Towards an APAC business network of sustainability and collaboration: In Conversation with YNBC’s Vice President, Nikita Bondarenko

I was recently invited to provide advisory to a regional business networking body called the Youth Business Networking Committee; YNBC. I hope to enhance the advocacy of sustainability and biodiversity in APAC’s businesses and that my advisory to the board would provide the spark to create more conversations about sustainable business practices and business models.?I have the opportunity to chat with Nikita Bondarenko, Vice President of Operations and External Affairs at YNBC, based on the topic: Unveiling the Vision and Sustainable Focus of YNBC in the Asia-Pacific Region.

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What was the motivation for the creation of YNBC?

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My adventure has certainly been interesting. Seoul, the cosmopolitan capital of the Republic of Korea, was where I resided for ten years. I had the wonderful chance to become completely immersed in the regional culture and economic scene at that time. I was inspired to create a book about South Korean business culture as a result of the experiences I had while living there for ten years.

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However, my enthusiasm for exploration didn't end there. A new phase in my life eventually led me to relocate to Moscow. And now I find myself in the fascinating Republic of Singapore, a mashup of various cultures and cutting-edge commercial prospects.

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I've always had a real fascination for meeting new people and learning about their distinctive customs, as well as an insatiable wanderlust. Eventually, YNBC was founded as a result of my love of travel and my desire to meet others who shared my interests.

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About a year ago, when my illustrious colleagues and I gathered at the InnovAsia conference in Busan, South Korea, the concept for YNBC began to take shape. In order to examine the profound effects of emerging technologies on many industries, this outstanding event brought together business leaders, technophiles, and innovators from the Asia-Pacific area.

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During our tenure at InnovAsia, we came to understand the enormous potential in establishing a company devoted to assisting young businesspeople in enhancing their leadership capabilities and widening their networks of business contacts. Particularly given the state of the economy right now, the timing was ideal.

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The Youth Networking Business Committee of Asia-Pacific Region (YNBC) Board of Directors was established after multiple meetings and constructive discussions. To ensure a well-rounded approach to our activities, each board member was given a set of responsibilities.

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YNBC has achieved considerable progress since its start in assisting young business owners all around the Asia-Pacific region. We take great pride in having helped our member companies' combined revenue expand noticeably to an astonishing 73 billion US dollars. Several booming businesses, including information technology, biotechnology, global trade and logistics, financial services, and even the burgeoning gaming sector, have been the main drivers of this growth.

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In the Asia-Pacific area, our network has grown to include over 90 members from 48 different countries. With such a wide representation, our combined efforts have produced a large number of job possibilities, significantly boosting the prosperity of the area.

As a result, from my personal experience in Seoul to the founding of YNBC, it has been an incredible journey driven by my passion for seeing new places, meeting inspirational people, and building a platform for young company owners to succeed in the vibrant Asia-Pacific business environment.

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What is your vision for the business landscape in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region? How do you see YNBC contributing to the growth and development of businesses in APAC?

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My perspective on the business environment in the Asia-Pacific area is based on the region's enormous market potential, quick economic development, and growing global importance. The APAC region offers businesses an exciting opportunity to prosper and have a substantial impact on the global economy with a combined GDP of over $30 trillion.

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By establishing strategic partnerships with nations in the region, we at YNBC hope to significantly contribute to the expansion and development of businesses in the APAC region. These steps include a number of programmes designed to promote cooperation, knowledge sharing, and ethical business conduct.

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As part of its strategic collaboration efforts, YNBC will work with academic institutions and research organisations in the APAC area to create educational programmes that close the skills gap and encourage lifelong learning. We can provide the workforce with the knowledge required to foster innovation and preserve a competitive edge in the ever-evolving corporate environment by offering training programmes, workshops, and scholarships.

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Furthermore, YNBC has the potential to be a key player in promoting international trade and investment within the APAC region. We can bring together investors and businesses, creating chances for market entry, expansion, and diversification. We do this by organising investment forums, business delegations, and matchmaking events. Both local firms and the APAC region's economy as a whole would prosper as a result of this planned cooperative effort.

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As a result of its awareness of the importance of sustainability and ethical business practices, YNBC is able to work with APAC's governments and corporations to advance environmental protection and positive social impact. This could entail setting up forums, training sessions, and projects centred on environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and moral conduct in the workplace. YNBC can help firms in APAC expand and become more resilient over the long term by promoting a culture of sustainability and tackling global issues like social inequity and climate change.

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Sustainability has become a critical aspect of business operations. How does YNBC emphasize sustainability in the APAC region, and what initiatives or strategies are being implemented to promote sustainable practices among member organizations?

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The need of incorporating sustainable practices into corporate operations in the APAC area is acknowledged by YNBC. We are adamant that encouraging sustainability supports both our mission to create a more just and prosperous society and also helps make the business environment more robust and responsible.

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In order to emphasise sustainability in the APAC area, YNBC employs a variety of programmes and tactics that support and encourage sustainable business practices among its member firms. First and foremost, we actively encourage information sharing and awareness of sustainable business practices through our extensive educational resources. Our members can stay educated and implement sustainable practices in their organisations thanks to the case studies, best practices, and cutting-edge insights we curate on sustainability.

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Along with information exchange, YNBC hosts workshops and activities specifically geared towards sustainability. These gatherings include subject matter experts, thought leaders, and sustainability champions who share their knowledge and offer useful advice on putting sustainable practices to good use. Our members are motivated to include sustainability in their business operations and strategies as a result of the dialogues we facilitate.

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Additionally, YNBC promotes collaboration and partnerships among its member companies to spur group sustainability action. By fostering networking opportunities that encourage cross-industry and cross-border cooperation, we make it possible for initiatives, resources, and ideas relevant to sustainability to be shared. We foster the sharing of best practices and the creation of original responses to sustainability-related problems by bringing together like-minded leaders and organisations.

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In keeping with our dedication to sustainability, YNBC additionally promotes and honours member organisations that exhibit excellent sustainable practices. We have created a yearly sustainability award programme to recognise excellent accomplishments in sustainability across several industries. This programme acts as a forum for showcasing effective sustainability efforts, motivating others, and advancing a sustainability culture throughout the APAC corporate environment.

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Furthermore, YNBC actively collaborates with governments, nonprofits, and institutions that are committed to sustainability in order to promote laws and programmes that encourage sustainable practices throughout the APAC area. Working together with these parties, we hope to have an impact on the larger business ecosystem and foster an atmosphere that promotes and supports sustainable business operations.

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Networking plays a vital role in business success. How does YNBC envision building a strong network within the APAC business community? What steps are being taken to foster collaboration and cooperation among member organizations?

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In fact, effective networking is essential for company success. At YNBC, we have a clear goal of creating a robust network within the APAC business community. Our strategy aims to promote communication, cooperation, and deep bonds among member organisations.

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YNBC has a multifaceted strategy to develop a strong network. First of all, we plan special gatherings for executive leaders from various sectors and locations. These gatherings provide venues for networking, information exchange, and idea generation. We develop connections and encourage collaborative ties within the APAC business community by arranging in-person contacts and carefully chosen networking events.

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The power of digital platforms and technology is leveraged by YNBC in addition to live events to create seamless networking opportunities. We offer a dedicated online space for members to interact, share knowledge, and consider working together. Our network's reach is widened beyond physical limits by this digital ecosystem, which also makes it more accessible and allows for continual involvement.

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In addition, YNBC actively promotes cooperation and coordination among member organisations through a number of strategic projects. Working groups with members who have similar interests and skill sets can work together on certain initiatives or projects because of the facilitation we provide for these groups. The APAC business community is encouraged to work together by these working groups, which offer a focused setting for information sharing, collaborative ventures, and problem-solving.

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In addition, YNBC provides mentoring programmes that link established leaders with up-and-coming ones. By fostering mentor-mentee relationships and useful connections, this mentoring programme promotes not only individual growth but also network strength. We encourage knowledge transfer through mentoring, as well as cross-industry learning and the development of enduring professional relationships.

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In order to improve collaboration, YNBC makes use of its vast network to create corporate alliances and strategic partnerships. We actively look for ways to link member organisations that have comparable objectives, skills, or market synergies. By assisting in the formation of these alliances, we encourage collaborative projects that stimulate innovation, market expansion, and mutual success within APAC's business community.

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As the Vice President of YNBC, how do you see the current geopolitical and economic challenges affecting businesses in the APAC region? What strategies or approaches does YNBC adopt to navigate these challenges and support member organizations?

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As vice president of YNBC, I am aware of the fact that enterprises operating in the APAC region are significantly impacted by the geopolitical and economic problems that are currently facing the world. Trade disputes, rivalries on a global scale, economic instability, and regulatory uncertainty are some of these difficulties. To help member organisations overcome these obstacles and succeed in the face of hardship, YNBC is dedicated to doing so.

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By attentively observing and critically evaluating global developments, YNBC adopts a proactive strategy to deal with geopolitical concerns. In order to help our members, comprehend how global events may affect their business operations, we offer timely insights and analyses. Our members are better able to make wise choices and modify their company strategy as needed by maintaining knowledge.

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A deliberate approach is also necessary to address economic concerns including market instability and shifting customer habits. Members of YNBC have access to in-depth market information and economic forecasts for the APAC region. This gives our members the ability to foresee industry trends, spot opportunities, and modify their business models in response to the shifting business environment.

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Businesses operating in the APAC area face tough challenges because of regulatory uncertainty. By encouraging knowledge exchange and teamwork among its member organisations, YNBC responds to this. We host regulatory-focused workshops where members may hear from industry leaders, trade best practices, and gain knowledge about navigating intricate regulatory settings. In order to promote business-friendly policies and foster an environment where our members may prosper, YNBC also interacts with regulators and decision-makers.

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In order to address these issues, YNBC also promotes member organisations' cooperation and group action. We support executive peer-to-peer knowledge exchange so that they can benefit from one another's experiences and problem-solving techniques. Through alliance-building, resource-sharing, and cooperative problem-solving, members can work together through our networking events and digital platforms.

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In addition, YNBC is aware of the value of creativity and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving corporate environment. We encourage our members to adopt an innovation and digital transformation mindset and to foster a culture of continuous learning. We give our members knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and market trends through our educational resources, events, and collaborations, enabling them to innovate and adapt to new situations.

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What are the future plans and aspirations for YNBC? How do you envision the organization evolving in the coming years to further support and empower youth entrepreneurs and business leaders in the APAC region?

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I have big goals for YNBC's future as vice president, and I'm working hard to make them a reality. Our mission is to help young business leaders and entrepreneurs in the APAC area to achieve amazing success and leave a lasting legacy by continuously expanding and evolving our support for them.

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Strengthening our network and presence in the APAC region is one of our main objectives. Our goal is to grow our membership by luring more skilled and motivated people who are enthusiastic about business leadership and entrepreneurship. By growing our community, we can offer an even more lively and diversified platform for cooperation, education, and mentoring.

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We intend to improve our educational resources and programmes designed especially for young entrepreneurs in keeping with our commitment to empowering youth. To give our members the tools and abilities they need to succeed in the quickly changing business environment, we will curate cutting-edge insights, industry expertise, and useful advice.

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Additionally, we plan to establish strategic alliances and partnerships with illustrious academic institutions, business associations, and governmental organisations. We can increase our impact and give our members access to more resources, funding options, and mentorship networks by utilising these connections. This will allow us to provide complete support and open up new avenues for young business leaders and entrepreneurs in the APAC area.

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We will concentrate on using technology and digital platforms to promote connectivity and engagement as the world gets more and more digital. By developing a dynamic digital ecosystem where members can interact, cooperate, and access useful resources from anywhere in the region, we intend to improve our online networking skills. We will be able to reach a wider audience and offer more inclusive support to young entrepreneurs across all geographies and sectors thanks to this digital change.

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In addition, we want to plan conferences and events with a big impact that together successful businesspeople, thought leaders, and specialists in their fields. These occasions will act as forums for creative inspiration, knowledge sharing, and the investigation of new trends and prospects. By providing a forum for learning, networking, and idea generation, we will facilitate the growth and development of our members, empowering them to realize their entrepreneurial ambitions.

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Creating a healthy ecosystem that supports and encourages young entrepreneurs and business leaders in the APAC area is the ultimate goal of our future goals and aspirations for YNBC. We want YNBC to be the go-to platform for prospective entrepreneurs looking for direction, support, and chances for success. To that end, we've grown our network, improved our educational offerings, forged key alliances, transformed our business model, and organised meaningful events.

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In the APAC area, we are devoted to fostering innovation, catalysing change, and building a better future for young entrepreneurs and business leaders. This is something that our enthusiastic team and team members are committed to doing together.

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