ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative launched to foster collaboration and development across the region

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The UK Mission to ASEAN and the British Council are thrilled to announce the launch of the unique ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, aimed at bolstering creative economies across the ASEAN region through collaboration with the UK. The programme will focus on professional development, knowledge exchange, and networking among policymakers and creative practitioners.

The programme started with a policymakers’ roundtable in Jakarta earlier this year, bringing together for the first time thought leaders from the UK and representatives from each of the ASEAN member states. The ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening the creative industries across ASEAN countries.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said:

"The creative economy has an important role to play in driving growth and innovation in the thriving partnership between the UK and ASEAN. We are thrilled to collaborate with the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat as we work to advance the sustainable development of creative networks throughout ASEAN. By combining our collective strengths and fostering collaboration, we can amplify the impact of the creative industries, strengthen cultural ties, and pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future for both the UK and the ASEAN region, "

The ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is delivered by British Council with the co-funding by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and it is delivered in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat. The initiative supports the implementation of the objectives outlined in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts 2016-2025.

British Council Country Director of Indonesia / Director of South East Asia, Summer Xia, said:

"In this first-of-its-kind joint programme between the British Council, UK Mission to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat, we aim to take a holistic approach to empower ASEAN policymakers and practitioners in creative economy, enhance the quality and diversity of festivals across the ASEAN region, foster cultural exchange and collaboration between the UK and South East Asia, and provide valuable insights and research into the ASEAN arts and creative sectors, a topic of great interest to many in the region."

The new initiative will consist of three main strands:

• Professional Development Courses

These courses will focus on creative economy policy development and festival development and management, offering tailored programmes to support the growth journey of policymakers, festival producers and creative professionals.

• Knowledge Exchange Between the UK and ASEAN

Through delegations to the UK for ASEAN festival managers and policy development roundtables, this strand aims to facilitate meaningful exchanges and collaborations between the two regions.

• Research into the ASEAN Arts Sector

This includes initiatives such as a regional perception poll, mapping of the arts and creative technology landscape in ASEAN, and mapping of ASEAN festivals, providing valuable insights for future collaborations and initiatives.

The ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative also delivers on ASEAN’s Connectivity agenda, with people-to-people connectivity one of the priorities under the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity. This initiative is one many by the UK Mission to ASEAN, highlighting the thriving partnership between the UK and ASEAN.

Companies, Stop Aiming for a Complaint-free Record

 

Your customers' complaints could be the goldmine you’re overlooking.

“We want zero complaints,” says every company in the world. But what if complaints are the secret competitive advantage your business needs?

"Complaints offer an intimate way of understanding your business through the eyes of your customers," Dr. Janelle Barlow, President of All Out Performance and author of A Complaint is a Gift, said during her talk, Turning Critics into Advocates hosted by Management Strategies on September 23, 2024, at Discovery Primea, Makati. The event explored a radical idea: complaints can be your greatest source of insight and revenue, if only companies dared to listen.

And listen they did. Senior management who attended the event came from private foundations, telecommunications, finance, real estate and hospitality industries.

Silence is worse

If complaints aren’t bad news for companies, why don’t more customers speak up?

Many don’t think anything will get done, or the situation could worsen further. Dr. Barlow shared an anecdote about people being afraid to complain to their doctors, worrying that voicing their concerns might lead to worse treatment.

The same logic applies in business: silence from customers can be far more dangerous than complaints. These are the customers who simply walk away–the 50% you’ll never see again.

But, here's the twist: 60-70% of customers who have their complaints resolved satisfactorily go on to buy five times more than they initially would have.

"If you solve their concerns instead of over-apologizing, they’ll actually come back to repurchase five times more,” Dr. Barlow said. “This is the power of complaint handling in the language of revenue and results.”

Everyone owns the complaint

Only 1 in 10,000 written complaints ever make their way to senior management. In the US, companies are losing 1 trillion dollars due to poor complaint handling.  

Dr. Barlow emphasized the need to break down silos. Businesses must instead foster a culture where everyone feels responsible for addressing customer concerns.  

Too often, companies are laser-focused on acquiring new customers, missing the retention goldmine. 

Retaining existing customers is significantly cheaper than attracting new ones. And the rewards are exponential. A small increase in retention can lead to a dramatic uptick in profits.

“Most companies spend half of their revenue attracting new customers,” Dr. Barlow revealed. “But retaining even just 5% of your customers can lead to up to 95% profit increase.”

Turning critics into advocates

So what can businesses do in face of complaints? Dr. Barlow suggests three power tools that will turn even the worst critics into staunch advocates.

First, widen your customers’ tolerance zone. “When customers feel understood and valued, they are far more forgiving,” Dr. Barlow explained. A little friendliness and empathy go a long way in easing tensions and getting customers on your side. Instead of reacting defensively, aim to create an environment where your customers feel heard. 

Next, speed. “Above all, what customers want from service is responsiveness,” Dr. Barlow emphasized. Quick resolutions show that you value their time and concerns. When you act swiftly, you not only diffuse anger but also demonstrate your company’s commitment to resolving problems. 

Big data can speed up resolution. “Access to every data point can address the root cause of customer complaints and understand them beyond face value.”

Finally, fairness is more important than you realize. Customers aren’t just looking for their problem to be solved—they want it handled fairly. When your solution feels balanced and just, customers are more likely to leave with a positive impression, even if things didn’t start off smoothly. 

Behind every complaint is a gift. The question is: Are you ready to unwrap it?

About MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Management Strategies is a global consulting firm specializing in culture building and organizational transformation.

Today, with over 50 passionate consultants and coaches worldwide, the company continues to focus on bringing out the best in people and activating their purpose and strengths. For more information on the company and their services, visit their website at www.mgtstrat-asia.com

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

The 2024 OTOP (One Town, One Product) Philippines Food Fair ongoing in Makati until October 8

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The OTOP Philippines Food Fair is ongoing right now at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati from October 4 to October 8, 2024.

The 2024 OTOP (One Town, One Product) Philippines Food Fair is currently taking place at the Glorietta and Palm Drive Activity Centers in Makati from October 4 to October 8, 2024. This vibrant event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), showcases the culinary excellence of more than a hundred Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It is a celebration of Filipino flavors, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines through a multi-sensory experience.

Visitors to the food fair can enjoy colorful presentations of Filipino dishes, hear the inspiring stories behind the products, and of course, taste authentic flavors ranging from sweet delicacies to savory treats. The event also aims to connect MSMEs with institutional buyers, offering them opportunities to expand their reach into mainstream markets. The fair highlights top-tier food items with competitive packaging to attract both consumers and business buyers, setting a new standard for food fairs in the country.

The OTOP Food Fair continues the momentum of the successful 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, which generated over Php 61 million in sales, emphasizing the growing global interest in Filipino cuisine. This event is open to the public with free admission, and those who cannot attend in person can watch the livestream on the National Food Fair’s social media platforms.

For food lovers and entrepreneurs, this fair is an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse flavors of the Philippines while supporting local businesses​.

The 2024 OTOP Philippines Food Fair at Glorietta is more than just a showcase of Filipino flavors—it is a platform for innovation and creativity. Organized by the DTI’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO), the event not only highlights the best of Filipino cuisine but also promotes entrepreneurial growth. By bringing together MSMEs from different regions of the country, the fair fosters collaboration and networking, encouraging local food entrepreneurs to bring their products to a wider market​.

Visitors can expect a festival-like atmosphere with colorful displays, and live cooking demonstrations, offering a true feast for the senses. The food fair features a diverse range of products, from artisanal snacks and local delicacies to region-specific specialties like Vigan longganisa and Bicol’s famous laing​.

This year, the event is also part of a larger national movement to elevate Filipino cuisine on the global stage. With its focus on quality packaging and competitive marketing, the OTOP fair serves as a stepping stone for MSMEs aiming to enter international markets, reflecting the growing interest in Filipino food worldwide.

For anyone passionate about Filipino culture, food, or entrepreneurship, this event is a must-see. Whether you're there to sample the rich diversity of flavors or to discover the stories behind each product, the OTOP Philippines Food Fair is an immersive cultural experience​.

As the OTOP Philippines Food Fair continues to unfold at Glorietta, it’s clear that the event is not just a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage, but also a powerful driver of economic development for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The fair serves as a hub for connecting these businesses with institutional buyers and consumers, helping them gain exposure in both local and international markets​.

The event highlights Filipino ingenuity by featuring products that have been carefully developed to meet global standards. From modern takes on traditional dishes to innovative new products, the fair offers a range of culinary delights that represent the rich diversity of the Philippines' regional cuisines. Attendees are treated to a sensory overload—seeing, tasting, and experiencing the best of what Filipino food has to offer​.

The OTOP program is designed to promote local products, unique to specific towns and regions, by offering MSMEs a platform to showcase their goods. It reflects the country's broader effort to sustain its cultural identity while advancing economic empowerment, particularly in the food sector. For local entrepreneurs, this fair is not only a celebration but a chance to grow their businesses by enhancing product packaging, improving food safety standards, and expanding their market reach​.

With such a wide array of food offerings and cultural experiences, the OTOP Food Fair remains a crucial event for anyone passionate about Filipino cuisine and business. It underscores the ongoing support from government bodies like the DTI and private sectors in pushing Filipino products onto the global stage, ultimately contributing to the promotion of the country as a culinary destination.