James Boon aims to prove, through his business that a “business can and should be a force for good in the world.” He buys and sells bags made from recycled materials and a donation is made for a child in Cambodia from each bag sold.

What’s your story?
Well I suppose my story really starts at University, during which I helped build a school in South Africa and was shocked by the basic lack of school equipment. A grad job then led me to Asia and a chance encounter with Pry my business partner in Cambodia led us to working together to make and sell bags made from recycled materials. We now sell all over the world and each bag sold donates school equipment back to a child in Cambodia.

What excites you most about your industry?
It is always changing and adapting. Sometimes I feel that the world moves at 100 miles an hour, however that is the fun bit about it. From managing production in Cambodia to sales in the UK, we always have to juggle our time, however that’s what makes it work.

What’s your connection to Asia?
I came to Asia straight out of University and have never looked back. I came here initially with a British architecture company and have stayed since, it really is a home away from home.

C school Cambodia

Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
As I live in Hong Kong I would have to say here, however I also love Cambodia as it is a great middle point for South East Asia.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Try everything you can. If someone offers you a job in a country on the other side of the world and you want to do it, just go and try something new.

Who inspires you?
I suppose my grandad had a huge effect on my life, but I would also have to say that there are so many amazing people who I have met all over the world. Pry my business partner in Cambodia would also be on my list of people who inspire me.

What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Every day there is something, often it is the little things, like new amazing food dishes I have never heard of, often they look terrible but taste amazing!

If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing, never live with regrets!

How do you unwind?
A glass of wine or a cold beer with friends.

Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Relaxation, probably Kampot in Cambodia. It is the most amazing place. Burma is also very cool, however the key is to visit before all the tourists arrive.

Everyone in business should read this book:
Tim Ferriss – The four hour work week.

Shameless plug for your business:
Elephant Branded. We make bags, run adventures and aim to show that business can and should be a force for good in the world.

How can people connect with you?
Facebook – Elephant Branded or drop me an email – [email protected]

Twitter handle?
Elephant Branded

This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:

CallumConnectsCallum 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.

Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>

Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com

Recently Published

Key Takeaway: Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is rapidly redefining human potential, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and machine learning enabling the translation of thoughts into action. The brain is a complex network of over 80 billion neurons, processing thoughts, memories, emotions, and sensory inputs. Advances in AI, miniaturized electronics, and neuroimaging have led to the […]

Top Picks

Key Takeaway: Researchers have developed a technology that creates “audible enclaves” in open air, creating highly focused, localized zones of sound. These isolated audio pockets allow sound to materialize only at a precise point in space, unheard by others nearby. This breakthrough could revolutionize public communication, entertainment, military applications, and office design. The process, known […]
Key Takeaway: AI-powered mental health tools, such as chatbots and self-help apps, offer immediate emotional support to those in need. However, these tools cannot replace the complexity, depth, and ethical safeguards of human therapy, especially when dealing with serious mental health issues. AI lacks emotional understanding, cultural context, and real-time adaptability, which can be dangerous […]
Key Takeaway: The discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4 has reignited fears about cosmic threats, highlighting the need for a global planetary defense system. Political scientist Daniel Deudney warns that unchecked expansion into space, especially with geopolitical rivalries, could be a recipe for global disaster. The fear of space, its vastness, and existential indifference is deeply […]
Key Takeaway: John Harvey Kellogg, a controversial doctor, played a significant role in the development of the plant-based movement. He combined the Progressive Era with “biologic living” and established an experimental kitchen to develop alternatives to meat. In 1896, the U.S. Department of Agriculture asked Kellogg to create a plant-based protein that could rival meat […]

Trending

I highly recommend reading the McKinsey Global Institute’s new report, “Reskilling China: Transforming The World’s Largest Workforce Into Lifelong Learners”, which focuses on the country’s biggest employment challenge, re-training its workforce and the adoption of practices such as lifelong learning to address the growing digital transformation of its productive fabric. How to transform the country […]

Join our Newsletter

Get our monthly recap with the latest news, articles and resources.

Login

Welcome to Empirics

We are glad you have decided to join our mission of gathering the collective knowledge of Asia!
Join Empirics