Speakers

Martin Amschler, Chief Development Officer, NexCen Brands, Inc., USA

Mr. Martin Amschler has served as the Chief Development Officer of Global Development for NexCen Franchise Management since December of 2008.  In this role, Mr. Amschler is responsible for the continued development of a worldwide network of franchise brands for NexCen Brands, Inc. (NEXC) from his headquarters in Norcross, Georgia.  Franchise brands owned by NexCen and developed by Mr. Amschler and his team include The Athlete's Foot®, The Shoe Box®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzel Time®, Great American Cookies® and Pretzelmaker®.  NexCen franchise brands currently have more than 1800 store locations in 50 countries around the world. 

Prior to being named to his current position, Mr. Amschler was a principle and acted as Executive Vice President of Global Franchise for The Athlete's Foot®, which was acquired by NexCen Brands, Inc. in November of 2006.   For The Athlete’s Foot®, he was responsible for developing master franchise agreements, negotiating the sale of territories and all US development.  

Mr. Amschler is a member of the Georgia Retail Association, the World Trade Association, The Two Ten Foundation and the International Franchise Association.  He is an avid tennis player and a member of the United States Tennis Association and the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association. 

David Chiem, Founder, Chairman and Group CEO, MindChamps, Singapore

David Chiem is a man whose very life epitomises Creativity and Championship. His achievements in the 3 distinct domains of Entertainment, Education and Entrepreneurship are testament to his strong vision and champion mindset.

As the Founder, Chairman and Group CEO of award-winning mind development institute MindChamps, David has demonstrated an ability to draw together and inspire an impressive team of professionals with backgrounds in education, psychology, neuroscience and theatre to develop and deliver revolutionary cutting-edge mind-training programs.

The MindChamps’ team includes world-renowned neuroscientist Professor Allan Snyder FRS, Founder and Director of Centre for the Mind (University of Sydney). A Fellow of the Royal Society, just like Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Professor Snyder has this to say of David, “it is one thing to talk about it, and another thing to have actually done it”.

David’s inspirational story began when he arrived in Australia with his family at the age of 9. When he was 14, he became the first Asian actor to be given a leading role on mainstream Australian Television, in the mini series, Butterfly Island. David then went on to study acting in one of Australia‘s most selective acting schools, the Theatre Nepean. David also holds a degree in Communications from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Master of Film-making from the prestigious Australian Film and Television School.

David is a highly successful author. He has written two critically acclaimed novels, ‘Only the Heart’ and ‘The Full Story’ which were nominated for three prestigious Australian literary awards between them. ‘Only the Heart’ is a best-seller in its 16th print run and is studied in schools internationally. He also wrote the bestselling parenting book, Deeper than the Ocean, hailed as the ‘parenting bible of the 21st century’ and its follow-up, The Art of Communicating with Your Child. Another two books The 3-Mind Revolution and Talking with the Sky will be released soon.

In 2008, David was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year by Rotary~ASME, while MindChamps was awarded Rising Star Brand by Brand Finance, a leading international brand valuation firm and Promising Brand at the Singapore Prestige Brand Awards.

To quote Professor Allan Snyder, “David Chiem is a man who has crossed many bridges of success to achieve a remarkable synthesis of art, education and entrepreneurship. He impresses me!”

At 39, David Chiem has achieved more than what most people would have wished for from a lifetime of work, and this is only the beginning. From a childhood of hardship and challenge, he has built a career of diversity and success. David is indisputably a man whose personality and achievements encapsulate the very concept of the ‘champion mindset’.

Marc DaSilva, International Business Manager, South East Asia and Australia, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., USA

Marc DaSilva is an international business executive with over 11 years of progressively responsible general management, sales and marketing experience.  Most recently, he joined Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. as the International Business Manager for South East Asia and Australia servicing their Baskin Robbins brand, the largest and one of the most loved chains of ice cream specialty stores in the world.

After beginning his career in sales, he received an MBA degree from Pepperdine University with a concentration in international business.  In 2003, relocated to Asia settling in Thailand, where he took on the role of business consultant working with small and medium sized enterprises and advising the Thailand Board of Investment.  Following that, he worked as General Manager for Ethan Allen’s exclusive licensee in Thailand, where he managed the company from inception, establishing it as one of the leading imported furniture retailers in that market.

William Edwads, CFE, CEO, Edwards Global Associates, USA

A senior Executive with 37 years of international operations, development, executive and entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Edwards has lived in China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Turkey and the USA. He has directed projects on-site in Alaska, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Near East and worked on projects in over 60 countries. Mr. Edwards has experience in the oil and gas, information technology, management consulting and licensing sectors.

Mr. Edwards’ specialty is to identify, evaluate, plan and implement international market entry projects using his experience, expertise, knowledge, contact network and proprietary, trademarked processes. From 1990-2001, Mr. Edwards worked with the AlphaGraphics global digital print group as a master franchisee in China and Eastern Europe and also as the company’s USA-based Senior International Executive growing the company’s global network from 4 countries in the early 1990s to 24 countries.

Since EGS was founded in 2001, Mr. Edwards has advised more than 40 international franchisors on international development. The goal of the EGS GlobalTeam® in over 30 countries is to help franchisors realize their global potential. Mr. Edwards is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a Member of the ICFE Board of Governors as well as the International Committee, the Research Committee and the Supplier Forum of the International Franchise Association. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the International Institute of Franchise Education at NOVA Southeastern University.

Prior to his licensing and consulting career, Mr. Edwards had a 20-year oil and gas sector career with Atlantic Richfield and Ashland Oil while living in China, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Turkey and the US. He was involved in oil and gas exploration in Alaska and Indonesia as well as directing Atlantic Richfield’s exploration program inside China and establishing the company’s subsidiary in Turkey. Subsequently, Mr. Edwards founded an international oil and gas company and served as Senior International Development Advisor for Ashland Oil.

Mr. Edwards is a Member of the Board of Directors of IBS, an Istanbul-based market research group. He speaks and lectures around the world on taking businesses international and doing business in emerging markets at such venues as the University of California, Irvine, the Young Entrepreneurs Organization, The American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), Pepperdine University, Nova Southeastern University, the Franchise Council of Australia and The International Franchise Association.

Beginning in 2001, Mr. Edwards has published the GlobalVue™ country-ranking tool quarterly to help franchisors decide which are the best countries for the profitable development of their system.

Keoy Soo Earn, Partner and Head - M&A Transaction Services, Deloitte Southeast Asia, Singapore

Soo Earn has more than 17 years of experience in the provision of business and financial advisory services. He has worked with corporations, private equity investors and lenders providing a range of services supporting their cross border transactions.  He has considerable professional experience in due diligence, valuation, market study, strategic value consulting, corporate governance advisory, franchising & licensing advisory and intellectual asset management advisory.

He has led in excess of 150 valuation engagements involving the valuation of businesses, intangibles and financial instruments for the purposes of M&A, financial reporting, dispute settlement and tax structuring.

He is a frequent speaker on topics related to transaction services, valuation and intellectual property management. He has been involved in roundtable discussions and conducted seminars organised by many institutions including the World Intellectual Property Office, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, Bloomberg, INSEAD, Singapore Management University, the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.

Soo Earn is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Laws.  He is a member of CFA Institute, the Singapore Institute of Directors (“SID”) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (“ICPAS”).  He serves as a Board member of CFA Singapore, a member on the Young Entrepreneurs Network of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and a member on the Board of Advisors of AIESEC in Singapore, an international student organisation.

Bret Lowell, CFE, Partner, DLA Piper, USA

Bret Lowell is an internationally recognized leader in franchise and distribution law and has counseled and represented clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including restaurants and food service, car rental, hotel and motel, health care, financial services, high tech, real estate, and retail.

Mr. Lowell's experience includes extensive analysis as to whether arrangements constitute "franchises"; drafting and negotiating domestic and international franchise, distribution, and license agreements; preparation and filing of disclosure documents; counsel and advice regarding the establishment and operation of franchise and distribution systems; counsel and advice regarding termination, transfer, and renewal obligations; dispute resolution, including representation before federal and state government agencies; mediation; due diligence reviews and document preparation in connection with public offerings, mergers, and acquisitions; and trademark and other intellectual property matters.

Mr. Lowell writes and speaks extensively on franchise-related topics in a variety of forums. He has been listed in The International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers, in The Best Lawyers in America; and in Who's Who in America. Washingtonian magazine has named him one of the Best Lawyers in Washington. Mr. Lowell was also listed in the 2005 Who's Who Legal: The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers and named both a Virginia Super Lawyer and a Washington, DC Super Lawyer. Franchise Times has named him to its list of “Legal Eagles,” the top 101 franchise lawyers in the US and Canada. The respected English research firm Chambers and Partners recognizes him in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, calling him "a superb transactional lawyer" and "an expert counselor."

Ned Lyerly, Chairman, IFA International Affairs Committee, Senior Vice President, Global Franchise Development, CKE Restaurants, Inc., USA

Ned Lyerly was named Senior Vice President of Global Franchise Development in August 2006.  Lyerly’s duties expand on his role as Senior Vice President of the Company’s international division, as he currently oversees franchise development for the Carl’s Jr., and Hardee’s brands in the United States and around the world.

Previous Positions:  Vice President International (CKE Restaurants, Inc.), Director - International Finance and Marketing (Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc), Director – International Finance (Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc.), Director – Domestic Finance (Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc.), Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis (Imasco USA, Inc. / Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc.)

Professional Summary: Franchise professional specializing in the restaurant industry’s quick service restaurant segment.  Key strengths include franchise system development, international, and a multifunctional knowledge base that includes executive management, franchise operations, marketing, development, franchise sales and finance.  

Professional Designations:  Chairman – IFA’s International Committee, Member IFA Global Marketing Task Force, Former Chairman of the Board – Carl’s Jr. Asian Development Corporation, Former Board Member – Carl’s Jr. Asian Development Corporation

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

John Ong, Managing Director and Principal Consultant, FT Consulting Pte Ltd, Singapore

In addition to being FT Consulting’s Managing Director and Principal Consultant, John is also the Managing Director of Ya Kun International, a food service franchise and a sister company of FT Consulting. Today, through a combination of direct ownership and franchising, Ya Kun operates more than 50 outlets in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines. John is also serving as an Executive Committee Member of the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) Singapore. In addition to being the Chief Trainer for FLA's Fundamentals of Franchise Management course, John is a lecturer for Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Specialist Diploma on Franchise Management.

On the branding front, John was involved in the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) 2007 as a member of the Organizing Committee. Being the Managing Director of Ya Kun International, he was personally involved in crafting the Brand Strategy, setting the Brand Positioning, and ensuring the Brand Promise would be delivered throughout the organization. Ya Kun won the Superbrands Award in 2004/2005 and the SPBA Heritage Brand Award in 2005. Because of John’s good grasps of business fundamentals, brand development issues and intellectual assets exploitation, he is able to offer a unique and holistic approach towards branding that can yield long-lasting positive results for any organisation.

Michael Paul, CEO, Pack & Send International, Australia

Michael Paul, aged 48, has carved a niche in the logistics industry and turned it in to a multimillion dollar national enterprise. His innovation and specialisation has built Pack & Send into an international retail network with over 100 stores throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Pack & Send was the winner of the 2007 PriceWaterhouseCoopers Australian Franchisor of the Year Award. In 2008 Pack & Send was equal runner up in the prestigious International Franchisor of the Year Award - a major achievement given the company was up against some of the major global economies and franchising cultures in the world.  

Like many successful entrepreneurs before him, Michael began his illustrious career in the mailroom at the age of 18. A large part of his role was to pack and send promotional materials and other items around the world. Within the chaos of the busy mailroom, Michael learned the importance of maintaining legendary levels of customer service alongside world class business systems, two basic principles which would later become the pillars of Pack & Send.

In the years that followed, Michael rose to take on logistics management roles in multinational corporations including Esselte-Dymo and Arnotts Snack Foods.

Michael founded Pack & Send in 1993, after he realised the enormous effort and time required in arranging to have an unpacked PC delivered from Sydney to Melbourne. This was the inspiration for creating a convenient packaging service with a retail shop front to service both businesses and individuals. This visionary store would be a one-stop-shop to pack and deliver anything, anywhere, for anyone.

Michael boldly introduced the innovative business model for logistics services by opening the first Pack & Send store on the 17th August 1993. Its first and only sale on that day was for a $2.90 cardboard box. Michael says, ‘The original receipt for this sale is still proudly displayed in a picture frame at the Pack & Send office. We keep it as a reminder that big things start from small beginnings, and that there are no limits if you work hard and think outside the box.’

Today, Pack & Send has become an outstanding Australian business success story. The company services householders, ebay buyers and sellers, tourists, small businesses and major Blue-chip organisations such as Qantas, Telstra, BHP, Bunnings Warehouse, Kodak, Optus, Virgin Airlines, National Australia Bank, to name a few.

Michael lives with his three children and wife. He is a qualified ornithologist and in his spare time he conducts ecological research on native birds and presents his findings in research papers and other scientific forums.

Michael speaks regularly at conventions, seminars, forums, and small business functions in Australia and across the globe about issues he is passionate about, such as franchising and building a culture of ‘no limits’ customer service. 

John Reynolds, CFE, President, IFA Educational Foundation, USA

John R. Reynolds is President of the IFA Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization which conducts research and educational programs to expand the awareness of the role of franchising in the free enterprise system.  

Mr. Reynolds has served in various capacities at the International Franchise Association for the past 22 years, as Executive Editor and Associate Publisher of Franchising World magazine, as Vice President of Marketing, and Vice President of Business Development.    In the mid-1990’s, Mr. Reynolds served as staff liaison to the newly formed IFA Franchisee Advisory Council, which spearheaded the inclusion of franchisees as members of IFA. 

Prior to joining IFA, Mr. Reynolds held positions with a number of of non-profit organizations, including Partners of the Americas and the National Association of Regional Councils.   He served as Director of Publications and as a member of the faculty of The American University in the mid-1970’s.

Mr. Reynolds is a member of the American Society of Association Executives.  He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE).   He has served on the International Affairs Committee of ASAE and the Technology Advisory Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.    He holds an M.A. degree in Communications from The American University, and a B.A. degree in English and Journalism from East Carolina University.

Soh Kar Liang, Director, Ella Cheong Spruson & Ferguson, Singapore

Kar Liang is a Singapore Registered Patent Agent and the first Singaporean to be appointed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation as a domain name panellist to adjudicate domain name disputes under the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy. He is a domain name panelist of the Regional Arbitration Centre of Kuala Lumpur and has also passed the qualifying examinations for registration as a Patent Agent in Malaysia.

A graduate of the National University of Singapore, Kar Liang is an intellectual property and information technology legal specialist. In his years of practice as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in these complex niche areas, he has represented, guided and supported key client accounts from diverse fields ranging from high-tech microprocessors to consumer food and beverage industries in both contentious and non-contentious matters along the IP value chain. He is also an accredited mediator of the Singapore Mediation Centre.

Kar Liang is an active participant of various local and foreign professional and business organisations, including serving as honorary advisor of the Chinatown Business Association. He also contributes regularly to professional publications on intellectual property and information technology subjects and is frequently invited to speak on topics in these fields both locally and regionally at conferences, seminars, workshops and expert panels.

 Catch these exciting speakers at FLAsia 2009! To register, please complete the registration form and fax it to (65) 6467 8385 or send it to us via email.