Connect with us

Technology

Franchising & Licensing Asia 2024 to Unlock New Horizons in Licensing and Tech-Enabled Franchising

Published

on

SINGAPORE, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Presented by the Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore) and organised by Constellar, the 19th edition of Franchising & Licensing Asia will take place at Sands Expo & Convention Centre from September 12 to 14. Featuring over 300 franchise brands and licensable characters by 150 exhibitors, including international franchises from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan region, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam, FLAsia 2024 is the region’s most international franchising event. 

Unparalleled Insights and Opportunities for Franchising & Licensing in Asia

Asia’s rapidly growing Gen Z population will become the highest consumer spending class globally by 2030, presenting vast opportunities as a target market for businesses to expand in Asia through franchising & licensing. With Asia already contributing over 30% of all franchised businesses worldwide, this region offers lucrative prospects for both homegrown and global brands, especially as the demand for quality products and services across sectors like beauty, wellness, education, and technology surges. As an entrepreneurial venture, franchising and licensing provides relative business stability and growth, and will appeal to financially-savvy younger generations with a lower-risk appetite.

Singapore’s pro-business environment provides a strategic launchpad and springboard for these ventures, making FLAsia 2024 a crucial platform for exploring partnerships and driving regional business growth. FLAsia 2024 will offer unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to connect with leading brands looking to expand across the rapidly growing Asia Pacific consumer market, as well as thought leaders, business owners and decision-makers offering insights into building business resilience and scalability. FLAsia 2024 is supported by regional trade and franchising associations in Cambodia, China, Egypt, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan area, Thailand and Vietnam.

Deep-Dive into the World of Brand and Character Licensing

For the first time, FLAsia 2024 features an expansive showcase of licensable brands and characters, as well as comprehensive content, to equip interested parties for the journey. Characters include those from the Marvel Universe, Pac Man, Sonic The Hedgehog, Tamagotchi and The Legend of Hei. Attendees can also connect with representatives from Avex Asia, Bandai Namco, Disney and XM Studios, among others, at the FLAsia Conference and gain insights into the evolving landscape of brand and character licensing.

The conference will feature two key panel discussions on brand and character licensing, highlighting the advantages of strategic collaborations and emerging trends that are reshaping the industry. The first session, “The Power of Brand Licensing: How Strategic Collaboration Can Help Scale Your Business,” moderated by John Ong, Executive Chairman of FT Consulting, will explore how innovative licensing models and partnerships can expand brand reach and drive growth. Panellists include Alex Baillie, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Company, Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East; Ben Ang, CEO of XM Studios; and Winston Chan, Board Director of IPOS International and Chief Executive Officer of FT Consulting.

The second session, “Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Brand Licensing: Disrupting Traditional Models,” moderated by Esther Wee, President of IIPCC Singapore and IP Consultant at RHT Law Asia LLP, will examine the impact of digital content, social media, technology, sustainability, and globalisation on brand licensing. The panel features Dr. Bryan Tan, Chief Executive Officer of COL Web, Edmund Low, Head of Licensing Division (APAC) at Avex Asia, and Tracy Lui, Senior Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Mount Faber Leisure Group.

“Character and brand licensing offers exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs to leverage established brand equity, accelerating growth and market penetration,” said Mr Edmund Low, Head of Licensing Division (APAC) at Avex Asia. “By partnering with recognizable characters or brands, businesses can tap into existing consumer fandom, reduce marketing costs and enhance overall credibility. Embracing brand extensions not only fosters innovation through collaboration but also creates synergistic partnerships that drive long-term success. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore the vast potential of brand licensing as a strategic pathway to elevate their business ventures and achieve sustainable growth.”

Learn about the impact of Technology and how to build Tech-Driven Strategies in Franchising

The conference will also feature two pivotal sessions focused on navigating today’s complex business and franchising environment impacted by technology. In the session “Business Not as Usual,” Kok Ping Soon, CEO of Singapore Business Federation, will provide critical insights into the key factors that drive business success, offering actionable strategies to overcome barriers and build resilient, future-ready companies amidst rapid technological developments and a challenging operating environment.

Mr Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Business Federation (SBF) said, “In a ‘business-not-as-usual’ environment, SBF has supported our members by shaping solutions, allowing them to pivot quickly, maintain continuity, and adapt to unexpected challenges. SBF strives to empower our members with the necessary know-how and skillsets through the various initiatives such as driving internationalisation efforts, building on sustainability, and working with various partners to bring fundamental digital solutions to SMEs.”

The second session, “The Tech Advantage: Why You Should Choose a Tech-Driven Franchise,” moderated by Oliver Tian, Founder and Director of Oliver Tian Associates, will explore how technology is revolutionising franchising. Panellists Jeremy Choong of Jayvoxx Holdings, Keith Tan of Crown Digital, and Xiao Saunders of Xiao Saunders Consultation will discuss the benefits of tech-forward franchises, including higher profits, easier expansion, and a competitive market edge.

“Tech-driven franchise models allow entrepreneurs to tap into advanced technology to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences,” said Mr Keith Tan, CEO & Founder of Crown Digital Pte Ltd. “For instance, we combined AI and robotics to develop Ella the robot barista, a groundbreaking tech-enabled franchise opportunity that redefines the F&B landscape. Ella transforms the coffee experience by delivering consistent, efficient, and contactless service, catering to modern consumer needs. By investing in tech-driven franchises such as Ella, franchisees join the forefront of innovation, driving the future of automated retail globally.”

Apart from the above sessions, attendees can engage in interactive discussions and practical workshops that will provide them with comprehensive knowledge on franchising in Southeast Asia.

Connect with New and Established Franchisors Onsite

FLAsia 2024 will enable attendees with franchising intent to make more informed decisions as they connect with franchises onsite. These include 60 percent new franchises in beauty & wellness, education, food & beverage, health, and retail, such as Angel’s Pizza from Philippines; Café Bom Bom, EatPizza and Ediya Coffee from South Korea; 9.36 Wellness, Marrybrown and US Pizza from Malaysia; Appzdate, Dian Xiao Er, Logiscool, Organique and Shenmo Education from Singapore. Returning franchises include Fun Learner’s School, GoPizza, KC Group, Salady, The Jelly Heart and TungLok Group.

Find out more about the exhibitors in the Annex. To attend FLAsia 2024, sign up here.

For latest information on FLAsia 2024, connect on Linkedin and Facebook.

***

About Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore)

FLA (Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore’s franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore’s knowledge-based economy, FLA (Singapore) promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, thus contributing to turning Singapore as a regional franchise and license hub. Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA (Singapore) also assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 150 companies, representing more than 250 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and a full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally. https://www.flasingapore.org/ 

About Constellar

Constellar is Asia’s preferred partner for convening businesses, curating ideas and creating opportunities for sustainable business growth and global impact. Based in Singapore with a regional footprint in China and Malaysia, we curate and develop influential trade and consumer events for key industries, connecting global marketplaces in sectors such as fintech, industrial transformation and ESG. We also manage the Singapore EXPO, Singapore’s largest purpose-built venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). Our vision is to be a global leader made in Asia, activating impactful networks to enable cross-industry collaboration and innovation through our holistic portfolio of intellectual properties (IP) in the MICE industry. Visit constellar.co for more information.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/franchising–licensing-asia-2024-to-unlock-new-horizons-in-licensing-and-tech-enabled-franchising-302239133.html

SOURCE Constellar

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Dreame Unveils PowerSight 40V Series at DREAME NEXT Launch Event 2026: Smart Display, Stable Power, Eco-Friendly Garden Care

Published

on

By

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dreame Technology, a global leader in high-end consumer electronics and intelligent manufacturing, has kicked off its highly anticipated DREAME NEXT launch event at the iconic Palace of Fine Arts, running from April 27 to 30, 2026. The centerpiece of the showcase includes the PowerSight™ 40V cordless yard tool series, which is currently available for live demonstrations, with the official global unveiling scheduled for the afternoon of April 28.

As a highly anticipated cross-industry feast attracting global attention from the tech community, the event has gathered numerous renowned scientists and leaders in the technology field. Thousands of guests from more than 50 countries and regions around the world have converged at this iconic venue, including senior industry experts, global core distributors, international mainstream media, and key opinion leaders (KOLs). Beyond these distinguished guests, the event has also drawn significant attention from technology enthusiasts, industry professionals, and eco-conscious homeowners alike, who have flocked to the Palace of Fine Arts to experience Dreame’s latest innovation firsthand. Throughout the first day, Dreame’s team has engaged in extensive one-on-one conversations with visitors, demonstrating the full capabilities of the PowerSight™ 40V lineup, including the chainsaw, 21-inch lawn mower, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and solar charger.

The official presentation on April 28 will focus on three core technological innovations that set the PowerSight™ 40V series apart:

SyncCore™ Brushless Motor Technology: Delivering competitive power-to-weight ratio with minimal energy loss, ensuring longer runtime and quieter operation compared to traditional motors.Dual-Channel Communication BMS: Enabling instant, lossless communication between battery and tool for stable power delivery, real-time monitoring of voltage, current and temperature, and enhanced safety protection.PowerSight™ Intelligent Display: Providing users with intuitive access to battery level, runtime estimates, and performance metrics, revolutionizing how homeowners interact with their yard tools.

Dreame’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the series, with optimized design and enhanced transmission that boost energy efficiency measurably, delivering longer runtime per charge. The system also supports solar charging, allowing users to work with one battery while charging the other with clean, renewable energy—an innovative feature that has resonated strongly with environmentally conscious attendees.

This efficient, cost-saving system represents a great advancement in the field of cordless outdoor equipment, offering a practical, eco-friendly solution for modern garden care needs.

Following the official unveiling, the PowerSight™ 40V series will be available for pre-order, with global availability across major markets expected in the coming months. Detailed pricing and regional availability will be announced later.

About Dreame Technology

Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is a global leader in high-end consumer electronics and intelligent manufacturing with the vision to empower lives through technology. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. For more information, visit https://global.dreametech.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreame-unveils-powersight-40v-series-at-dreame-next-launch-event-2026-smart-display-stable-power-eco-friendly-garden-care-302753597.html

SOURCE Dreame Technology

Continue Reading

Technology

Wilbur Labs 2026 Startup Failure Report Reveals AI Is the Top Threat for Half of Startup Founders

Published

on

By

MIAMI, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Wilbur Labs released their 2026 Report on Startup Failure, showing half of founders (50%) identified technological disruption, including AI, as the top threat to their company. Additionally, 59% of founders said they are concerned about their business surviving the next 12 months.

Click here for more information: https://www.wilburlabs.com/blueprints/why-startups-fail

Startup success stories often dominate headlines, but the reality of entrepreneurship is far less predictable. 81% of founders said their company pivoted from its original idea at least once, while 42% said they wish they had pivoted sooner.

“Startups rarely fail because founders lack ambition or intelligence,” said Phil Santoro, Co-Founder of Wilbur Labs. “More often, early assumptions about the market or product turn out to be wrong. The founders who succeed recognize those signals early and adapt.”

Product-market fit remains the biggest challenge
More than half of founders (54%) said their most important lesson from failure was the need to better understand product-market fit. Additionally, 44% cited product or technology issues as the primary cause of failure, and 25% cited running out of money (down from 38% in 2023).

“Even with AI making it easier to iterate than ever, product-market fit is still the foundation of every successful company,” said David Kolodny, Co-Founder of Wilbur Labs. “When founders get that right, a lot of other problems become manageable. When they don’t, challenges like competition, product issues, and capital constraints inevitably follow.”

The human cost of entrepreneurship
Beyond strategy, founders report significant personal strain. Nearly 9 in 10 (90%) said they experienced stress or burnout severe enough to make them consider quitting, while 87% said building a company was lonelier than expected.

Despite these challenges, resilience remains strong. More than 4 in 5 (81%) founders who experienced failure said they would start another company, with 31% motivated to do so immediately.

“Failure is rarely the end of the story. For most entrepreneurs, it’s actually the beginning of the next chapter,” Kolodny said.

Methodology
This study was designed and conducted by Wilbur Labs as part of ongoing research into startup failure and founder experiences. Wilbur Labs engaged Wakefield Research to assist with survey administration. The survey was made up of 200 U.S. tech founders between February 3-12, 2026, via email and online questionnaire. The margin of error is ±6.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About Wilbur Labs
Wilbur Labs is a startup studio that turns bold ideas into market-leading companies. The studio identifies unsolved customer problems, researches solutions, and builds or invests in companies to solve them. Visit www.wilburlabs.com for more information.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wilbur-labs-2026-startup-failure-report-reveals-ai-is-the-top-threat-for-half-of-startup-founders-302755951.html

SOURCE Wilbur Labs

Continue Reading

Technology

Aligned Fitness Expands Beyond Southeast With Acquisition of Six Club Pilates Studios in Ohio

Published

on

By

ATLANTA, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aligned Fitness Holdings, a leading franchisee of Club Pilates, has acquired CAM Pilates, a Columbus, Ohio-based franchisee operating six top-performing studios. The transaction expands its total footprint to 55 studios.

The acquisition broadens Aligned Fitness’ geographic reach beyond its established base in the Southeastern United States, where it has locations in North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina, positioning the company for continued growth across the region and the Mid-Atlantic. By entering the Columbus market, the firm gains access to a high-demand, high-growth metro area while creating additional opportunities for new studio development.

CAM Pilates was founded and operated by Caitlin McTigue and Jason Tomany, widely respected franchisees known for building high-performing studios and a strong culture. Aligned Fitness plans to work closely with the existing team to maintain operational excellence while expanding access to Pilates across the region.

“This acquisition represents a natural extension of our strategy to partner with best-in-class operators in markets where we can build density and scale,” said Jon Smith, chief executive officer of Aligned Fitness Holdings. “Caitlin and Jason have built exceptional studios with a strong community focus, and we are excited to work alongside their team to continue delivering the benefits of Pilates to more people. Entering Columbus also demonstrates that our platform can successfully expand beyond our Southeastern roots into new, high-quality markets.”

Aligned Fitness has grown through a combination of new studio development and targeted acquisitions, focusing on premier franchisees in attractive markets. The addition of CAM Pilates reinforces the company’s position as an emerging multi-state platform in boutique fitness.

The broader boutique fitness industry continues to experience strong momentum, driven by consumer demand for personalized, community-oriented experiences. According to Allied Market Research, the global Pilates and yoga studios market is projected to reach $521 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 14.3 percent.

Aligned Fitness will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and organic growth opportunities to expand its footprint and bring Pilates to more communities across its target regions.

Media contact
Thornton Kennedy
E | thornton@prsouth.net
C | 404 210 0363

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aligned-fitness-expands-beyond-southeast-with-acquisition-of-six-club-pilates-studios-in-ohio-302755988.html

SOURCE Eagle Merchant Partners

Continue Reading

Trending