SG Bali with Robert Ian Bonnick - ChaTea Talks at CoinFest.Asia powered by ICP

Summary

In this engaging interview at CoinFast Asia, Robert Ian Bonic, founder of RB and Associates, discusses 'Gateway to Indonesia,' a platform that connects Indonesia’s growing Web3 ecosystem with global opportunities. He highlights Indonesia’s potential as a future economic powerhouse, driven by its young, diverse population and abundant resources. Robert shares insights on his award-winning talk show, cultural unity, and the importance of passion and obsession in entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the role of diversity in creating impactful global projects. The conversation blends technology, culture, and social enterprise, offering a compelling view of Indonesia’s evolving role on the global stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Robert Ian Bonic represents RB and Associates, which acts as a gateway to Indonesia and has been active for over 7 years.
• 😀 The company started a talk show 5 years ago, which has grown into an award-winning program with over 400 episodes.
• 😀 The show has received endorsements from Forbes Business Council, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, and the Founder Institute.
• 😀 RB and Associates works closely with the Bley royal family, focusing on social enterprise in Indonesia.
• 😀 Robert shared that their passion for their work in Indonesia has grown into an obsession, which has driven the company's success.
• 😀 Indonesia, with a population of almost 300 million people and over 700 cultures, is a growing economic powerhouse in Asia.
• 😀 The average age of Indonesia's population is 27, presenting a large and youthful workforce ready for entrepreneurship.
• 😀 Indonesia's vast natural resources and human capital make it one of the richest and most promising economies in the world.
• 😀 Robert emphasizes the importance of culture and spirituality, stating that these values shape the future of the country and its technology landscape.
• 😀 The conversation highlights the role of diversity and unity in Indonesia’s development, underlining the importance of cross-cultural collaboration for large-scale impact.
• 😀 The show’s reach extends globally, connecting with individuals from over 700 cities and 200 countries, promoting the values of friendship and community over mere business networking.

Q & A

Can you tell us about the role of RB and Associates in Indonesia?

RB and Associates serves as a gateway to Indonesia, helping to connect the country’s rapidly growing tech and business ecosystem with global opportunities. The company has been actively involved in promoting Indonesia's potential for over 7 years.

What makes the talk show Robert hosts so impactful?

The talk show, which Robert has been hosting for over 5 years, has become an award-winning platform, gaining endorsements from notable organizations like Forbes Business Council and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia. It serves as an important medium for discussing business, tech, and social enterprise in Indonesia.

How is Indonesia's young population an asset for its future growth?

Indonesia has a young and dynamic population with an average age of 27. This youthful demographic is expected to drive entrepreneurial activity, creating one of the largest and most innovative workforces in the coming decades.

What role does Indonesia's natural resources play in its future economic success?

Indonesia is rich in natural resources, which complement its young population and growing technological infrastructure. These raw materials are a significant factor in positioning Indonesia as a major global economic powerhouse, particularly in Asia.

How does Robert view the relationship between culture and technology?

Robert sees culture as a critical part of technological advancement. He believes that the integration of cultural elements, like the tea tradition in Bali, into blockchain and tech projects creates a more holistic, meaningful impact and fosters greater community engagement.

Why is diversity important to Robert, both personally and professionally?

Growing up in children’s homes in London, Robert learned that diversity is key to harnessing the best qualities across cultures and ideologies. He believes that by embracing diversity, global projects can achieve far greater impact than by working within a single, homogenous group.

What is the significance of the 'Unity in Diversity' motto in Indonesia?

The 'Unity in Diversity' motto is central to Indonesia's identity, reflecting the nation's rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Robert believes it is a guiding principle for collaboration and innovation, helping people from different backgrounds work together toward shared goals.

What makes Indonesia a powerhouse in Asia?

Indonesia’s strategic geographic location, youthful population, vast natural resources, and growing technological infrastructure position it as a key player in Asia's future economic landscape. Robert highlights these factors as essential to Indonesia’s rise as a global economic powerhouse.

How does Robert's involvement in the startup ecosystem contribute to Indonesia's future?

Through his work with RB and Associates and the award-winning talk show, Robert is helping to cultivate and promote the startup ecosystem in Indonesia. By connecting local entrepreneurs with global networks, he is fostering an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Why does Robert consider Mount Kilimanjaro a top destination for a tea experience?

While Japan is a common destination for tea lovers, Robert surprises by mentioning Mount Kilimanjaro as a unique and inspiring place for a tea experience. The combination of nature, spiritual energy, and the potential for cultural exchange makes it an intriguing option for him.