I hope you are doing well! This is Jinsoo Choi, and I am back with the fifth newsletter of Asia Tomorrow.

Recent news shows that Temu and Aliexpress have become the fastest-growing companies in South Korea. Startup communities are on high alert, as the Chinese commerce giants heavily influence the entire business sector.

I think clarifying a startup’s foundational elements - who we are, what we do, and the values we provide - is the first step for all entrepreneurs because it is the first step to withstanding unexpected changes. This week’s content will provide the necessary reference and insight to prepare your business’s core elements.

• How to Kickstart Your Venture in Hong Kong

• Considering Expansion to Japan? Human Connection is a Must

• All About Products: Deciding What and How to Sell

• LinkedIn’s Story of Creating Communities Without Ads

• How India’s NGO is Changing the Lives of 1.6 Million People

• Is Innovating Society and Making a Profit Possible?

Resources for Startups

👉 Your Guide to Starting a Business in Hong Kong, The Land of more than 3,700 Startups

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Hong Kong is well known as one of the most invigorating economic centers on the planet. Companies like DJI, an industry-leading drone manufacturer, and Klook, a travel booking platform, are the most famous Hong Kong-based companies. The local government is also increasing investment in smart logistics, gaming, fintech, and, most importantly, AI. Find out more about what Hong Kong offers for your successful entrepreneurial journey.

👉 What is Necessary for Businesses Planning on Expanding into Japan? Human Connection is the Key.

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Establishing a human network is essential for all businesses, but the importance is significantly higher in Japan. Being connected with people in the region provides critical elements for growth, including the latest trends and regulation changes not found on search engines. Venture Cafe Tokyo is the first place to visit if you plan to expand to Japan. The facility operates weekly meetups, pitching days, and editorial workshops. Check out the interview with the Venture Cafe Tokyo director for a deep-dive view of Japan's startup scene.

Stories for Starters

👉 How Can You Decide the Optimal Product/Service for Your Customers? Follow the 3-Step Process to Find Out

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Deciding what to sell is one of the most fundamental questions for every entrepreneur. However, little is known about systematically analyzing businesses and markets for decision-making. SaaSCatch shares his insights on finding the right product/service for his company. The newsletter writer underlines two factors: categorizing products and comprehending the relationship between value and price.

👉 Gathering Customers WITHOUT Ads: LinkedIn’s Journey of Creating a Self-Growing User Communities

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LinkedIn is one of the very few apps that acquired the title of “must-have.” However, the application had to endure a painful failure in the 1990s. After the fall of SocialNet, the previous version of LinkedIn, the founders completely changed their view of gathering customers: launch the product first and focus on a “very” specific group of people. LinkedIn’s story of connecting with the right customer is still valuable for those concerned about gathering customers efficiently.

Stories of Entrepreneurs & Changemakers

👉 Educate Girls Foundation: Changing the Lives of Indian Children in Over 5,000 Schools and Villages

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India is experiencing a severe educational inequality gap. Safeena Husain, who has been working in the nonprofit and development space for 15 years, decided to make a viable change. She established the Educate Girls Foundation in 2007 and managed 50 public schools and villages in her hometown district. 50 grew to 500 in just two years and is now more than 5,000. Safeena’s long-term planning of sustaining educational programs and investment acquirement was vital. Her business-based perspective on nonprofit projects will show how NGOs can change the world without sacrificing economic growth.

👉 Surviving 16 Years as a Social Innovator: McKinsey Consultant, Startup Coach, then Future Entrepreneur Mentor

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Most social entrepreneurs have difficulty maintaining their organization because they lack a sturdy economic foundation. Ryosuke Sugaya, founder of Very50, had to face the same issue. Although the former musician tried to make an impact via music, he realized that solving people’s problems is the universal core of a sustainable business. After working in McKinsey, Ryosuke started Very50 with entrepreneur coaching programs. The foundation now generates 99% of its revenue from its own business. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, Ryosuke’s story will show you how to survive and thrive while improving the world.

How did the mail treat you today?

By the time this mail reaches you, it will already be the beginning of March. There is a saying that “the actual new year starts in March.” I hope your entrepreneurial journey starts well, and Asia Tomorrow will be your reliable source of content for your success.

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