Empowering businesses to build brand equity and expand globally
It stemmed from the founders' first-hand observations that many local companies struggled to expand, not due to limitations in their products or services, but because of the absence of a clear and structured internationalisation model. To bridge this gap, they developed a comprehensive framework designed to work alongside enterprises, starting with building and strengthening brand equity, followed by developing digital capabilities to enable business scalability, followed by overseas business matching and market development initiatives to open doors to new markets and deliver measurable results.
'We observed that many SMEs had strong local products or services but lacked a cohesive strategy to scale internationally. Many companies might not be aware that there is a structured approach to building a brand and expanding overseas. With this framework, we can measure success more effectively, take a calculated approach, and provide a stronger launchpad for our clients' brands to succeed globally,' says Joycefaith Ang, the company's Co-founder and Managing Director.
'From the very beginning of the process, we build every brand with a clear vision, laying the foundation for internationalisation, sustainability, and a lasting legacy.'
Operating through a collaborative partnership model, SJ works closely with strategic partners across key domains including regional market development, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and digital infrastructure. This approach enables the firm to co-create innovative, scalable solutions that empower small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow beyond borders with a stronger competitive edge.
Headquartered in Singapore, the firm has established a strong regional presence, supported by team members and strategic partners across key Asian markets. Leveraging this footprint, SJ delivers both deep local insights and global perspectives to its clients. Its ability to seamlessly integrate strategic planning with hands-on execution has earned recognition across diverse sectors, including education, engineering, technology, retail, and professional services.
With its future-ready methodology anchored by people, process, and technology, SJ continues to serve as a key partner for SMEs looking to expand beyond Singapore and into the global marketplace.
From strategy to execution
Every engagement at SJ Digital Media Solutions begins with a thorough diagnostic process. Recognising that each business is unique, the team develops tailored solutions aligned with the client's industry, growth stage, and long-term vision. SJ's work with plastics manufacturer Impact Rank, for instance, saw the company repositioned as a sustainability leader after shifting to 100 per cent plant-based plastics. This opened doors to ESG-focused partners and investors.
Recruit Now and Coldworld Engineering are other examples, having secured partnerships with publicly listed companies following SJ's facilitation of regional business matching with top-tier distributors and strategic partners. In the education sector, META Robotics and WhizMinds Academy have also built strong brand equity and achieved increasing market traction after working with SJ.
Meanwhile, AL Tyre saw operational efficiency rise across five outlets following SJ's support for the company's digital transformation. This not only enhanced their operational capabilities but also strengthened their overall business equity.
'We recognised a critical gap. Companies needed a unified, end-to-end framework that strategically aligned brand development with cross-border business growth,' says Dane Soh, Co-founder of SJ Digital Media Solutions.
Across all projects, SJ places strong emphasis not just on handover, but on continual tracking of measurable results, regular performance reviews, and iterative improvement.
'Clients today don't just need strategy, they need real execution,' Soh notes. 'We walk alongside them through every phase, ensuring that strategic planning is effectively translated into sustainable business growth.'
Co-founder Dane Soh & Co-founder Joycefaith Ang.
Cracking new markets with confidence
Many SMEs assume that success overseas is reserved for large enterprises or those with established overseas networks. Breaking that perception, SJ has demonstrated that with a structured strategy, internationalisation is not only attainable, but also scalable and measurable through a proven strategic framework.
'From brand to business, we do everything for them. We identify critical gaps and strengthen the necessary business capabilities. When entering a new market with us, we ensure they have a clear competitive edge before launch. Our goal is to maximise their chances of success – that's the benchmark we set for every project,' says Ang.
One of the firm's biggest growth areas has been the Middle East. Despite being perceived as a difficult market, SJ has helped Singapore brands establish a strong foothold there by providing market-tested strategies for positioning and cultural adaptation, as well as ongoing in-market support.
Many clients who lacked confidence in international expansion now operate with long-term plans in the region. SJ's support has shown that having a clear plan works better than relying on luck or personal connections.
Our trusted clients since 2016.
What works behind the scenes
SJ's internal operations play a crucial role in delivering consistent results. Its headquarters in Singapore sets the broader strategy, while each region is led by a regional head and a team of country leaders. A structured assembly line workflow divides responsibilities across functional teams.
From brand strategy to market matching and in-market sales support, each function has a dedicated team responsible for execution. Meanwhile, real-time dashboards track project milestones and key performance indicators. This workflow model ensures seamless handovers and high accountability.
SJ has also fostered a strong culture of ownership that supports the team's motivation. Performance metrics are visible and team members are evaluated based on clear benchmarks. Says Ang: 'We celebrate every successful project as a shared achievement. That reinforces a sense of purpose and progress across our expanding global team.'
Future-ready growth
SJ's long-term vision is to serve as the central network for cross-border business connectivity across Asia. The firm is currently working toward its '30 by 30' goal to establish a presence in 30 cities by 2030. These regional offices will serve as launchpads for Singapore brands looking to scale with confidence.
'Business expansion and sales should no longer rely on chance or fragmented networks. We seek to empower enterprises with a seamless, strategic and execution-focused model for cross-border growth,' explains Ang.
In support of this ambition, SJ has also scaled its own operations. Its internationalisation model is now enhanced with AI tools, automation platforms, and proprietary market assessment methodologies. Staff also undergo ongoing training and performance benchmarking to remain sharp and market relevant.
'Our aspiration is to be recognised not just as a consultancy firm, but as the leading execution partner connecting businesses across Asia – powered by a comprehensive, end-to-end framework,' says Ang.
SJ 4-Phase framework
SJ's 4-Phase Framework empowers businesses to progress from brand building to international expansion – delivering measurable outcomes and real market traction at every stage.
Branding & marketing Helping businesses establish distinct brand identities and marketing strategies that are tightly aligned with long-term business goals and global positioning.
Business strategy development Through structured innovation and digital transformation, SJ equips clients with scalable business models and operational strategies designed for sustainable international growth and long-term legacy.
Overseas business matching Ensuring that brands translate into real business outcomes, SJ Digital Media Solutions facilitates full-scope business matching with in-market partners including distributors, franchisees, and joint ventures, supported by end-to-end post-negotiation services to maximise success and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Overseas business development Driving real traction beyond market entry, SJ Digital Media Solutions delivers overseas business development through full-cycle sales engagement – ensuring efforts are sustained, strategic, and results-driven.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
5 hours ago
- Business Times
Cathay Pacific warns of declining fares and cargo uncertainty, shares fall
[HONG KONG] Cathay Pacific Airways warned on Wednesday (Aug 6) of declining airfares, challenges at its budget carrier and uncertain cargo market conditions, sending its shares down almost 10 per cent to a one-month low. Hong Kong's flagship airline also said it had ordered 14 more Boeing 777-9 wide-body jets as it expands long-haul routes, taking its total orders for the model to 35 with options for another seven. Cathay's first-half profit rose 1 per cent to HK$3.65 billion (S$597.7 million) on a strong jump in passenger numbers, lower fuel prices and a steady cargo performance. But passenger yields, a proxy for airfares, fell 12.3 per cent at its main brand and 21.6 per cent at low-cost carrier HK Express, as Cathay and its rivals added capacity. 'HK Express continues to face short-term challenges,' chairman Patrick Healy said after the budget airline posted a first-half loss of HK$524 million, before net finance charges and taxation. Healy said Cathay was taking a long-term view and expected HK Express to become profitable. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Cathay shares ended 9.7 per cent lower at their lowest close since Jul 4, having seen their biggest one-day percentage drop since January 2021. The benchmark Hang Seng Index gained 0.3 per cent. 'The results were in line with expectations but the performance from the budget airline segment was not impressive,' said Steven Leung, a sales director in Hong Kong at brokerage UOB Kay Hian. Yields at Asia's airlines are coming down from post-pandemic record highs as carriers add capacity, intensifying competition. Asian peer Singapore Airlines said last week its yields declined 3.5 per cent in the April to June quarter, while those at its low-cost carrier Scoot fell 4.7 per cent. Cathay's chief commercial officer Lavinia Lau said a rise in long-haul flights and transit passengers was also pushing yields lower. North America yields took the biggest hit, falling by 17.5 per cent, and pressure on those routes could continue as Cathay added 50 per cent more US-bound capacity this summer and US visa issues for Chinese nationals may impact traveller numbers, Lau said. Bookings for Japan have not yet recovered to normal levels since a substantial drop-off in June amid rumours an earthquake would strike the country, CEO Ronald Lam said. Based at the world's busiest cargo airport, Cathay is one of Asia's largest cargo carriers and has benefitted from rising volumes of e-commerce out of China. Cathay said its cargo business showed resilience despite uncertainty caused by changes to US tariffs this year, in particular the cancellation of a duty-free exemption for low-value packages from China. The cargo division's half-year revenue rose 2.2 per cent, while yields fell 3.4 per cent. Cathay's order for 14 more 777-9 planes with GE engines exercised options secured in a 2013 order for 21 of the jets. It expects delivery by 2034. The long-delayed 777-9, Boeing's latest version of its 777, has not yet been certified. The model is undergoing flight testing and Boeing hopes to start deliveries next year. Cathay said it expects its first 777-9 delivery in 2027. REUTERS
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Straits Times
India's Modi to visit China for first time in 7 years as tensions with US rise
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: A worker makes final checks on jeans pants before packaging in a garment manufacturing unit on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China for the first time in over seven years, a government source said on Wednesday, in a further sign of a diplomatic thaw with Beijing as tensions with the United States rise. Modi will go to China for a summit of the multilateral Shanghai Cooperation Organisation that begins on Aug. 31, the government source, with direct knowledge of the matter, told Reuters. India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. His trip will come at a time when India's relationship with the U.S. faces its most serious crisis in years after President Donald Trump imposed the highest tariffs among Asian peers on goods imported from India, and has threatened an unspecified further penalty for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. Modi's visit to the Chinese city of Tianjin for the summit of the SCO, a Eurasian political and security grouping that includes Russia, will be his first since June 2018. Subsequently, Sino-Indian ties deteriorated sharply after a military clash along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020. Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Russia in October that led to a thaw. The giant Asian neighbours are now slowly defusing tensions that have hampered business relations and travel between the two countries. Trump has threatened to charge an additional 10% tariff on imports from members - which include India - of the BRICS group of major emerging economies for "aligning themselves with Anti-American policies." Trump said on Wednesday his administration would decide on the penalty for buying Russian oil after the outcome of U.S. efforts to seek a last-minute breakthrough that would bring about a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. Trump's top diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow, two days before the expiry of a deadline the president set for Russia to agree to peace in Ukraine or face new sanctions. Meanwhile, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is in Russia on a scheduled visit and is expected to discuss India's purchases of Russian oil in the wake of Trump's pressure on India to stop buying Russian crude, according to another government source, who also did not want to be named. Doval is likely to address India's defence cooperation with Russia, including obtaining faster access to pending exports to India of Moscow's S400 air defence system, and a possible visit by President Vladimir Putin to India. Doval's trip will be followed by Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in the weeks to come. EXPORT IMPACT U.S. and Indian officials told Reuters a mix of political misjudgement, missed signals and bitterness scuttled trade deal negotiations between the world's biggest and fifth-largest economies, whose bilateral trade is worth over $190 billion. India expects Trump's crackdown could cost it a competitive advantage in about $64 billion worth of goods sent to the U.S. that account for 80% of its total exports, four separate sources told Reuters, citing an internal government assessment. However, the relatively low share of exports in India's $4 trillion economy is expected to limit the direct impact on economic growth. On Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of India left its GDP growth forecast for the current April-March financial year unchanged at 6.5% and held rates steady despite the tariff uncertainties. India's government assessment report has assumed a 10% penalty for buying Russian oil, which would take the total U.S. tariff to 35%, the sources said. India's trade ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The internal assessment report is the government's initial estimate and will change as the quantum of tariffs imposed by Trump becomes clear, all four sources said. India exported goods estimated at around $81 billion in 2024 to the U.S. REUTERS
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Straits Times
South Korea says timing of US tariff cut on autos not decided
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox South Korean auto makers such as Hyundai Motor and Kia want the tariff cut brought in swiftly. SEOUL - South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said on Aug 6 that Seoul needs to hold further discussions with Washington on the timing of the promised tariff cuts on the country's car exports to the US from the current level of 25 per cent. President Donald Trump said last week the US will charge a 15 per cent tariff on imports from South Korea, including autos, as part of a deal that eases tensions with a top-10 trading partner and key Asian ally. The 15 per cent US tariffs on most items coming from South Korea are due to take effect starting from Aug 7. South Korean auto makers such as Hyundai Motor and Kia want the tariff cut brought in swiftly to create a level playing field with Japanese and European rivals. Separately, Japan's top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said he would head to Washington this week to press Mr Trump to sign an executive order to bring the cut to tariffs on Japanese auto imports into effect. In the technology sector, Mr Kim said the countries had agreed to continue talks on online platform legislation to make sure US tech companies were not unfairly treated compared with domestic firms. 'Although the digital issue was not included in the latest agreement, there are major concerns about it among the US government, parliament and businesses,' he said at a parliamentary session. The minister reiterated that there had been no agreement on the opening of the agriculture market, including beef, rice, fruit and other farm goods as part of the deal. But he said the countries will increase cooperation in the quarantine process for fruit and vegetables, which has been cited by Washington as one of the non-tariff barriers that US farmers face. South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said at a separate parliamentary session that the US viewed the quarantine process for fruit and vegetables as too slow and asked Seoul to introduce a rational and scientific process. REUTERS
