We have all seen the headlines and followed the rising numbers of COVID-19 infections. The disruption to work patterns is unprecedented for markets like Hong Kong and Singapore. Will this be the new normal? What will this mean for business leaders, CEOs, CMOS, facilities managers and developers as they consider the need for business continuity, the impact on productivity and employee safety?

As the world tackles COVID-19, our 35,000 community listeners from The CMO Asia Podcast listeners are very interested to hear deeper insights on how this is an opportunity or a threat to businesses, specifically the flexible workspace sector. We have already seen companies and organisations using flexible workspace as an alternative to work from home policies or other Business Continuity Planning. For those who are not sure how this works, hear from David Wong, Co-Founder and CEO of BOOQED, explain in this latest episode (recorded on 11 March 2020) on how this #BCP option is a good way to have redundancy in the form of multiple locations in the event one location or office is impacted by COVID-19. David also shared with us:

• Why he decided to help businesses by announcing waiver of fees for companies booking flexi spaces during these challenging times
• What’s the future like for flexi workspace?
• Why he is really proud of his team’s dedication to ensuring a great client experience; The fact that all of Booqed’s corporate clients to-date are repeat users is the best testimonial
• Why he would advice companies to make sure they explore all options, from traditional office leases to flexible workspaces, to make the best decision for their company, beyond just cost?
• How flexible work options promote productivity and engagement among employees
• How BOOQED can help companies create the best work environments for their employees, while empowering them to have the work-life balance they deserve
• What’s his hot take on WeWork and what gaps will Booqed fill that WeWork struggle at
• Why disruption is the new normal
• What was his biggest takeaway and what did he learn after successfully started-up and grown new businesses including two successful exits of previous ventures

About David: - He brings 20 years’ executive experience in blue-chip and start-up companies such as AT&T, Mobile Media AS and UK-based entertainment rights group Galleon Entertainment. He was a co-founder of the AT&T Global Clearinghouse, a pioneering service offering financial settlement and clearing for carrier-based IP telephony services globally. He also co-founded what grew to be one of the largest independent providers of mobile entertainment content in Europe. - With a thorough understanding of contemporary technology and business models in digital media, telecoms and mobile, David has successfully started-up and grown new businesses in international markets with a particular focus on Asia, including two successful exits of previous ventures.

About Booqed: - a digital marketplace for tenants and landlords to find or monetize short-term, unused space. Tenants and landlords lack options to find or monetize unused space. Lack of transparency and hidden costs create trust issues between landlord/tenant. BOOQED reduces rental expense of tenants by providing flexible, short-term space options while increasing revenue for landlords and suppliers by monetizing unused space. BOOQED servces clients in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shenzhen for everything from meeting rooms to coworking and offices to event venues

This episode is brought to you by The CMO Asia Podcast and our working partner Bebop.