Meet our Member of the Month, Maggie Christie
This month we had the pleasure of talking to Maggie Christie, Trade Commissioner – New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
Briefly, what is your role? I have the honour of being the face of New Zealand business here in Singapore. I work with our Business Development Team (aka market guru’s!) and international partners/networks to promote, support and grow New Zealand businesses in Singapore.
Any advice for doing business in Singapore and/or the region? Three key things I’ve learnt in my three months:
- Do your research first - get to know your audience/market (they’re different!!) – who are they? who/what influences them? Who are your competitors? What are they looking for?
- Be clear on your value proposition – what do you offer? how do you solve the audience need/problem?
- Tell your story – Leverage your point of difference and weave together your story in a way that will resonate with the audience (and tell them where to find out more!)
When did you move to Singapore? Where from? My husband and two teenage boys moved from Aotearoa in February this year
Where were you born? What country do you call home? I was born in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), although lived in Waiheke Island, London and Washington DC .... Aotearoa is still definitely home!
What do you like most about Singapore? There is so much and we’ve only just scratched the surface … I love the food (Hawker Markets are a treat!), the weather (seriously I was born in the wrong country), the ability to get anything delivered any time of the day or night and being in the centre of the world.
What do you do to relax? Nothing beats good friends, a cold gin and an inspiring book!
What's top of your bucket list? It’s changed a bit lately to what is possible … the Zoo Night Safari!!
Why did you join the New Zealand Chamber (Singapore) and what do you like most about it? To get connected – both to other Kiwis but also to the Singapore community. And that is exactly what I’ve liked so far – getting to meet new people, I was lucky my first event was for Global Women's Day!
Any last words? Thank you! And if you want to connect just get in touch 😊 https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-christie-26136610
