Community Business

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we are joined by Danny Kittinun Dharamadaj, President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand and a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia. Danny is joined by his interpreter, Ohm Rapeepun Jommaroeng. For ease of listening, we have retained the English interpretation only. Danny shares his inspiring journey from entrepreneur to activis...

This episode of Up for Discussion sets us up nicely for Pride month in a couple of weeks. We are delighted to be joined by Marni Panas, Chair of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and fellow GIDA member. Marni is a seasoned DE&I advocate and a proud transwoman who's impressive career spans health care, HR as well as DE&I leadership roles.  In this episode, Janet and Marni...

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we are joined by Tim Macavoy, Head of Product at Radius Networks. With a dynamic background spanning the arts, technology, and media, Tim brings a wealth of experience to the world of DE&I-particularly in empowering and supporting employee resource groups (ERGs) across global organisations. Passionate about fostering communities where everyone belongs,...

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we are joined by Penny Barsha, Asia Head of Corporate Responsibility at Linklaters, and Rachel Li, Head of Case Management and Research at HELP for Domestic Workers. Together, they share their inspiring collaboration on the HELPline program, an initiative that provides emergency support, shelter, and comprehensive assistance to migrant domestic workers in H...

In today’s episode we are joined by Fyiona Yong, a pioneering executive coach in Asia, specialising in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is also the podcast host of The Thriving Misfits, a two-time TEDx speaker, and the author of the acclaimed book, "How to Thrive as a Misfit." In this episode, we delve into: - Fyiona's perspective on how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can effectively foster...

Today, we have a very special episode with our very own Ron Sampaga, hosted by Janet Ledger. Both are returning for this #cbspecial episode of Up For Discussion. With a passion for building inclusive workplaces and a wealth of experience in learning and development, Janet and Ron are dedicated to equipping leaders with the skills they need to create environments where everyone can thrive. In this...

In continuation with our Social Mobility campaign, today, we are thrilled to have Elizabeth Thompson on Up for discussion. She is a pioneering force in the NGO sector and the founder of the Amber Foundation. With a wealth of experience in empowering ethnically diverse young women in Hong Kong, Elizabeth is dedicated to enhancing their visibility and career success through her impactful program, EM...

To celebrate Black History Month, in this episode of Up for Discussion, we're tackling an important topic: What does it mean to be Black in Asia? Our guest, Innocent Mutanga, offers a crucial perspective on the experiences of Black individuals living and working in Asian countries. We'll be exploring issues of representation, cultural understanding, and the unique challenges and triumphs that...

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we are joined by Ted Khoo, who leads Group People Sustainability at AIA. Originally from Malaysia and now based in Hong Kong, Ted shares his inspiring journey as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and his commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. Throughout the episode, we explore several key areas...

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion , we are excited to welcome Grace Cheng, the founder and CEO of AgeWhale, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting family caregivers of older adults. Inspired by her personal experience caring for her grandparents, Grace shares her journey and the motivation behind creating AgeWhale in July 2023.   Grace discusses the challenges faced by caregivers,...

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion , we are thrilled to welcome Greg Morley, the former Global Head of Diversity at Moët Hennessy, a division of LVMH. With a wealth of experience in fostering inclusive environments across the Asia-Pacific region, Greg shares his insights on the significance of belonging in the workplace and how it can drive organizational success. Greg discusses his journey i...

As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women we are thrilled to be joined by Priya Varadarajan, a dedicated advocate for gender justice and the founder of Durga. With over 23 years of experience in governmental affairs and civil society, Priya shares her insights on empowering women and girls to build agency and combat sexual violence in public spaces. In this episode, we...

Inclusion in American Politics | Up for Discussion with Brian Sims On the eve of the US elections, we have an exciting episode discussing the ins and outs of US politics and its impact on diversity, equity and inclusion around the world. In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Sims, a former Pennsylvania legislator and passionate civil rights attorney. Join us as B...

Nearly 50% of Hong Kong can’t swim. Which is why programmes like Splash are needed in our community. In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we're excited to welcome Simon Holliday, co-founder of the Splash programme, and Daisy Luscaw, a senior swim coach who has transitioned from participant to leader. Splash is more than just a swimming initiative; it’s a transformative programme that empowers...

As we approach World Mental Health Day this week, it's a perfect time to highlight the importance of visibility and support for LGBTQ+ youth. In particular, overcoming obstacles and maintaining positivity in the face of challenges. In our next episode of Up for Discussion, we are thrilled to welcome Abbie, the inspiring 15-year-old founder of the Rainbow Shoelace Project. Abbie started this initia...

"LGBTQ+ individuals have significant health needs that we actually have not really looked into or not widely addressed in places like Hong Kong.” In this episode of Up for Discussion, we are excited to welcome Professor Edmond Choi from the University of Hong Kong, a leading expert in mental and sexual health, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as Professor Choi shares his journey i...

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we invite you to join us for a heartfelt and important episode of Up for Discussion. We are honored to welcome Jess Hulton, Director and Founder of The New Normal (TNN) charity in Hong Kong, and Désirée Fong, Director of Equity and Inclusion on the TNN HK board. In this episode, Jess and Désirée share their personal journeys that led them to establish TNN, a c...

Financial Literacy for Kids | Up for Discussion with Will Rainey Did you know that 86% of people say their financial situation has worsened their mental health? In our latest episode of Up for Discussion, we welcome Will Rainey, author of Grandpa's Fortune Fables and a passionate advocate for teaching kids about money. Will shares his journey from investment consultant to empowering parents to edu...

This Olympics made history with 193 openly out athletes winning a total of 42 total medals, ranking 7th if they were a country. In this episode of Up for Discussion, we have Alan Lang, the co-chair of Gay Games. He led a team of 270 volunteers, successfully raised 3.4 million USD, and organised 18 sports events along with opening and closing ceremonies. A true feat of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. I...

How can we create impactful change in the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)? In this episode of Up for Discussion, we welcome Jeiz Robles, Director of DE&I at Community Business and one of Involve's Top 20 Global LGBTQ+ Future Leaders. Jeiz, a Filipina, bisexual, neurodivergent woman, shares her journey from the corporate world to leading DE&I initiatives in Asia. We exp...

How is Social Mobility Advancing DE&I in Asia? Our guest, Holly McGhee, Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness Director at EY Asia Pacific, dives into the intricacies of socio-economic status in Asia. She shares her personal journey with social mobility, how it can make an impact in the workplace and why now is the right time to further this conversation. She also shares insights on the Communi...

This episode of Up for Discussion features Cattreeya Thithiwongsawet, Asia Regional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader at Seagate Technology. Watch the video to learn about: 1) Cat's journey to becoming a DE&I leader  2) Some pivotal experiences that shaped Cat's approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion?   3) How did Cat navigate the complexities of promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in...

This episode of Up for Discussion features Meenu Bhambhani from State Street, delves into the topic of disability inclusion and the rapidly advancing AI and accessibility landscape, in conversation with our Executive Director Sandhya Manoj. Watch the video to learn about: 👉 How lack of accessibility affects the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace 👉 Use of accessibility tools i...

"There is a lot of conversation around raising awareness... I think we've done a lot in terms of raising awareness. I think now is the time to take action. If we're not going to take action, we're going to be raising awareness for the next 20 years and nothing is going to happen." - Manisha Wijesinghe, Executive Director, HELP for Domestic Workers Ahead of International Domestic Workers Day on 16...

Period Equity and Creating Social Impact: Insights from the Found of LUÜNA Naturals This episode of Up for Discussion features Olivia Cotes-James, the Founder and CEO of LUÜNA Naturals sharing insights about: 👉The importance of destigmatising menstruation 👉Creating social impact and the social enterprise business model 👉How increasing awareness about periods benefits the entire workforce 👉Succ...