From discussing NFTs to getting sound advice from venture capitals, we round up our biggest articles this year

In a blink of an eye, 2022 has come to a close. The world returned to “normal” this year with travel restrictions lifting and economies around the world roared back to life. One could say that it is business as usual, though 

This year, we covered several big stories: the incredible rise and fall of cryptocurrencies and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and insightful interviews with our Gen.T honourees.

Beyond the stories, we are starting to get back into the swing of hosting in-person events. Throughout the year, we hosted numerous roundtable discussions and networking events across the region.

To cap off 2022, we look back at five of Gen.T's most important stories.

Read more: The collapse of FTX and what crypto’s future may look like

Meet the honourees across Asia on the Gen.T list 2022

Tatler Asia

In October, we revealed 300 Leaders of Tomorrow who have made it onto this year’s Gen.T List.

These 300 of the most inspiring, influential, ambitious, entrepreneurial and innovative young leaders hail from eight markets across the region—Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines

The honorees come from 18 industries and categories, including sustainability, social entrepreneurship, the arts, healthcare and sciences.

Read more: 11 Female Leaders in Asia Who Are Empowering Women and Girls

This VC’s insights on fundraising, attracting talent and the funding winter

Tatler Asia
Bikesh Lakhmichand is the CEO of 1337 Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed and seed-stage startups in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia (Photo: 1337 Ventures)
Above Bikesh Lakhmichand is the CEO of 1337 Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed and seed-stage startups in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia (Photo: 1337 Ventures)

1337 Venture’s Bikesh Lakhmichand shared his insights on startup challenges, from securing investments to attracting talent. Having run a venture capital for over a decade, he focuses on investing in early-stage startups that specialise in innovative technologies and market disruptive solutions. 

He shared how early-stage startups need to compete based on their strength and focus on a niche that big players have not entered. By doing so, they will be able to attract the right talent and build their brand presence. 

Read more: 500 Global’s Vishal Harnal shares the trends VCs are banking on in Southeast Asia

Imaginary ones’ Clement Chia on his new collaboration with fashion brand Hugo

Tatler Asia
The Legendary NFT: Love is one of six "Legendary" characters fronting the Imaginary Ones x Hugo Boss collaboration (Photo: Imaginary Ones)
Above The Legendary NFT: Love is one of six "Legendary" characters fronting the Imaginary Ones x Hugo Boss collaboration (Photo: Imaginary Ones)

Clement Chia, the co-founder of Imaginary Ones saw 8,888 of his project's NFTs sell out in four minutes earlier this year. He planned to take the metaverse by storm in partnership with the fashion brand, Hugo, one-half of Hugo Bos. The idea was to debut a collection of newly minted, special edition NFTs, linked to a collection of physical t-shirts.

Chia explained his project was a reaction to the male-dominated world of NFT projects. He decided to create an inclusive collection that could appeal to all ages and genders. The result was Imaginary Ones, with its wildly creative approach to character design and its cheery, optimistic vibe.

Read more: Can NFTs really be environmentally friendly?

 

 

Crypto and NFTs: A sceptic and a believer debate the pros and cons

Tatler Asia
Devan Linus Rajadurai and Hugh Koh (Photo: Imran Sulaiman)
Above Devan Linus Rajadurai and Hugh Koh (Photo: Imran Sulaiman)

Hedge fund manager Devan Linus Rajadurai of MTC Asset Management and NFT proponent Hugh Koh of Pestle and Mortar Clothing shared their perspectives on cryptocurrency and NFTs. It was an interesting conversation as we learnt more about the different approaches both men take when evaluating NFTs and cryptocurrencies. 

Devan shared how he equated NFTs as virtual items one can show off, whereas Koh sees the value in NFTs as they help increase the freedom and independence afforded to creators.

Read more: Everything to know about the crypto winter

How effective leadership starts with good communication

Tatler Asia

John Koay, regional executive creative director of global public relations and marketing consultancy firm Edelman, shared his tips on communicating clearly, effectively and creatively.

Koay notably said storytelling plays a big part in communicating ideas. Start with interesting insights, build a lead-up that includes surprises and unwrap it slowly to attract your audience's attention.

He also noted how leaders need to accept that they will make wrong decisions from time to time, but they have to learn from them because indecisiveness teaches you nothing.

Read more: 5 important tips for young leaders: How to be a boss your team likes and respects

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