William Edwards, CFE, CEO, Edwards Global Associates, USA

A senior Executive with 37 years of international operations, development, executive and entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Edwards has lived in China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Turkey and the USA. He has directed projects on-site in Alaska, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Near East and worked on projects in over 60 countries. Mr. Edwards has experience in the oil and gas, information technology, management consulting and licensing sectors.

Mr. Edwards’ specialty is to identify, evaluate, plan and implement international market entry projects using his experience, expertise, knowledge, contact network and proprietary, trademarked processes. From 1990-2001, Mr. Edwards worked with the AlphaGraphics global digital print group as a master franchisee in China and Eastern Europe and also as the company’s USA-based Senior International Executive growing the company’s global network from 4 countries in the early 1990s to 24 countries.

Since EGS was founded in 2001, Mr. Edwards has advised more than 40 international franchisors on international development. The goal of the EGS GlobalTeam® in over 30 countries is to help franchisors realize their global potential. Mr. Edwards is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a Member of the ICFE Board of Governors as well as the International Committee, the Research Committee and the Supplier Forum of the International Franchise Association. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the International Institute of Franchise Education at NOVA Southeastern University.

Prior to his licensing and consulting career, Mr. Edwards had a 20-year oil and gas sector career with Atlantic Richfield and Ashland Oil while living in China, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Turkey and the US. He was involved in oil and gas exploration in Alaska and Indonesia as well as directing Atlantic Richfield’s exploration program inside China and establishing the company’s subsidiary in Turkey. Subsequently, Mr. Edwards founded an international oil and gas company and served as Senior International Development Advisor for Ashland Oil.

Mr. Edwards is a Member of the Board of Directors of IBS, an Istanbul-based market research group. He speaks and lectures around the world on taking businesses international and doing business in emerging markets at such venues as the University of California, Irvine, the Young Entrepreneurs Organization, The American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), Pepperdine University, Nova Southeastern University, the Franchise Council of Australia and The International Franchise Association.

Beginning in 2001, Mr. Edwards has published the GlobalVue™ country-ranking tool quarterly to help franchisors decide which are the best countries for the profitable development of their system.



Douglas Foo, CEO, Sakae Holdings Ltd

Sakae Sushi, a flagship brand of Sakae Holdings Ltd (formerly known as Apex-Pal International Ltd), is the brainchild of Mr Douglas Foo. At a time when people had to pay top dollar for Japanese food, Douglas, who also loves the healthy Asian cuisine, saw a gap for good quality and affordable Japanese food. So, he decided to venture into the food and beverage business even though he had no prior experience in running an F&B business.

Armed with his vision of building Sakae Sushi into a global brand, he opened his first outlet in OUB Plaza, in the midst of the Asian Financial Crisis. At a time when many saw nothing but doom and gloom, Douglas saw opportunities. And he has never looked back since.

Within a decade, Douglas grew Sakae Sushi from one outlet in Singapore to about 90 outlets in seven countries covering 9 cities including Singapore, Jakarta, Chiangmai, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Selangor, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City. Indeed, the brand has transcended all barriers and is at the start of a marathon as it races on a long journey to become the Starbucks of sushi. From one flagship brand, the Group now manages over 90 restaurants including 10 other brands including Sakae Teppanyaki, Sakae Izakaya, Sakae Delivery, Hei Sushi, Hibiki, Senjyu, The Pasta Shop, Crepes & Cream and Nouvelle Events.

Needless to say, these achievements did not happen overnight as Apex-Pal faced many challenges including intense competition, manpower constraints and escalating costs just to name a few. That’s not all. There were also major external threats such as the Financial Crisis, SARS, Bali bombing, 9-11 which affected the tourism sector and economy severely. Not one to give up easily, Douglas and his team persevered and weathered these forces. They went on to refine and build a proven business model which has contributed to its success.

Its commitment to excellence has paid off with the Group bagging more than 30 awards and accolades over the years. These include the CitiBusiness-SPBA Regional Brand Award 2006, Singapore Service Class 2004 and Singapore Innovation Award 2003 (Innovation of the Year) for its portable conveyor belt.

Douglas has also been conferred awards such as the Singapore Youth Award 2008 – Medal of Commendation, International Management Award 2007, the Singapore Youth Award 2003 and the Entrepreneur of the Year 2002 by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) amongst many others.

Moving forward, Sakae Holdings Ltd will continue to be a young, dynamic and innovative solutions provider, constantly breaking new grounds to offer quality and healthy food catering to the varied needs of its customers.

Ms Imeelia Ismail received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts, majoring in English Language and Mathematics, from the National University of Singapore; and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Australia.

Armed with a passion for teaching and great love for children, she began her career in the field of Early Childhood Education in 2003, when she joined Learning Vision International as a preschool educator. She later joined Learning Horizon Pte Ltd as an English Speech and Drama trainer for preschool children. Through the years since her entrance into the field of Early Childhood Education, Ms Imeelia has conducted training workshops and sharing sessions with other preschool educators.

With the knowledge and experience she has garnered over the years, she then took on the professional challenge of training prospective educators. Lecturing for close to two years, Ms Imeelia taught a variety of modules for the certificate and diploma programmes. She specializes in the areas of Language and Literacy as well as Music & Movement, and also feels very keenly towards mentoring and supervising students on practicum attachment.

Apart from the Early Childhood training programmes in Singapore, Ms Imeelia also lectured for the Diploma in Preschool Education programme in Dalian, China. Besides lecturing, Ms Imeelia had also been invited to host a radio programme on Radio Singapore International to provide child development tips to listeners; as well as parenting and career talks.

Ms Imeelia first joined Cherie Hearts as Vice President, President’s Office, where she worked closely with the Group President on launching new corporate projects and initiatives. She then moved to take on the position of Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, where she was responsible for all corporate communications of the Group. Subsequently, Ms Imeelia was re-deployed as Senior Vice President for Business Development, responsible for marketing of the Group.

Currently Ms Imeelia is the Chief Operating Officer of First Learning & Training Centre, overseeing the daily operations of the well-established training arm of Cherie Hearts Group.



Albert Kong, CFE, CEO, Asiawide Franchise Consultants Pte Ltd 

Albert Kong is the Chairman/CEO of Asiawide Franchise Consultants Pte Ltd, Asiawide Business Consultants Pte Ltd and Asiawide Trends Pte Ltd. The consulting business has been operating in Singapore since 1989 albeit under a different name before 1993. Under Albert’s leadership, the company has helped more than 500 companies in many parts of Asia to develop their business concepts and expand their businesses via franchising. Albert is amongst the first handful of Asians to be awarded by the International Franchise Association (IFA) the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) title. He is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and Practicing Management Consultant (PMC) and is an active council member at the Institute of Management Consultants, Singapore (www.imcsingapore.org.) Albert also serves as Honorary Secretary of ISCOS (www.iscos.org.sg) which helps ex-prisoners adapt to their new leash of life outside the prisons. He has also served as an Executive Council member of FLA (www.flasingapore.org) since 1993. Albert was a member of the government-led Franchise Services Advisory Committee at the Trade Development Board 1993 – 1997.

In recognition of his expertise, he has been invited to speak at franchise seminars in more than 30 nations in over 100 occasions. His brainchild Asia Franchise & Business Opportunities (AFBO) was launched on 28th March 1994. He was awarded by the CCFA in 2008 for contributing to the growth of franchising in China. He has contributed to many franchise magazines and is also the co-author of Developing and Managing a Franchise (LexusNexus).

Bret Lowell, CFE, Partner, DLA Piper, USA

Bret Lowell is an internationally recognized leader in franchise and distribution law and has counseled and represented clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including restaurants and food service, car rental, hotel and motel, health care, financial services, high tech, real estate, and retail.

Mr. Lowell's experience includes extensive analysis as to whether arrangements constitute "franchises"; drafting and negotiating domestic and international franchise, distribution, and license agreements; preparation and filing of disclosure documents; counsel and advice regarding the establishment and operation of franchise and distribution systems; counsel and advice regarding termination, transfer, and renewal obligations; dispute resolution, including representation before federal and state government agencies; mediation; due diligence reviews and document preparation in connection with public offerings, mergers, and acquisitions; and trademark and other intellectual property matters.

Mr. Lowell writes and speaks extensively on franchise-related topics in a variety of forums. He has been listed in The International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers, in The Best Lawyers in America; and in Who's Who in America. Washingtonian magazine has named him one of the Best Lawyers in Washington. Mr. Lowell was also listed in the 2005 Who's Who Legal: The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers and named both a Virginia Super Lawyer and a Washington, DC Super Lawyer. Franchise Times has named him to its list of “Legal Eagles,” the top 101 franchise lawyers in the US and Canada. The respected English research firm Chambers and Partners recognizes him in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, calling him "a superb transactional lawyer" and "an expert counselor."

Ned Lyerly, Chairman, Senior Vice President, Global Franchise Development, CKE Restaurants, Inc., USA

Ned Lyerly was named Senior Vice President of Global Franchise Development in August 2006.  Lyerly’s duties expand on his role as Senior Vice President of the Company’s international division, as he currently oversees franchise development for the Carl’s Jr., and Hardee’s brands in the United States and around the world.

Previous Positions:  Vice President International (CKE Restaurants, Inc.), Director - International Finance and Marketing (Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc), Director – International Finance (Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc.), Director – Domestic Finance (Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc.), Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis (Imasco USA, Inc. / Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc.)

Professional Summary: Franchise professional specializing in the restaurant industry’s quick service restaurant segment.  Key strengths include franchise system development, international, and a multifunctional knowledge base that includes executive management, franchise operations, marketing, development, franchise sales and finance.  

Professional Designations:  Chairman – IFA’s International Committee, Member IFA Global Marketing Task Force, Former Chairman of the Board – Carl’s Jr. Asian Development Corporation, Former Board Member – Carl’s Jr. Asian Development Corporation.

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

John Ong, Managing Director and Principal Consultant, FT Consulting Pte Ltd, Singapore

In addition to being FT Consulting’s Managing Director and Principal Consultant, John is also the Managing Director of Ya Kun International, a food service franchise and a sister company of FT Consulting. Today, through a combination of direct ownership and franchising, Ya Kun operates more than 50 outlets in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines. John is also serving as an Executive Committee Member of the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) Singapore. In addition to being the Chief Trainer for FLA's Fundamentals of Franchise Management course, John is a lecturer for Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Specialist Diploma on Franchise Management.

On the branding front, John was involved in the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) 2007 as a member of the Organizing Committee. Being the Managing Director of Ya Kun International, he was personally involved in crafting the Brand Strategy, setting the Brand Positioning, and ensuring the Brand Promise would be delivered throughout the organization. Ya Kun won the Superbrands Award in 2004/2005 and the SPBA Heritage Brand Award in 2005. Because of John’s good grasps of business fundamentals, brand development issues and intellectual assets exploitation, he is able to offer a unique and holistic approach towards branding that can yield long-lasting positive results for any organisation.



Winston Tang, Regional Executive, V-Kool International

Winston plays a pivotal role in managing and developing the V-KOOL® franchise namely in the South East Asia and Latin American regions. Since joining V-KOOL® in 2008 as a Regional Executive, he has been actively involved in developing new training programs on product knowledge, sales and marketing and franchise development strategies. Winston holds a Bachelor degree in Business Management and Diploma in Electrical Engineering.






Catch these exciting speakers at FLAsia 2010! Complete the registration form and fax it to (65) 6467 8385 or send it to us via email.

• Financing Options for International Franchising
  Speaker:
  Chris Furness, Head Product, Group SME Banking, Standard Chartered Bank
• Maintaining: Protecting the Brand Through Standards Enforcement
  Speakers:
  Franco Vicario, Partner, Studio Legale Vicario
  Jose Luis Andrade Nava, CEO, Andrade Nava & Associates
  Daniela Mercedes Torres Neri Duran, CEO, MLIN

12.30pm – 2.30pm
Luncheon & General Session

• “YRI: Building BIG Brands in Asia-Pacific”
  Guest Speaker:
  Henry Saliba, FBU Director of Development, YUM! Brands, Inc.

2.45pm – 3.45pm
Business Solution Roundtables

4.00pm – 5.00pm
Panel of Experts
Moderator:
Kenneth D. Walker, CFE, Chairman & CEO, Driven Brands, Inc. & IFA Chairman of the Board
Speakers:
Douglas Foo, CEO, Sakae Holdings Ltd
Dr. T. Chandroo, CEO, Modern Montessori International
Martin Amschler, VP, Franchise, RadioShack Corporation




Click here to download the Registration Form.

Presented By

With members’ common objective of business growth and expansion through franchising and licensing formats, Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore) seeks to continually promote the platforms of entrepreneurship and internationalism in the industry.

Organised By

BIZLINK Premium Services Pte Ltd is a Professional Exhibition Organiser dedicated to advancing the interests of the various industries that it serves through a synergistic 3-pronged approach - exhibitions/events, publications & internet.

A forward-thingking organization with a dynamic team having over 30 years of collective experience in exhibition organising and management, BizLink is fully committed to providing utmost quality services to its exhbitors.

BizLink is a member of "Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers" (SACEOS) and various trade associations.

For more information, please visit www.BizLink.com.sg.

Held In

Strategically located within the heart of the Asia Pacific, Singapore ranks amongst one of the best places in the world to start or grow your business. It is fast becoming the strategic base to access the 500-million-people in the Southeast Asian market and the 2.8 billion strong Asian markets. Its excellent business infrastructure, world-class transport network and political stability provide you an excellent springboard into the regional markets.

For more information about Singapore, please visit www.VisitSingapore.com.

Marina Bay Sands® dazzles with its breathtaking features and fascinating experiences, right in the heart of Singapore’s city center, a 20-minute ride from Singapore Changi Airport.

Three luxury hotel towers with over 2,500 rooms and suites are crowned by the Sands SkyPark®. At 200 meters in the sky, it provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the city skyline and the sea. Shoppers will be thrilled by the world’s most coveted designer labels under one roof, while food connoisseurs can take their pick from celebrity chef restaurants to local delights and many more. Marina Bay Sands elevates night-time entertainment to a new level with world-class gaming, new-concept bars, and ultra-hip clubs that hail from leading cities around the world. Disney’s multi-award winning musical “The Lion King” will also have a new home with its Southeast Asian premiere in October 2010.

Click here for directions to Marina Bay Sands Singapore. For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com

Presented By

With members’ common objective of business growth and expansion through franchising and licensing formats, Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore) seeks to continually promote the platforms of entrepreneurship and internationalism in the industry.

Organised By

BIZLINK Exhibition Services Pte Ltd is a Professional Exhibition Organiser dedicated to advancing the interests of the various industries that it serves through a synergistic 3-pronged approach - exhibitions/events, publications & internet.

A forward-thingking organization with a dynamic team having over 30 years of collective experience in exhibition organising and management, BizLink is fully committed to providing utmost quality services to its exhbitors.

Held In

Strategically located within the heart of the Asia Pacific, Singapore ranks amongst one of the best places in the world to start or grow your business. It is fast becoming the strategic base to access the 500-million-people in the Southeast Asian market and the 2.8 billion strong Asian markets. Its excellent business infrastructure, world-class transport network and political stability provide you an excellent springboard into the regional markets.

For more information about Singapore, please visit www.VisitSingapore.com.

Franchising & Licensing Association Singapore started as Singapore's national franchise body. It was one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council.

With members' common objective of business growth and expansion through franchising and licensing formats, Franchising & Licensing Association Singapore seeks to continually promote the platforms of entrepreneurship and internationalism in the industry.

BizLink Exhibition Services is a Professional Exhibition & Conference Organizer that leverages on a synergistic 3-pronged approach - exhibition/event, publication and internet for the benefits of the various industries that it serves.

Powered by a team with combined industry experience of more than 30 years, we are a forward-thinking and client-oriented organization that thrives on a culture of service excellence.

BizLink Exhibition Services is a member of "Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organizer & Suppliers" and various trade associations.

Official Print Partner 

Media Partners

In a year which saw most events being affected by the global economy, Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) 2009 defied the odds with a 7% increase in visitor attendance from 2008.

The 3-day event which was held from 15 – 17 October 2009 at Suntec Singapore saw 10,663 attendees from 41 countries & regions coming to negate, discuss and explore business opportunities with franchises, licenses, brands and business concepts from around the globe. It once again reaffirms FLAsia’s status as the most international trade event for franchising and licensing in Asia.

Visitor Survey Results

Accolades & Praises

The past few years have seen fruitful discussions conducted at the show being turned into flourishing business ventures. Despite the economic slowdown, the last show saw a record of 10,663 attendees from Asia and beyond seeking to explore and negotiate various franchising and licensing deals.

As the economy picks up, FLAsia 2010 presents you with a prime opportunity to expand business horizons into Asia and position yourself as a key market leader. You can promote your brands, introduce fresh business concepts, and discover business opportunities with potential franchisees, licensees and investors all within 3 days; this could be more than what you would garner in a year!

The yields from exhibiting are boundless; seize this chance today to turn the unlimited business opportunities that await into successful business ventures this October!

Make a date with e-Match Business Matching Program!
Zoom in on exhibitors of interest as you screen through the products & services listing, and schedule a private appointment with them even before you set foot into the show. This is a free service made available only to pre-registered visitors. Be sure to register your visit closer to the show!

Hot-Match Presentations
Learn more about the franchising models / licensing properties of various exhibitors as they make their presentations away from the crowd. This is your chance to get more information and get direct answers to your queries!

Educational Talks
Gain greater knowledge as you attend these talks conducted during the show.  Pick up useful tips and insights, and network with like-minded individuals who may end up becoming your next business partner! 

• 寻求特许经营与专利授权项目者
• 有意愿创业者
• 寻找专利授权项目的制造商、分销商、批发商和零售商
• 投资者、风险资本家、企业开发商和商业顾问
• 寻找特许经营和专利授权信息的企业家
• 寻求替代性分配和运作方式的连锁店经营商
• 所有想了解特许经营和专利授权业者

• 尋求特許經營與專利授權項目者
• 有意願創業者
• 尋找專利授權項目的制造商、分銷商、批發商和零售商
• 投資者、風險資本家、企業開發商和商業顧問
• 尋找特許經營和專利授權信息的企業家
• 尋求替代性分配和運作方式的連鎖店經營商
• 所有想了解特許經營和專利授權業者

Information will be made available closer to the show date. Do stay tuned!

If you would like to receive updates, please join our mailing list. Alternatively, you can contact us for more information.

Should you have any further queries or require any assistance, please contact Ms. Gloria Wong directly at (65) 6467 8385. Thank you. 

Session 1: Leadership for High Performance in Franchising Business - Preparing for a Better Future
Michael Paul, CEO, Pack & Send International, Australia
File available here

Session 2: All About Private Equity - The Latest Trends in Franchise Mergers & Acquisitions
Keoy Soo Earn, Partner and Head - M&A Transcation Services, Deloitte Southeast Asia, SIngapore
File available here

Session 3: Maximising Partnership Gains Through Effective Marketing Programs
David Chiem, Founder, Chairman and Group CEO, MindChamps, Singapore
File available here

Registration & Enquiries

If you have any enquiries or would like to register, please contact (65) 6467 8385.

Please note that seats are limited, and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.