Jean Charles Salvin: Finding his way in the world, making online movies for SE Asian enterprises
What’s your story?
I landed in South East Asia 11 years ago as a student in the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. I fell in love with the country. After graduation I found a job in Paris in Investment Banking with SGCIB, and ended up working for them back in Singapore. After 2 years of work I decided I was made for bigger adventures and decided to set up an online media company in Thailand and Singapore. We started with social media to find people who needed video production and broadcasting as Youtube and Facebook videos were getting more and more popular.
What excites you most about your industry?
The industry is very wide, you can literally offer a video for many different types of businesses. Every day and every project involves people and a new way of thinking. Skills and tools evolve on a yearly basis. It is a very dynamic industry.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I guess I can say the best connection to Asia today is my wife, she is Thai and has helped me for the past 6 years to understand Thai culture and face business with local people.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore is the best city for business in Asia because laws are strict and customers have larger size. Population is also more educated and catch onto new technologies quickly. As an expatriate I also believe people are used to working with foreigners in Singapore more than other countries in SEA.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Listen to your clients needs and never create negativity in doing business.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by big players like Mark Zuckerberg and also movie producers (top vloggers). All the people around me who create new designs, and see life with opportunity.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I took a video production class from Mr Parker Welbeck where I learnt tons of new stuff on film making. I am also amazed how quick drones are picking up. The technology and prices are moving so quick.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have spent more time studying clients needs to get better direct access to top clients. Most startups fall into this trap. They ask 3-10 friends for an opinion on how to run on their project when really you need more like 300-700.
How do you unwind?
I like to go clubbing. I love techno or spend time at the beach, nature and flying my drone in the wild.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I love Koh Pha Ngan. It’s a big island and its facilities are increasing year by year. I have many friends who live on the island, they always share with me the best new restaurants and spots to chill in.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Unlimited Power, Tony Robbins
Shameless plug for your business:
Video making in Thailand offers a good cost saving compared to others countries in SEA.
We have produced over 300 videos in the last 4.5 years, shoot us a message for a quote after watching this in HD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrHTJuvLLyA
How can people connect with you?
LINE: salvin.jeancharles
Instagram: findyourwayintheworld
Twitter handle?
Findyourwayintheworld
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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