Tag: Spotlight

Starbucks Eyes Major Global Expansion: China in Spotlight Despite Market Challenges

Starbucks, the renowned coffee chain, is fast-tracking global expansion plans that extend beyond fiscal year 2028. The company considers China as the bedrock of its long-term development strategy, notwithstanding the increasingly competitive landscape and looming economic challenges.

During the 2026 Investor Day, the coffee behemoth announced plans for significant expansion in both domestic and international markets.

International Growth

Starbucks intends to double its international cafe presence over time, aiming for nearly 40,000 non-US stores. China is anticipated to play a major role in this planned growth. Starbucks plans to open between 15,000 and 20,000 additional stores in the Chinese market over the long term.

Brady Brewer, CEO at Starbucks International, provided insights on the company’s international strategy. He stated, “Our international business fills a very clear role. We are an asset-light growth driver for Starbucks that bolsters the company’s margins.”

Challenges and Opportunities in China

China, while being a strategic priority, continues to be one of the most challenging markets for Starbucks. Local competitors such as Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee are gaining traction via aggressive pricing strategies, swift expansion, and localized innovation. Simultaneously, economic slowdown is causing increased price sensitivity, challenging Starbucks’ premium positioning.

In response to these challenges, Starbucks has reorganized its operations in China. The company has established a joint venture with Boyu Capital, transitioning to a licensed business model while maintaining a 40% stake.

First Quarter Financials

For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Starbucks reported a revenue of US$9.9 billion. This shows an upward sales trajectory and continuous growth across the coffee giant’s global network of stores.

Questions & Answers

What is Starbucks’ plan for international growth?
Starbucks intends to double its international store presence, targeting nearly 40,000 non-US locations.

What role does China play in Starbucks’ expansion strategy?
China is expected to account for a major portion of Starbucks’ international expansion. The company plans to open between 15,000 and 20,000 additional stores in the Chinese market.

What changes has Starbucks made in its China operations?
In response to increasing competition and economic challenges, Starbucks has restructured its China operations through a joint venture with Boyu Capital, transitioning to a licensed business model and retaining a 40% stake.

February 3, 2026
Swiss Innovation Meets Asian Fintech: Spotlight on Switzerland at Singapore Fintech Festival 2025

Switzerland is set to be a focal point at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025, which will mark the country’s ninth consecutive year of participation. The Swiss Pavilion is a testament to how Swiss innovation, trust, and cooperation continue to significantly impact Asia’s rapidly transforming fintech and digital finance sector.

Switzerland’s Stalwart Presence

Since its initial appearance at the Singapore Fintech Festival, the Swiss Pavilion, facilitated by Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Swiss Business Hub South East Asia + Pacific, has become a fundamental aspect of the event. The combination of Switzerland’s extensive financial expertise and avant-garde technology offers a one-of-a-kind value proposition for global partners.

The Pavilion, themed ‘Innovation Meeting Trust,’ underscores the nation’s leadership in digital assets, AI-driven finance, and secure financial infrastructure.

Switzerland’s Deep Tech Prowess

“Switzerland has become a beacon for deep tech capabilities, bolstered by its capacity to innovate with integrity,” stated Renée Koh, Deputy Head of the Swiss Business Hub South East Asia + Pacific.

She indicated that Switzerland could serve as a connecting bridge for Asia’s vast deep tech ambitions, linking ecosystems through trust, expertise, and a shared vision.

Establishing Connections Among Innovation Hubs

The Pavilion, part of Switzerland’s broader global innovation strategy, which includes its forthcoming participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, emphasizes the country’s dedication to sustainable, trust-based innovation.

Given the rapidly growing fintech scene in Asia, Swiss institutions are positioning themselves as trustworthy partners for research, venture scaling, and digital transformation efforts.

Koh highlighted the Swiss collaborative model that underpins their global success, “Our innovation infrastructure is intended for partnerships, be it through talent acquisition, R&D alliances or venture scaling.”

Showcasing Swiss Excellence

The 2025 Pavilion congregates an impressive variety of Swiss companies and institutions pushing the frontiers of global finance. The participants, including the Swiss National Bank, Securosys, ti&m, Chartered Investment, QAI Ventures, Scenario-X, Unique.ai, and Zweyberg, showcase Switzerland’s strengths in secure technology, asset tokenization, AI, and wealth management innovation.

The exhibits represented at the Pavilion, ranging from tokenized investment structures to AI-based identity verification, reflect the expanse of Switzerland’s fintech ecosystem. The Swiss National Bank’s involvement, in particular, underscores the central role of innovation in contemporary central banking and digital currency research.

A Platform for Collaboration

The Singapore Fintech Festival, the world’s largest fintech gathering, is organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in partnership with The Association of Banks in Singapore. The Festival brings together policymakers, technologists, and financial leaders, providing an excellent platform for Switzerland to bolster its reputation for stability, integrity, and superior quality innovation.

Switzerland’s consistent presence via the Swiss Pavilion not only highlights the country’s fintech leaders but also strengthens cross-border collaboration with Asia’s financial juggernauts.

This year’s participation emphasizes Switzerland’s message: that innovation, trust, and global collaboration are the core pillars of the digital economy.

Questions & Answers

What is Switzerland’s theme for the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025?
Switzerland’s theme for the festival is ‘Innovation Meeting Trust,’ which highlights its leadership in digital assets, AI-driven finance, and secure financial infrastructure.

What is the role of the Swiss Pavilion at the Singapore Fintech Festival?
The Swiss Pavilion demonstrates Switzerland’s extensive financial knowledge and cutting-edge technology, offering a unique value proposition for global partners. It also showcases a variety of Swiss companies pushing the boundaries of global finance.

What does Switzerland’s consistent presence at the Singapore Fintech Festival signify?
Switzerland’s ongoing presence highlights the country’s financial technology leaders, while also strengthening cross-border collaboration with Asia’s financial powerhouses. It underlines Switzerland’s commitment to innovation, trust, and global collaboration.

November 12, 2025
Spotlight Malaysia opens second store

Australian fabric, craft, party and home and living superstore Spotlight has opened its second store in Malaysia.

The new stores is in the IPC Shopping Centre, Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur. It follows one in Ampang Point, Kuala Lumpur, which opened last July.

The store offers 2000sqm of retail space, and stocks 70,000 products in six categories: home furnishings and decor, bedding, dress and fashion fabrics, crafts, hobby and party essentials.

Spotlight GM Juno Gelfand said the expansion to the IPC mall was part of Spotlight’s philosophy “to be able to offer more neighbourhoods the largest possible choice of fashionable and affordable products”.

“We know too well the inconvenience of searching far and wide, running from store to store just to find that one (or more) beautiful decor piece.

“Here, with all-time popular home essentials and seasonal selections of products for every room of the house available under one roof, we are certain that sprucing up the home will be less stressful and hassle-free,” he said.

“Think of it as a pit-stop whenever you are preparing for a party, breathing new life into your home interiors, or pursuing your hobbies.”

Spotlight is targeting home decorators, dressmakers, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts as well as party organisers.

March 26, 2015