About Joakim Persson

Freelance business and lifestyle photojournalist

Return Right RVM machine
Business in Asia / Denmark / Food & Beverage / Innovation & Technology / Norway / Singapore / Sustainability / Sweden

Scandinavian know-how and solutions support Singapore’s new consumer recycling initiative

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Since April 2026, Singapore has started implementing its brand new ‘Return Right’ scheme, in a bid to improve domestic recycling, expecting to recover no less than 16,000+ tonnes of material …

Scandinavian know-how and solutions support Singapore’s new consumer recycling initiative Read More
Executive Director NordCham Vietnam, David Nguyen
Business in Asia / Denmark / Education / Energy / Entrepreneurship / Finland / Innovation & Technology / Manufacturing / Norway / Services / Sustainability / Sweden / Trading & Logistics / Vietnam

Strengthening the ‘Nordic Voice’ the highest priority for NordCham Vietnam and its new Executive Director

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Danish-born David Tuan Anh Nguyen is NordCham Vietnam’s new Executive Director (ED). Introducing him also allows getting an update on this chamber of commerce’s focus and activities. Vietnam is today …

Strengthening the ‘Nordic Voice’ the highest priority for NordCham Vietnam and its new Executive Director Read More
Executive Director NordCham Philippines, Axel Fries
Banking, Fintech / Business in Asia / Denmark / Energy / Estonia / Finland / Innovation & Technology / Norway / Philippines / Sustainability / Sweden / Transportation, maritime

From tech start-ups to NordCham Philippines: Axel Fries is its new Executive Director

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Young Filipino-Swede Mr Axel Fries has taken over as NordCham Philippines’ new Executive Director, keen on leading the chamber to new heights, while not going ahead of himself. And while …

From tech start-ups to NordCham Philippines: Axel Fries is its new Executive Director Read More
Johan Ndisi, Ambassador
Automotive / Construction, infrastructure / Education / Energy / Hospitality / IT Telecom / Manufacturing / Sustainability / Sweden / Trading & Logistics / Transportation, maritime / Vietnam

Modernising the heritage and deepening the trade relationship key goals for Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi

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There has undoubtedly never before been a more vibrant time for Swedish-Vietnamese trade relations than now. Swedish investments into Vietnam, paired with various bilateral collaborations, are at an all-time-high, and …

Modernising the heritage and deepening the trade relationship key goals for Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi Read More
Pearl Lai, Carlsberg Malaysia
Business in Asia / Denmark / Food & Beverage / Malaysia / Manufacturing / Retail & Wholesale / Sustainability

20 years as communications expert with Carlsberg Malaysia, and new Dancham Chairperson: Pearl Lai

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‘Zero’ as concept is very much on the agenda for Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director Pearl Lai and the entire nine-man strong corporate and sustainability communications team within Carlsberg Malaysia. …

20 years as communications expert with Carlsberg Malaysia, and new Dancham Chairperson: Pearl Lai Read More
Allan Jensen, Meiko Clean Solutions
China / Community news / Denmark / Energy / Entrepreneurship / Food & Beverage / Hospitality / Indonesia / Innovation & Technology / Malaysia / Singapore / Trading & Logistics / Transportation, maritime / Working in Asia

A new lease of life: the third corporate adventure in Asia begins for Allan Jensen

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He started the career as an employee of Denmark’s largest company Maersk (A.P. Møller – Mærsk) and was sent to China; followed by working for the Danish energy efficiency expert …

A new lease of life: the third corporate adventure in Asia begins for Allan Jensen Read More
Alexander Parry
Business in Asia / Hospitality / Innovation & Technology / Sweden / Thailand / Working in Asia

Swedish hotelier Alexander Parry thrives in Thailand – as resort owner and tech entrepreneur

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The story about hotelier, come tech startup entrepreneur, Alexander Parry (Alex), and Let’s Hyde resort, takes us on a journey that spans several continents; including making it the land of …

Swedish hotelier Alexander Parry thrives in Thailand – as resort owner and tech entrepreneur Read More
Tony Karlsson. Photo by: Dennis Thern
Community news / Food & Beverage / Sweden / Thailand

Nightclub manager Tony Karlsson returns to where the Thailand adventure started, reaching new heights on Khao San Road

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From coming to Bangkok as backpacker and falling in love with the City of Angels, to now being the manager of world-renowned Khao San Road’s most internationally recognised nightclub, Tony …

Nightclub manager Tony Karlsson returns to where the Thailand adventure started, reaching new heights on Khao San Road Read More
Pasi Haatainen, FBC Singapore Chairman
Business in Asia / Finland / Innovation & Technology / IT Telecom / Malaysia / Services / Singapore

Business transformation consultant/FBC Chairman Pasi Haatainen outlines the latest Singapore opportunities – and obstacles

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Pasi Haatainen, a long-term Singapore resident and also Finnish Business Council Singapore (FBC) Chairman since 2021, has since 2007 been based in the city-state as a senior business consultant. Because …

Business transformation consultant/FBC Chairman Pasi Haatainen outlines the latest Singapore opportunities – and obstacles Read More
Emil Akander, Vice President and Head of Region for the Asia-Pacific - Business Sweden
Banking, Fintech / Business in Asia / Construction, infrastructure / Energy / Healthcare / Innovation & Technology / International relations / Sustainability / Transportation, maritime

Emil Akander, Business Sweden, Asia-Pacific: Sweden’s biggest economic growth potential at the crossroads of emerging economies and the world’s major economies

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In the region he has already called home for the past decade, Emil Akander was in early 2025 appointed by Business Sweden (BuS) as Vice President and Head of Region …

Emil Akander, Business Sweden, Asia-Pacific: Sweden’s biggest economic growth potential at the crossroads of emerging economies and the world’s major economies Read More
Denmark / Entrepreneurship / Indonesia / Malaysia / Singapore / Thailand / Traveling around / Vietnam

Destination management specialist Peter Stenberg thrives and expands within the world of travel

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At ITB Asia (travel trade show) in Singapore Peter Stenberg represents his Kota Kinabalu-based Rustic Travel. As a buyer, he there meets with various hospitality groups and local tour operators, …

Destination management specialist Peter Stenberg thrives and expands within the world of travel Read More
H.E. Kirstine Vangkilde Berner
Agriculture, fishing, forestry / Denmark / Energy / Food & Beverage / Innovation & Technology / International relations / Malaysia / Sustainability

Denmark is back on the scene: new embassy and Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur

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Denmark has made a strategic return to Malaysia, rebuilding its diplomatic presence with renewed ambition. Leading this resurgence is H.E. Kirstine Vangkilde Berner, a seasoned diplomat with two decades of …

Denmark is back on the scene: new embassy and Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur Read More
Denmark / Food & Beverage / Thailand

New Danish Thailand-based sourdough bakery café business thrives in unexpected circumstances

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100% sourdough. No cheating – is what is promised from the Danish-Norwegian-owned bakery, artisanal sandwich-café concept called BARTELS, with operations in Bangkok, Phuket and Saigon. Bartels, which is the surname …

New Danish Thailand-based sourdough bakery café business thrives in unexpected circumstances Read More
Kubikle sleeping pods
Construction, infrastructure / Denmark / Estonia / Hospitality / Innovation & Technology / Retail & Wholesale / Thailand / Vietnam

Danish-owned Kubikle rolls out innovation to deliver space-efficient, customisable living spaces

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Its ‘Micro housing’ is making inroads in Oceanian countries Despite all the hardships, many new businesses and ideas could be brought to fruition as a result of Covid-19. Kubikle, a …

Danish-owned Kubikle rolls out innovation to deliver space-efficient, customisable living spaces Read More
Visit Rovaniemi at ITB Asia, Singapore
Business in Asia / China / Finland / Hospitality / Indonesia / Malaysia / Norway / Philippines / Singapore / Taiwan / Thailand / Vietnam

Finland of Santa Claus: Rovaniemi, a globally recognised destination – promoted in Asia

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– Now aiming also at increased midnight sun tourism There is at least one place on this planet that people wonder – when coming across it for the very first …

Finland of Santa Claus: Rovaniemi, a globally recognised destination – promoted in Asia Read More
Juha Markkanen, Finland's Ambassador to Singapore
Finland / International relations / Malaysia / Singapore

Working in two different worlds: diplomat Juha Markkanen is Finland’s new Ambassador to Singapore

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On the 31st of October 2023 – having served the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over 32 years – His Excellency Mr. Juha Markkanen handed over his credentials to become Finland’s …

Working in two different worlds: diplomat Juha Markkanen is Finland’s new Ambassador to Singapore Read More
Business in Asia / Indonesia / Innovation & Technology / IT Telecom / Malaysia / Manufacturing / Philippines / Retail & Wholesale / Services / Singapore / Sustainability / Sweden / Thailand / Trading & Logistics / Vietnam

Emma Broms, Business Sweden Malaysia: Great optimism, towards green transition

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’Pioneering the possible’ is what Business Sweden (BS) is doing in Malaysia, under the new leadership (since 2022) of Trade Commissioner Emma Broms. Post covid-19 she is very optimistic about …

Emma Broms, Business Sweden Malaysia: Great optimism, towards green transition Read More
patient in bed with nurse, Sunway Medical Center, Penang
Business in Asia / Cambodia / China / Denmark / Estonia / Finland / Healthcare / Hong Kong / Indonesia / Malaysia / Norway / Philippines / Singapore / Staying healthy / Sweden / Thailand

World class medical services in Penang ready to welcome more expats, Asians and westerners

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Penang island and state (Malaysia) is already a very established travel destination and business centre – for all the good reasons with its very successful manufacturing hub and FDI, as …

World class medical services in Penang ready to welcome more expats, Asians and westerners Read More
Bitcoin
Banking, Fintech / Business in Asia / Construction, infrastructure / Denmark / Finland / Innovation & Technology / Norway / Singapore / Sweden

True Global Ventures’ insights on megatrends, and the significance of AI

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In the past, Dusan Stojanovic, Director and Founder of True Global Ventures (TGV), has guided the ScandAsia readers within the world of financial technology (fintech). The Singapore-based Swede now returns, …

True Global Ventures’ insights on megatrends, and the significance of AI Read More
Mr. Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup, Head of Telenor Asia
Business in Asia / IT Telecom / Malaysia / Norway / Singapore / Thailand

Another exciting chapter for Telenor in Asia has begun: two monumental mergers landed to reshape the business

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Communication service provider (CSP) Telenor embarked on its Asian journey in 1997, bought its first stake in Digi (Malaysia) in 1999, and have been telco change-makers in the region ever …

Another exciting chapter for Telenor in Asia has begun: two monumental mergers landed to reshape the business Read More
Laguna Phuket Area General Manager Anders Dimblad
Carousel / Hospitality / Living in Asia / Malaysia / Singapore / Sweden / Thailand / Traveling around

Laguna Phuket’s Area GM, Anders Dimblad, invites to experience the integrated resort island offerings

- by Joakim Persson - 1 Comment

Located at the heart of the 5-kilometer-long Bang Tao beach in Phuket, a serene and natural haven awaits. Angsana Laguna Phuket Resort is nestled amidst water and bordered by a …

Laguna Phuket’s Area GM, Anders Dimblad, invites to experience the integrated resort island offerings Read More
Ambassador Christian Lyster
Agriculture, fishing, forestry / Energy / International relations / Norway / Oil and Gas, Mining / Philippines / Sustainability

Ambassador debut and Southeast Asia return for Norway’s Christian Lyster

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After arriving to the Philippines for his first posting as Ambassador, Christian Halaas Lyster could immediately conclude that the ties between his host country and Norway are very strong and …

Ambassador debut and Southeast Asia return for Norway’s Christian Lyster Read More
Danish by Danish
Business in Asia / Denmark / Food & Beverage / Malaysia

Danish by Danish Bakery: ’wienerbrød’ – the real deal – now baked in Penang, Malaysia!

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Let’s talk Danish! No, not the language as such but the world-famous pastries, for instance served in hotels and sold in bakeries throughout Asia. No doubt, their origin is in …

Danish by Danish Bakery: ’wienerbrød’ – the real deal – now baked in Penang, Malaysia! Read More
Anders Hegre, NBAS
Business in Asia / Energy / Entrepreneurship / Norway / Oil and Gas, Mining / Singapore / Sustainability

Thriving in serving Norwegian businesses relating to Singapore: Anders Hegre

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Executive Director Anders Hegre, supported by an engaged board, has steered NBAS (Norwegian Business Association in Singapore) through the challenging Covid-19 years and come out of it even more vital. …

Thriving in serving Norwegian businesses relating to Singapore: Anders Hegre Read More
Business in Asia / Malaysia / Sustainability / Sweden / Working in Asia

Masba director Jenny Westin shares post Covid-19 benefits and challenges in Malaysia

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As Malaysia is gradually coming back to its normal self, post-Covid, ScandAsia talks to the Director of MASBA (the Malaysian-Swedish Business Association), and also a long-time resident in Kuala Lumpur: …

Masba director Jenny Westin shares post Covid-19 benefits and challenges in Malaysia Read More
Johan Davidsson on the street Sukhumvit soi 11, outside Fenix hotel
Business in Asia / Food & Beverage / Hospitality / Malaysia / Singapore / Sweden / Thailand

Johan Davidsson sets out to create new nightlife experiences, as Bangkok bounces back

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Who can better share insights and an update on how Bangkok’s famous bar and nightlife sector is bouncing back than club maestro Johan Davidsson!? Following Covid – a period of …

Johan Davidsson sets out to create new nightlife experiences, as Bangkok bounces back Read More
Danish Ambassador Franz Michael Skjold Mellbin
Agriculture, fishing, forestry / China / Denmark / Energy / Food & Beverage / International relations / Philippines / Sustainability / Transportation, maritime

“The Philippines is key to upgrade Denmark’s relationships in the Asia-Pacific!”

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“Denmark needs to upgrade and intensify its relationships in the Asia Pacific, and I believe we will see Denmark more active in this region,” says new Danish Ambassador to the …

“The Philippines is key to upgrade Denmark’s relationships in the Asia-Pacific!” Read More
Estonian Ambassador to Singapore, Priit Turk
Banking, Fintech / Business in Asia / Cambodia / Education / Entrepreneurship / Estonia / Indonesia / Innovation & Technology / Laos / Malaysia / Myanmar / Philippines / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam

New Estonian embassy and Ambassador to Singapore: Priit Turk

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Estonia strongly views itself as belonging to the Nordics. And for Estonia debuting in Southeast-Asia means business! Learn more about the brand new embassy and the first ambassador on the …

New Estonian embassy and Ambassador to Singapore: Priit Turk Read More
Agriculture, fishing, forestry / Business in Asia / Denmark / Finland / Singapore / Sweden / Vietnam

EU agriculture stakeholders invited to Southeast Asia trade delegation 2022

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The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development is inviting its member state companies and organizations to participate in a trade delegation to Singapore and Vietnam, to take place …

EU agriculture stakeholders invited to Southeast Asia trade delegation 2022 Read More
Carousel / China / Education / Finland / International relations / Malaysia / Singapore / Sustainability / Thailand

Jyri Järviaho debuts as Finland’s Ambassador to Cambodia and Thailand

- by Joakim Persson - 1 Comment

As an unusual arrival procedure Finland’s new Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Jyri Järviaho, along with his wife Elina Multanen, began their new life as ambassador couple with a two weeks’ …

Jyri Järviaho debuts as Finland’s Ambassador to Cambodia and Thailand Read More
Business in Asia / China / Denmark / Education / Entrepreneurship / Finland / General news / Hong Kong / Indonesia / Malaysia / Norway / Studying in Asia / Sweden / Thailand

Asia Exchange, Edunation: facilitators of student mobility in Asia, Finland and Europe

- by Joakim Persson - 2 Comments.

Since 2007 Asia Exchange facilitates for northern Europeans to study at quality universities in many of Asia’s most attractive places. Likewise, since 2017 Asians can also get help to study …

Asia Exchange, Edunation: facilitators of student mobility in Asia, Finland and Europe Read More
Business in Asia / Carousel / China / Denmark / Food & Beverage / General news / Innovation & Technology / Services / Trading & Logistics

Danish Consulate General Shanghai at the heart of Chinese trade, digitalisation

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Looking, in year 2020, at Shanghai, and from a Nordic perspective in particular Danish activity seems to be incredibly brisk. Their flow of trade-related undertakings are relentless, paired with the …

Danish Consulate General Shanghai at the heart of Chinese trade, digitalisation Read More