Best Kong Inc Podcasts (2025)

1
Luxury in Transition, featuring Borghese Inc. Chief Operating Officer Dawn Hilarczyk 20:30

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9h ago20:30

20:30

Quality and exclusivity are the defining characteristics of luxury. As beauty consumer values shift, so to do the product, packaging, and promotional attributes that signal luxury. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about the challenges and changes that are shaping luxury brand strategy today. Our guest is Dawn Hilarczyk, Chief Operatin…

1
On Trump 2.0 and Beijing’s New Tactics with Amanda Hsiao 45:29

6d ago45:29

45:29

This week, we have NüVoices host and board member Sophia Yan in conversation with Amanda Hsiao, director in Eurasia Group’s China practice. In this special episode, Sophia talks to Amanda on the new and old tactics used by Washington and Beijing in the latest rounds of US-China trade disputes.

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Skincare and Longevity, featuring SkinModerne CEO Richard Purvis 22:47

7d ago22:47

22:47

Longevity is a movement because consumers understand that with the right skincare, nutrition, and lifestyle choices better ageing is possible. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about pro-ageing product claims, microbiome and exosome science, the importance of consumer education, and more. Our guest is Richard Purvis, CEO of SkinModerne…

1
Macao's end of an era, and a ghost ship in search of a business 18:35

8d ago18:35

18:35

An era has ended in Macao with the planned closure of the city's remaining "satellite casinos" by the end of the year. Does this represent the latest step in the corporatization of Macao? And former financier-turned-educator-turned -food seller Qudian has announced it's pulling out of its latest foray into last-mile delivery. What value for investo…

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Labubu fever, and a skincare brawl 15:06

14d ago15:06

15:06

An early edition toy based on the red-hot Labubu character has fetched a record $150,000 in a recent auction. What's driving the craze, and is it sustainable? And a high-profile tussle between two leading skincare brands has left one of them bruised, with its stock down 30%. How can investors steer clear of this kind of damage?…

1
Water-Based Fragrance Technology, featuring Cosmo International Fragrances, Perfumer Arnaud Winter and Account Manager Pedro da Costa 26:00

14d ago26:00

26:00

Fine fragrance, body mists, hair fragrance, and other scented cosmetics and personal care products have conventionally been blended with alcohol. As consumer expectations and regulatory protocols change, water-based fragrance is becoming more popular and fragrance scientists are working to meet demand. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we find…

1
A Conscious Living Conversation with Sonalie Figueiras 42:43

21d ago42:43

42:43

This week, host Tiffany Ap gets in the weeds on how to live a more eco-conscious life with Sonalie Figueiras, the founder of Green Queen and Asia's leading sustainability voice. In this episode, Sonalie explores Asia’s pivotal role in climate and food tech innovation, shares practical eco-friendly tips, and reflects on whether we're witnessing a cu…

1
Brand Artistry, featuring ARTDECO Cosmetic Group Vice President of Marketing, Anna Blasco Salvat 24:52

22d ago24:52

24:52

In color cosmetics, product function is the priority. Creating a makeup brand that looks and feels expressive, statement making, and attuned to consumer preferences is nearly—if not equally—as important. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we open a conversation about makeup, neuromarketing, creative packaging design, brand loyalty, niche produc…

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WeRide's big share repurchase, and Huawei's PC Harmony 26:45

22d ago26:45

26:45

Huawei has released a PC version of its Harmony operating system, as well as two models using the OS. How likely are other PC and smartphone makers to adopt this made-in-China OS? And WeRide has launched a $100 million share buyback less than a year after its IPO. What prompted the move, and is this the best use of its dwindling cash?…

1
Zeekr's Buyout Stalls, and Chagee's Returns Cool 26:23

28d ago26:23

26:23

A group of early investors in NEV maker Zeekr have protested a recent privatization bid for the company, saying it's too low. Will the buyer heed their complaints and raise its offer? And Chagee's maiden quarterly results show its revenue grew at just half the rate of its new store openings. What's behind the evaporting returns?…

1
Augmented Intelligence and Consumer Insights, featuring The Estée Lauder Companies Global Vice President of Consumer Foresight & Predictive Analytics Kalindi Mehta 26:29

29d ago26:29

26:29

AI helps cosmetic and personal care brands conduct social listening analysis, identify and respond to trends, personalize product recommendations, support retail service teams, and so much more. Multinationals that own numerous brands and serve markets around the world use AI tech to do all of this at scale and at a very fast pace. This week on the…

1
Sustainability Through Coalition, Featuring Beauty Kitchen and Reposit Founder Jo Chidley 22:23

1M ago22:23

22:23

In the transition to a circular economy, can the cosmetics and personal care sector step into a leadership role among CPG industries? This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, our guest is Jo-Anne Chidley, Founder of Beauty Kitchen and Reposit—a entrepreneur who is fully confident that, by engaging stakeholders from the supply chain through to the end…

1
Russia's Chinese Car Indigestion, and the Fall of a Chinese Chip Magnate 18:45

1M ago18:45

18:45

After zooming over the last few years, China's car exports to Russia skidded by 44% in the first quarter. What put on the brakes? And former microchip superstar Zhao Guowei has been sentenced to death for waste and corruption. What led to his downfall?By Bamboo Works

1
Intelligent Perfumery, featuring Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, Fragrance Development Manager Federica Libralon 20:04

1M ago20:04

20:04

The business of fragrance creation is an artistic business. Nevertheless, opportunities to enhance the perfumery and scented personal care product creation process through digital engagement, and with consumer and market data, are significant. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about the work of a fragrance evaluator and the advantages …

1
Starbucks Seeks a China Partner, and Vaping Looks to Diversify 16:57

1M ago16:57

16:57

Starbucks has reportedly sent invitations to several parties interested in buying part of its struggling China operations. What kind of partner is the U.S. coffee giant likely to choose? And vaping companies are scrambling to diversify production away from China over concerns about Donald Trump's tariffs. Where are they going, and will they escape …

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A Career in Diplomacy, Influence and Impact with Wenchi Yu 43:53

2M ago43:53

43:53

This week, we have co-hosts Chenni Xu and Solarina Ho in conversation with Wenchi Yu on the current landscape of the US-China-Taiwan relationship and working as a bridge-builder in this arena. In this episode, Wenchi discusses how her identity is the throughline of her career in labor rights, civil rights, diplomacy, media and non-profit leadership…

1
Beauty that Begins in Kenya, featuring O’Bao CEO Suzie Wokabi 24:07

2M ago24:07

24:07

Local cosmetic ingredient supply chains, local brand leadership, and local beauty tech are all on the rise in the East African nation of Kenya—a country known for its entrepreneurial spirit. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn how one of Kenya’s leading cosmetic brand executives is shaping and inspiring the future of beauty both within …

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Uber's Chinese Robotaxi Romance, and Webull's Strong Debut 16:43

2M ago16:43

16:43

Uber has signed new alliances with Chinese robotaxi operators Momenta and Pony AI, and fortified an existing partnership with WeRide. Why the sudden embrace of Chinese robotaxis? And Webull's stock has charged from the gate with massive gains following its SPAC listing. What's driving this company, which is an unusual hybrid of a U.S.-based busines…

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Pens, Pencils and Crayons, featuring Faber-Castell Cosmetics Vice President of Global Sales & Innovation Christian Eisen 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

The familiar gesture of pencils have made this classic component format a mainstay in beauty. Pencils, as well as pens and crayons, are at once fun and functional. But given the pace of change and the importance of sustainability in our industry, they are also forever evolving. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider how nuanced the mate…

1
Roadmap to Cosmetic Industry Sustainability, featuring Quantis Global Lead for Cosmetics, Personal Care, and Pharma Emmanuel Hembert 20:33

2M ago20:33

20:33

Our industry’s sustainable transformation is a work in progress. Every sort of stakeholder, from raw material suppliers to beauty consumers to waste management specialists, is involved. To make it all happen there is an ongoing cycle of assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and reciprocal improvement. This week on the CosmoFa…

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A Bagel Success Story, and a Red Bull Slayer 16:58

2M ago16:58

16:58

Tim Hortons is tasting some new success in China with a bagel formula. Will this mark the start of a turnaround for the struggling chain? And a Red Bull killer named Eastroc has filed to list in Hong Kong. What’s the secret to its success, and will it attract investors to its story?By Bamboo Works

1
Delisting Speculation, and a New Tea Listing 14:20

2M ago14:20

14:20

Speculation is growing on a potential delisting of Chinese shares from New York in the growing US-China trade war. Could such a mass delisting really happen? And a purist premium tea maker named Chagee raises $400 million in a Nasdaq IPO. What sets this company apart from its many rivals?By Bamboo Works

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Soil for Skincare, featuring Uute Scientific Product Director Iida Mäkelä 22:08

2M ago22:08

22:08

The forest floor is rich in microbial life, which is one reason why exposure to nature is so beneficial. And new science shows that those microbes, even when inactivated, have remarkable skincare benefits, particularly for sensitive skin and atopic conditions. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the skincare benefits of being in c…

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How I Stopped Being a Model Minority with Anne Anlin Cheng 46:31

3M ago46:31

46:31

This week, we have host Stephanie Tam in conversation with Anne Anlin Cheng about her book, Ordinary Disasters: How I Stopped Being a Model Minority, which debuted in September 2024 and was published by Pantheon. In this episode, Anne discusses her journey from academic scholarship to a personal, deeply vulnerable "new kind of writing." After decad…

1
Branding for the Digital Fragrance Consumer, featuring BellaVita General Manager Namita Shrivastava 19:07

3M ago19:07

19:07

With ecommerce comes unparalleled access to data—to fragrance and beauty consumer behavior insights from every market around the world. Which is how digital-forward companies are building brands that meet consumer expectations in real-time, in the very moments and markets where opportunity exists. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider …

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Fintech Lender Rebound, and a Hotel Mess 19:48

3M ago19:48

19:48

Fintech lenders are entering a new golden era, with Jiayin reporting 46% growth for its core consumer lending business in last year's fourth quarter and forecasting similar gains this year. What's driving this rebound? And hotelier H World is still trying to fix a German acquisition from 2019 that wiped out its profit in the fourth quarter of last …

1
Sustainable Development Validation, featuring Ecovia Intelligence Research Director Iveta Kovacova 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

It’s normal now for cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers to incorporate environmental sustainability into their processes. Part of the challenge is deciding what to focus on, and how to prove and talk about green claims. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about the complexity of the beauty industry’s sustainable future. Our …

1
TikTok in Limbo, and Xiaomi's EV Crisis 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

TikTok's plan to sell its US operation runs into resistance from Beijing after Trump's new tariffs. Does this spell the end for this deal? And Xiaomi enters crisis mode after a fiery crash of one of its EVs leaves three students dead. Will this put the brakes on Xiaomi's stock?By Bamboo Works

1
The Competitive Edge of R&D, featuring Trinny London Head of R&D Jeff Rosevear 20:17

3M ago20:17

20:17

In the cosmetics industry, product development directly impacts formulation efficacy, consumer retention, and brand value. Which is why R&D leaders today need not only scientific knowledge but also skills including strategic thinking, scenario planning, and (especially within SMEs) a shared accountability with other business units. This week on the…

1
A Hydrogen Listing, and a New China Toy Story 17:25

3M ago17:25

17:25

A young company called Scage is close to listing in New York through a backdoor SPAC merger. Is it really worth the high valuation it's seeking? And 52Toys has hired an investment bank for a Hong Kong IPO. Will it be able to sell investors on its toy story of rapid expansion and hot collectibles?By Bamboo Works

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Podcast Crossover: Feminist Rebels from Face-Off: the U.S. vs China with Jane Perlez 38:30

3M ago38:30

38:30

This week the NüVoices podcasting team is thrilled to share a special crossover podcast episode from Jane Perlez' Face-Off: The U.S. vs China, on "Feminist Rebels". This is the fifth episode in the podcast's second season, focusing on the feminist wave in Greater China and where we stand now. The NüVoices podcast interview with Jane aired on Februa…

1
Soaring Stock Brokers, and Rising Tobacco 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

Online brokers Futu and UP Fintech have recorded banner results, with revenue up by 75% or more for both in the fourth quarter. What's driving the growth, and is it sustainable? And the international arm of China's tobacco monopoly reported 10% revenue growth last year, even as the number of Chinese smokers fell. What's driving the increase?…

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Arabic Fragrance Growth, featuring Arabian Oud International General Manager Ralph Bou Nader 22:14

3M ago22:14

22:14

Scent transports us. It recalls memories, evokes emotions, invites connection among cultures, and propels us to places both real and imagined. Growing a global business around something so powerful and so invisible requires both passion and acumen. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the business and nuance of fragrance made in th…

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Procurement 101: What it is and How to Manage It Effectively 23:51

3M ago23:51

23:51

Discover essential strategies for managing procurement like a pro and learn how the right tools can simplify your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session is packed with insights you won't want to miss!By Fohlio Inc.

1
New solar policy support, and a stock market cleanup 17:42

4M ago17:42

17:42

China may be preparing new policy support for its embattled solar companies, possibly in the form of ramped up building of new solar farms. Will such support be enough to raise the sector out of the doldrums? And China's securities regulator has reportedly launched a campaign to stop many smaller firms from seeking overseas listings in New York. Wh…

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Optimizing Beauty Care for Every Generation, Featuring Fashion Snoops Director of Beauty and Wellness Mallory Huron 22:53

4M ago22:53

22:53

The longevity movement is an opportunity and a challenge for beauty makers. The age range of cosmetic consumers has expanded tremendously in recent years, making messaging and product development more complex than ever. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider the implications of catering to cosmetic and personal care consumers across the…

1
The Nationalism Factor, and a Forced Asset Sale 14:46

4M ago14:46

14:46

The huge success of "Ne Zha 2," partly due to national pride, has lit a fire under the stock of the movie's producer, Enlight Media. How important is the nationalism factor when choosing Chinese stocks? And Hong Kong's CK Hutchinson has sold its two port operations in the Panama Canal after coming under pressure from Donald Trump. Are we likely to …

1
Let Only Red Flowers Bloom, a Conversation with Emily Feng 38:54

4M ago38:54

38:54

This week, NüVoices co-founder and host Joanna Chiu spoke to returning guest Emily Feng about her new book, Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping’s China. In this episode, Emily and Joanna discuss her recent reporting trip to Syria, how her waiting at the Beijing Airport inspired her to write a book about identity in Chin…

1
AI-Supported Cosmetic Ingredient Development, Featuring Cambrium Head of Personal Care Lucile Bonnin 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

Ingredient discovery and scale up is time consuming, expensive, and competitive. Tech tools like AI are helping suppliers minimize the risks and bring truly new beauty benefits to consumers. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn more about AI along the cosmetic industry supply chain. Our guest is Lucile Bonnin, Head of Personal Care at Ca…

1
Heritage Brand Creation, Featuring Nopalera Founder Sandra Velasquez 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

It takes time to build a heritage beauty brand—a lot of time. But every brand starts somewhere; and the early years and founder’s vision go a long way toward building trust and an emotional connection with consumers. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we talk about indie beauty with Sandra Velasquez, Founder of the Modern Mexican brand Nopalera…

1
China's Takeout Delivery Market Gets a Shakeup 15:14

4M ago15:14

15:14

China's takeout dining duopoly of Ele.me and Meituan will start offering social benefits for their thousands of drivers. What's driving this change of heart and what will it mean for the market? And JD.com has announced its entering the fray, aiming to take on this established duopoly. What are its chances of success, and what does this mean for th…

1
Scam Inc. from The Economist, a Conversation with Sue-Lin Wong 47:27

4M ago47:27

47:27

This week, NüVoices co-hosts Chenni Xu and Megan Cattel speak to return guest Sue-Lin Wong about her current beat as South East Asia correspondent for The Economist and her investigative journalism into the world of scams that touches on human trafficking, money laundering and corruption. In this episode, Sue-Lin discusses her inspiration for Scam …

1
Men’s Beauty in the US, featuring STATISTA Consumer Goods and Retail Research Expert Dominique Petruzzi 21:16

4M ago21:16

21:16

Revenue figures are up; men in the US are buying skincare and hair care as well as makeup and complexion products more than ever before. They are more informed and more interested in beauty care ingredients and product efficacy too. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the growing men’s beauty sector from our guest Dominique Petruz…