "30 Minutes with DailyStraits.com," host June Ramli delved into the fast-evolving world of digital car dealerships with a special guest, Peter Willis, the Director of Buying at Carma. With a rich history in the automotive industry dating back to 1997, Willis has become a notable figure, especially in car auctioning and valuation.

Carma, a pioneering fully digital used car dealership, has been making significant strides under Willis's guidance. His role in vehicle sourcing, purchasing, and valuation has been pivotal in ensuring Carma's commitment to providing top-quality pre-owned vehicles and a reliable buying experience.

During the insightful discussion, Willis shed light on the origins and impact of Carma in the used car market. He discussed the innovative approach that led to Carma's inception and how it has transformed the way used cars are traded.

A fascinating aspect of the conversation revolved around Carma's sales achievements and trends. Willis provided detailed insights into the number of vehicles sold to date and the emerging patterns observed in their sales data.

For individuals looking to sell their cars through Carma, Willis outlined the essential steps and considerations, emphasizing ease and efficiency. He also offered specific advice for single women navigating the online car selling process, traditionally dominated by men, empowering them with strategies for success.

Addressing the needs of migrants unfamiliar with the automotive market in their new countries, Willis explained how Carma simplifies the car buying process, making it accessible and transparent.

The discussion also touched on the pros and cons of using Carma compared to other platforms like Facebook Marketplace, highlighting the unique advantages Carma offers.

Willis took the audience through the listing, presentation, and sales process on Carma's platform, giving an insider's view of the company's operational dynamics. He also spoke about the unique features and services that enhance the customer experience in both buying and selling cars through Carma.

A key part of the conversation was focused on the types of cars currently in high demand on Carma, with Willis providing his expert view on evolving market trends.

Looking towards the future, Willis shared exciting plans for growth and innovation at Carma, hinting at new developments in the online car marketplace.

The interview concluded with Ramli thanking Willis for his insightful contributions and reminding listeners to support the podcast by liking and sharing the episode. She invited the audience to stay tuned for more enlightening discussions in future episodes of "30 Minutes with DailyStraits.com."

Without further ado, let's listen to the interview below.


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Welcome to today's episode, where we're diving into the world of innovative dental care at Dental Boutique Sydney. Renowned for transforming the traditional dental experience, this clinic offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort, coupled with the highest standards of dental practice. Join us as we explore how Dental Boutique is changing the narrative around dental visits, making them more about wellness and relaxation than just treatment. Hear firsthand from the passionate team, led by Dr. Cigdem Kipel, about their cutting-edge techniques, personalized care, and commitment to creating smiles that are not only healthy but also beautifully crafted. Whether you're a dental enthusiast or just curious about the latest in oral health, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Tune in to discover the Dental Boutique difference!


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In this 30-minute episode of DailyStraits.com, we explore the inspiring journey of Malaysiakini through the eyes of its co-founder, Premesh Chandran. From its inception in 1999 as a counter to Malaysia's government-dominated mainstream media, Premesh Chandran shares how Malaysiakini grew into a significant online news presence. He recounts the early challenges, including adapting to a subscription model and garnering immense reader support during times of adversity like police raids. The episode also highlights the crucial impact of the 2008 general elections on Malaysiakini's growth. Chandran offers valuable insights into the essence of independent journalism and provides sage advice for those looking to venture into the news industry. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about the power of independent media and its transformative role in Malaysian society.


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