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Building Asia is a collection of business stories on CNA that examines the financial forces driving Asia’s position as an economic powerhouse.
Japfa – Cultivating global connections was first aired on 11 September 2023 under the Building Asia with UOB series. Take a closer look at how Japfa gained from UOB’s regional connectivity, sectorial expertise and integrated servicing approach, to become one of the leading livestock producers in the region.
Transcript
Tan Yong Nang (Executive Director & CEO, Japfa Ltd.):
Here in Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh and obviously not forgetting Singapore, our headquarters here.
Edwin Kadir (Head, Corporate Banking, UOB Indonesia):
That's impressive, Mr. Tan.
Tan Yong Nang:
Thank you, by the way, for coming all the way from Indonesia, which is actually the birthplace of Japfa Group more than 50 years ago.
We are an integrated livestock producer across the region. So, it's very interesting that actually, our relationship started from outside of Singapore. Over time and very quickly, in fact, it grew into a global relationship.
Edwin Kadir:
Yes. We grew the relationship to the group's business in Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, and also Japfa’s sister company in China.
Tan Yong Nang:
Over a short period of time, you know, within five years. I think UOB has developed what I call a strategic banking relationship with Japfa Group.
Edwin Kadir:
We see the relationship with Japfa as strategic and long term. And we view our customers as partners.
Tan Yong Nang:
We are also very impressed with your teams. You do have a lot of local knowledge, so you guys understand the local market very well in the countries in which we operate.
Edwin Kadir:
UOB’s regional connectivity, integrated servicing approach and our sector expertise allow us to deliver fast and holistic solutions.
Tan Yong Nang:
Also, I think the area of operations coincide. So, we do see that it is another area in which we can continue to work together. So, it is not surprising at all that we are able to develop into a strategic regional relationship very quickly.
Edwin Kadir:
We try to tailor along the way with Japfa’s business ecosystem. So, it caters also to requirements, for example, cash management, FX solutions to enable Japfa to mitigate risk in the different regions. We understand the need for working capital to enable Japfa’s goal to ensure that we have affordable food in Asia.
Tan Yong Nang:
Yeah, very happy to hear that. As you know, Japfa’s mission, our purpose in life is actually to feed billions of people in Asia. Obviously, we have to do it in a sustainable manner.
Edwin Kadir:
Yes, UOB shares the same sustainability values as Japfa and we are ready to support you in sustainable financing.
Tan Yong Nang:
So, Japfa has actually already established a sustainability-linked financing framework. This framework is really important. It is on which we can build our relationship with all our stakeholders on a sustainable basis.
Edwin Kadir:
As the One Bank for ASEAN, we look forward to supporting Japfa in driving food security in a sustainable manner.
Tan Yong Nang:
Good, thank you.
Edwin Kadir:
Thank you, Mr. Tan.
