Fredrik Haren’s Post

Learning about TOLERANCE with a pair of chopsticks My mum (Japanese) is currently visiting us. Yesterday, at the end of dinner, she was full and gave me the few extra maki-sushi that she didn't want. So, as it is usual in Japan, she took her chopsticks the other way around, and put them on my plate. My youngest was intrigued and asked: "Why did you take your chopsticks the other way around?" She explained: "Because when I eat, I put this end in my mouth. So it is a bit dirty to take food with the same end." Then my wife (Korean) explained that in Korea, they don't turn the chopsticks around because serving people with the end that our hand is touching is dirty (because the hand is dirty) We concluded by saying: "In Japan, people do it this way, and in Korea, it's that way". This is the kind of lessons I want my sons to take away as they are growing with several cultures. PEOPLE HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS, BUT THEY MIGHT NOT EXPRESS THEM IN THE SAME WAY. ❓️Have your children recently had the opportunity to learn about cultural differences? How did they learn about it? #culturaldifferences #multicultural #multilingual

Makasih banyak to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong and for inviting me to Sunday's private screening of the box office hit Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap (Missing Home) at Asia Society Hong Kong Center. This is part of the week-long film festival organized by the HK-ASEAN Foundation. The movie is a dramedy about an old couple who pretended they're divorcing to persuade their three sons to come home to Sumatra. The movie's theme is universal - the conflict between parents and their adult children. But what I loved most about the movie was that it introduced me to one of Indonesia's ethnic minorities - the Batak of Sumatra. It's also a bonus that the movie was shot around Lake Toba that is sangat cantik! I have only visited Java and Bali so it's refreshing to "visit" other areas in Indonesia even if it's just through the cinema. This is what I love about being assigned to the global desk. Instead of reporting about Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland - which what most journos in Hong Kong do - I am instead focusing on other members of this global city. In my case, since I report on #ASEAN, I report on the big, vibrant and diverse Indonesian community in HK. And this is the secret sauce to my long career - having a niche 💡! Reporting about Southeast Asia may sound weird as I report from HK but that's why I stand out. I found a niche that I excel in. I respect cultural diversity. Working as a foreign correspondent has also taught me to appreciate and understand different cultures - giving more depth to my reportage. These are just some of the insights that I learned after nearly 30 years in this business. I hope that this resonates with you (and if does, please like and share). And follow me if you wish to read more insights on #careerdevelopment and #journalismmatters in Asia.

I have received some great DMs because of my background at Coupang in S Korea where I lived for several years. When there I led an almost exclusively Korean team of several hundred. And no. I don’t speak Korean. They mostly didn’t speak English. I am eternally grateful to my translation team, and leaders like Lucy, Donmin, Leo, GT, Soi, YJ, Rachel, Bo and so many others who were SO patient and kind as I learned. We became incredibly close, and built an amazing problem solving, direct candor; camaraderie that helped the business thrive and crossed the boundaries that different language & culture placed in front of us. Oh - and for sure a fair amount karaoke. And lots of BTS playing on drives to visit customers. However, the question I’m getting isn’t about my singing skills - but questions about building strategy in Korea - is it different in Korea than X country?”. Well - yes. It is different. And it should be. Because it’s Korea. You can’t just copy one approach in one country and expect it to have the same success as another. You also don’t have to throw the whole strategy out the window. Did you know that one of the highest recividism rates of expats from the US moving abroad - is NOT a country like Korea? Nor China, or Malaysia, or Saudi Arabia, or any other seemingly super different country/ culture? It’s the UK. Because people assume it will be similar because we all speak English. And doing business there is not like the US. With international strategy development, you don’t start from scratch. But you do literally have to re-question everything about your business and strategy to see if it’s still true. But it might not be. It’s the ABCs of growth. Always. Be. Curious. #expat #globalbusiness #internationalbusiness #growthstrategy #korea #ecommerce #coupang

🌍 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬: 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 🌏 Having worked extensively with clients (e.g. CyberAgent, Inc., CARTA MARKETING FIRM(former Zucks)) out of Japan while based in Germany, here is what I've learned: ✅ 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐞: Japanese businesses often operate on longer timelines, valuing thoroughness over haste. This was evident when we collaborated to promote the mobile app "Dragon Ball Legends" for both France and Germany with Akinasista Corporation, representing 株式会社バンダイナムコエンターテインメント Bandai Namco Entertainment(Japan). ✅ 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐲: The Japanese have a profound sense of respect, and recognizing this is vital. Every single gesture and word within the meeting holds deep significance. ✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠: During gamescom 2019, our partners from Akinasista visited Germany. We had a very hearty exchange that culminated in a visit to the local brewery. Witnessing my Japanese partners appreciate German cuisine added a warm, personal layer to our professional ties. ✅ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬: The Japanese culture values the act of gifting immensely. The picture (Pokemon Pasta) you'll see attached to this post may be insignificant to others, but to me, it symbolizes gratitude, and respect and is a token of the solid partnership that was built. ✅ 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Despite having a translator with us, you have to ensure that you speak slowly, clearly and concise. Being direct and transparent can bridge any potential misunderstandings. Reflecting on these experiences reminds me that while our cultural backgrounds may differ, the core of any business remains the same - to nurture and build genuine connections. Therefore I will keep investing in understanding, patience, and authenticity. Did you have any experiences with clients from different cultures that you'd like to share? Let me know! 😊

Throughout my life, I've been obsessed with Asian culture, namely Chinese at first, and gradually Vietnamese, to find out more of those factors that define two thirds of who I evolved from fundamentally. Recently, that's included more of my Western roots too, seeing as how I'm FDA approved by default; so, I might as well embrace it. However, thanks to my Vietnamese roots, I found out about this beauty. Aka banh deo, or snow skin moon cake. Sure, when I speak Vietnamese, I sound like a dude straight from an old school dubbed HK drama, and I'm halfway there to illiterate, but all that matters is I can say, "Ma, banh deo o dau roi". Then there's the other options of, "Ngon lam ma, cam on. Da, con co uong tra, dung con toi nay se khong ngu duoc. Khong thanh van de. No birobolam!(no problem!)". These are traditional sayings we have in Vietnamese culture around this time of year. You know what they say, "It's Autumn today? Time to get phe! Phe qua tui bay, it's time to silay. Wait, Ao Dai is in spring? Yeah, it's okay, I can't afford them anyway." (Edited due to the fact autocorrect wants to guess how my brain works, and understand what I'm trying to say before me? How audaciously impressive, I like it! Challenge accepted, challenge destroyed. It was defeated the moment I entered first grade.)

🌏 Expanding Business Horizons in South Korea Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of business opportunities in South Korea? 🤝 Embrace New Connections, Amplify Collaborative Synergy 🤝 One of the greatest treasures of doing business in South Korea lies in the warm hospitality and close-knit business networks. The Korean concept of "jeong" exemplifies the profound bonds you can create, fostering lasting partnerships built on trust, respect, and shared goals. 🌟 What is "Jeong"? 🌟 "Jeong" (정) encompasses a unique and deep bond that goes beyond mere acquaintanceship. It represents a profound connection based on empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. It's a powerful force that unites individuals, fostering trust and loyalty within relationships. In the business world, "jeong" serves as a cornerstone for establishing lasting partnerships. By embracing this concept, we recognize the importance of forging genuine connections with colleagues, clients, and partners. 👥 Expand Your Professional Network, Embrace Fresh Perspectives 👥 Visiting Seoul opens doors to incredible business opportunities and introduces you to a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. 🌍 Immerse in Cultural Richness, Embody Global Success 🌍 South Korea's rich history and culture offer a tapestry of traditions waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in age-old customs, savor delectable cuisine. By embracing Korean customs, you not only deepen your understanding of this remarkable nation but also position yourself as a global citizen who values cultural diversity—a trait that resonates with international clients and partners. 🌐 Connect with me to explore South Korea's business landscape, arrange a meeting in Seoul, or simply share your experiences. #DoingBusinessInSouthKorea #SeoulBusinessAdventure #Jeong #southkorea #business #success #seoul