Siyi: the story and dedication of bringing Chinese tea to the world Growing up in China, Siyi wasn't an avid tea drinker at the beginning, but her years studying in Europe had led her to see tea in a different light. From founding Mannheim Cross-Cultural Tea meetup which expanded to include 13 nationalities to becoming a tea master, she has found the passion of her life. With TPlays opening in Singapore Takashimaya, she is on the journey of creating a brand new kind of tea experience that is safe, fun, easy and healing for people all over the world. Siyi虽然来自茶文化盛行的中国，但她最初并不是一个非常爱喝茶的人，甚至可能和很多朋友一样，觉得传统中国茶的口感有些单一。后来在欧洲求学期间，Siyi体验到了欧洲的茶，和中国茶的巨大差异反而让Siyi对中国茶兴趣大增，接受专业学习并成为了一位茶艺师。从发起曼海姆茶会到创立TPlays，Siyi正在把一种全新、有趣的中国茶文化带向世界。欢迎收听Siyi的故事！ 00:34 Siyi's background 03:03 Siyi's first encounter with tea 04:37 Siyi's journey of tea learning and becoming a tea master 07:23 How to identify quality tea 11:58 How consumer behavior is different when it comes to taking tea 15:34 The unique proposition and products of TPlays 20:50 How globalization affects tea and tea culture 21:53 TPlays' localization strategy in Southeast Asia 31:48 TPlays' future plan Highlights: 1. Different species of tea from different regions of China have different characteristics in terms of aroma, taste etc. Oolong tea for example has floral aroma. 2. With regards to consumer behavior, western consumers in general prefer standardized tea and tea with floral aroma. In Southeast Asia, consumers are also very interested in localized flavor tea, for example pandan tea. 3. Though China has a big online shopping market, in Southeast Asia, tea is more suited for offline retail and travel retail. Siyi主要观点： 1. 中国不同地区出产的不同品种茶各有特色，在茶香和口感上也有所不同，比如乌龙茶一般会有花果香味。 2. 相对来说，标准化的茶和花果香味的茶更受西方用户的欢迎。在东南亚市场，口味本土化的茶，比如斑斓茶也很受追捧。 3. 在东南亚市场，茶品的销售更多是在线下与旅行相关的零售场景，而非社交媒体或者线上电商。 TPlays @Singapore Takashimaya TPlays, a fun tea experience TPlays Christmas special Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, Instagram and Meta, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas.

Welcome to Sense by MEI Shenzhen Salon! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. Beth is Guangzhou brand ambassador of By MEI and an experienced education professional working for ISA Tianhe International School. With her deep understanding of quality education, she believes in empowering children and helping them find their interest in life. 01:02 Beth's background and introduction 01:20 What landed Beth in Guangzhou, China 03:55 How Guangzhou has changed over the past 9 years 07:24 The unique characteristics of an international school and how an international school is different from other traditional schools 11:40 The key to quality education is to empower children, to lead them finding their own path and direction Head of School ISA Tianhe International School, Beth Jones

Welcome to Sense by MEI X HK CENTRESTAGE! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. Entering its ninth edition, CENTRESTAGE 2024 has become a hallmark event for Asia-Pacific and international fashion, attracting 250 brands from 17 countries and regions and was set to celebrate craftsmanship, elegance and innovation. One of the highlights of CENTRESTAGE 2024 was the return of world-renowned designer Robert Wun, who brought his London-based label back to Hong Kong. Wun's Home Coming show was featured at the gala show CENTRESTAGE ELITES at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. When asked about the theme of the show, he explained: “It’s about my grandmother, about Hong Kong women, and the resilient spirit they embody—strong yet graceful.” The Circle at HK CENTRESTAGE featured some of the most innovative brands with mini-parades and one of the brands was Sense By MEI, whose show demonstrated a perfect combination of oriental beauty and modern elegance. 01:46 HK CENTRESTAGE 2024 official opening recording 04:29 Robert Wun, Home Coming to HK CENTRESTAGE and his inspiration from female 08:25 Female fashion brand Sense by MEI attending HK CENTRESTAGE mini parade The Circle Robert Wun at CENTRESTAGE Robert Wun's CENTRESTAGE Elites show Sense by MEI at mini parade The Circle Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, Instagram and Meta, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Miatta: From building communities in BJ to property in UK With Sierra Leonean origins, Miatta has spent most of her time growing up and studying in London. In addition, she stayed in Beijing for a few years building cross-cultural communities, including leading 20+ women volunteering as the Beijing Ladies Who Tech Director and co-founded the Africa-China-focused Social Enterprise Kente & Silk. Always an innovative problem solver and with a vibrant personality, Miatta is now back in London building a property business called Kumba Estates, led by her elder sister. Kumba Estates is part of an ambitious Sierra Leone-UK business group on the path to building property, mining, agricultural and tourism investment opportunities globally in the long term. 热情开朗的Miatta原本来自塞拉利昂，受父母工作影响等原因在伦敦长大。Miatta对女性和社会事业非常热衷，她曾在北京生活过几年，在此期间担任Ladies Who Tech北京分会负责人并与朋友共同创立了以中非交流为主导的社会企业Kente&Silk。如今，回到伦敦，Miatta和她姐姐一起从事房地产投资，旨在为英非两地提供更多元、可持续的房地产行业解决方案。欢迎收听Miatta的故事！ 02:53 Miatta's background and roots 07:36 Experiences in London and Beijing 16:47 How religion influenced Miatta 22:30 The founding of Kumba Estates and its business 28:10 Challenges and opportunities in the African-UK real estate market Highlights: 1.If there is a chance to study/live abroad, do it! 2. When living independently, one would really grow. 3. The key to building trust across cultures is to understand and respect cultural differences. Miatta主要观点： 1. 如果有机会去不同的地方/国家学习生活，一定要把握机会去。 2. 一个人独自生活的时候，通常也是最快成长的时候。 3. 理解并尊重不同文化、背景是跨国/文化沟通与建立信任的关键。 Miatta with her late mother Miatta enjoying art Miatta with friends Feel free to follow Miatta on Instagram miattamobridge. Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, Instagram and Meta, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Welcome to Sense by MEI X London Tech Week! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. As one of the biggest tech events in Europe, London Tech Week 2024 attracted more than 25,000 attendees to visit. During the three-day celebration, speakers from the government and various industries focused on topics including artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, digital growth, urban mobility, health tech etc. as well as women in tech. Dr. Penny, UK Manchester brand ambassador of By MEI, Associate Professor and investor, brought us some highlights from the event. 02:36 The interview of Janet Coyle, Managing Director, Grow London 02:53 Why is London good for tech startups and companies 03:20 Strategies for startups to enter into global markets 05:12 Time-management tips 06:06 The interview of Rob Durrant, Head of PR and Events for OMODA and JAECOO 07:17 The sustainability strategy of OMODA and JAECOO 08:16 The rising female power in tech and consumption 09:30 The interview of JF Gauthier, Founder & CEO Startup Genome 10:20 The challenges and opportunities for startups and investors 11:25 Startups and VCs incorporating women to fuel innovation Janet Coyle with Dr. Penny at London Tech Week Rob Durrant with Dr. Penny at London Tech Week JF Gauthier with Dr. Penny at London Tech Week Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, Instagram and Meta, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Coach Cindy：the story of living a fulfilling life Originally a Canadian, Cindy left behind her successful career at Frito-Lay and TELUS Mobility and moved to China with her family over twenty years ago. Cindy has been a witness of China's fast developments over the years and loves being in China, while setting up her own company INPOWER ONE. INPOWER ONE offers professional coaching services to both corporations and individuals, with clients all across Asia-Pacific and growing steadily. Always a risk-taker and life-long learner, Cindy has been recently pursuing a MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College of London. In her free-time, Cindy has been actively involved in social responsibilities including Educating Girls of Rural China and Business for a Better Society. 02:32 Cindy's background 03:55 How the change of moving to China influenced Cindy and her family 07:50 The trigger of Cindy starting INPOWER ONE and its services 16:53 Cindy as a life-long learner 21:57 The importance of social responsibility and giving back (the Ripple Effect 25:58) 27:05 Cindy's advice on work/life balance Cindy working as professional coach Cindy at 2024 AmCham China Women's Summit Cindy with her daughter Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify and Instagram, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Welcome to Sense by MEI X Eslite Salon! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. Fashion has always been a dynamic reflection of society, capturing the essence of different eras through style. From the corsets of the Victorian era to the flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties, women's fashion has undergone significant transformations. Upon the grand opening of By MEI in HK, it’s proof again that fashion is more than just clothing; it's a powerful form of expression that evolves with society. The first retail store in Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in By MEI’s journey, bringing this unique fusion of tradition and modernity to a wider audience. 01:00 Women's fashion over the centuries 01:50 Fashion icon Coco Chanel and her legacy 02:40 Chinese Qipao, the most elegant dress for women 05:27 Fun facts about fashion Coco Chanel Little Black Dress Sustainable fashion brand Maria McManus Modern Qipao and dresses of Sense by MEI By MEI HK address: 10F, Eslite Bookstore, Hysan Place Causeway Bay. Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify and Instagram, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

The story of a mother starting a NPO for mothers Jane is the founder of GMI, Global Moms Initiative. It is a nonprofit and voluntary initiative of moms from all over the world. The objective of GMI is to support every mom as she strives to achieve physical and mental well being, as well as financial independence. Given that nearly two billion of the world's population are mothers, GMI intends to draw global attention to the gap between mothers and everybody else, identify their needs and problems, and provide support to their well-being that has a major impact on the world's future. 01:48 GMI in a nutshell 02:49 GMI founder Jane's background 14:30 GMI doing documentary on mom and mom stories 18:55 GMI milestones: from the concept to different programs 26:06 The key elements of a good organization 33:00 The changes and self-growth brought by doing your own ventures https://www.globalmomsinitiative.com/ Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify and Instagram, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com. .

Welcome to Sense by MEI X EW Salon! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. EW, East West, a captivating cultural hub housed within a breathtaking 19th century edifice, is set to redefine the intersection of art, design and historical elegance in the vibrant city of Barcelona. This unique space seamlessly blends the essence of diverse cultures, offering a dynamic platform for creative expression, exploration and discovery. EW is committed to providing a platform to amplify local and international voices and foster inclusivity within the artistic and cultural community. 00:30 As female founders of brands, any memorable stories/experiences in the entrepreneurial process? 04:37 How could brands from the east and the west learn from each other, in terms of marketing strategy and channels, brand proposition, corporate social responsibility etc. ? MEI, founder of By MEI, at EW MEI, founder of By MEI and Isabel, founder of AYUNA at EW https://ayuna.co/ The story begins with two women who met while working at the prestigious Spanish cosmetics firm, Natura Bissé - Isabel Ramos, a Doctor in Chemistry and one of the brightest and most creative professionals in the cosmetic industry, and Begoña Sanjuan, a visionary and trend creator within the beauty and well-being markets. Isabel and Begoña created AYUNA less is beauty based on the philosophy that the world does not need more beauty products ...it needs better ones. AYUNA is the sum of years of experience in cosmetics, wellness and beauty embodied in a collection of unique products. A life of knowledge, distilled. Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify and Instagram, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Adina: the story of an environmental psychologist Adina was originally an urban planner by training from Romania. Due to various reasons, she got herself a degree in environmental psychology and has since then been a researcher and practitioner in this field. At present, she resides in China and is also a very popular TED Talk speaker. Her company, Qingdao QiuTianMei Cultural Consultancy Co.Ltd, or Tianmei's World in short, is the first Environmental Psychology consultancy firm in China studying different environments as context of behavior. 02:04 Adina's background 05:24 Adina's experiences in China 08:13 How Adina mastered Chinese 22:07 The definition of environmental psychology 29:09 The various application of environmental psychology https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/56454 Adina's recent Ted event in Qingdao, China https://glasp.co/youtube/p/why-everyone-needs-an-entrepreneurial-mindset-adina-deacu-tedxmalvern-college-qingdao Adina's recent Ted event video Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Welcome to Sense by MEI X Eslite Salon! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional Chinese culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. Moa is Shanghai brand ambassador of By MEI and an experienced fashion professional working for leading fashion/luxury brands. With her keen understanding of modern fashion, she believes in the power of letting brands communicate and express unique personality. 02:01 Moa's background and career experience 05:12 Moa on By MEI APAC head of a luxury brand, Moa Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Anne: the story of an expat coach Anne was originally a teacher by training in Germany. Because of her husband's occupation, she has stayed in several countries like US and China as an expat's spouse. Being an expat could be a challenging experience, not to mention being an expat's spouse. The experience triggered her to be an expat coach, helping expats and their families to lead a better life. She is currently back in her home country Germany. 02:13 Anne's background 03:25 The definition of expat 04:22 Anne's expat experience in different countries 10:32 Expat experience different for adults vs kids 16:40 The trigger of starting expat coaching 26:00 How could companies improve expat experience 35:43 The good side of being an expat https://www.coaching-because.com/ Anne's expat coaching website https://coachingfederation.org/blog/trend-expatriate-coaching Anne's recent article on ICF Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Welcome to Sense by MEI X Eslite Salon! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional Chinese culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. Christina is HK brand ambassador of By MEI and a female CEO at Zuru(one of the world's largest toy companies from New Zealand), leading its fast-growing FMCG business that includes five verticals: Pet Care, Baby Care, Beauty+Personal Care, Health+Wellness and Home Care. With diverse international background and experience, she aims to not only build brands driven by innovation and data, but also build communities, grounded in shared values and connected by shared purpose. 02:00 Christina's background and career experience 06:17 Christina on By MEI CEO of Greater China, Zuru Edge, Christina Tang Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

Happy Women's Day! This is a special episode sponsored by By MEI. Since its inception, By MEI aims to skillfully blend traditional Chinese culture with modern fashion, establishing a strong presence in the professional attire sector. Armed with past successful experience and acute fashion sense, By MEI is committed to exploring new horizons and making a mark on the global fashion scene. Lucy is brand ambassador of By MEI and a female entrepreneur growing up in Shenzhen, China. Before starting her own company, she was a professional working at major accounting/consulting firms in US/Europe and HK. With diverse international experience, she harbors the hope that one day she would be able to help more Chinese companies going global and thus founded Roadlink GLB. 02:00 Lucy's background and career experience 07:20 Lucy on By MEI Roadlink GLB is a service platform connecting the Belt and Road, and providing one-stop services for high-growth private enterprises on their business development. The platform combines mobile application and website to serve domestic and international enterprises on policy matching, institutional consultation, investment and financing, overseas investment matching, government and enterprise economic trade interaction and other integrated services. Through the operation of domestic and foreign entity service spaces, Roadlink GLB helps enterprises build a comprehensive interactive pipeline in different ways of service such as consultation, conferences, forums, exhibitions, lectures, training, roadshows, and brand display, etc. Founder of Roadlink GLB, Lucy Sun Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend a guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.

School, war, self-growth, how Julietta becomes flower boss? Julietta is a Chinese/Ukrainian young woman growing up in Poland. She has been through a lot of difficulties due to the political uncertainty and instability in Ukraine. And yet, as a world traveler, flower lover and a passionate entrepreneur, she has managed to open her own flower business in Poland, which has been thriving. Julietta's story is a story of courage, faith, and empowerment. 02:24 Julietta's background and family 26:53 Julietta's flower business 37:36 Work/Life balance for an entrepreneur 43:50 Present day women and their situation 54:46 Julietta's future plans 62:48 The lessons of living during wartime Julietta the "flower boss" Julietta preparing for whale-watching Feel free to follow Julietta's Lula Fleur on Instagram lulafleur_ Hosts Kate: VC investor/entrepreneur Julia: overseas Internet industry practitioner Next Door Stories is also available on Spotify, brought to all by Chloe. Chloe: Postdoc fellow in US, research expertise in energy related areas. If you have any feedback/comments or would like to recommend guest speaker, feel free to reach us: nextdoorstories@outlook.com.