Global Ecosystem Partner Interview 03 ：JustCo

Transnational Workspace
JustCo Communities Supporting Business Growth

When entering a domestic or foreign market, many business managers face pre-marketing challenges such as "choosing a location", "local accounting systems", and "hiring local staff". To address these issues, Hybrid Marketing's "Global Ecosystem" is a system that provides comprehensive support by building a network of highly specialized partner companies and experts.

JustCo, the premium co-working brand we visited this time, is one of our key partner companies. As Japanese companies expand into overseas markets, or foreign companies expand into the Japanese market, connecting with like-minded communities and experts can provide clues to solving a variety of challenges. We spoke with a JustCo’s Sian-Tzu Casteels, Senior Sales Manager, at the facility, about their business initiatives and the importance of community.

─ Tell us something about JustCo.

JustCo is Asia Pacific's leading provider of flexible workspaces for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible work solutions. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, JustCo leads Singapore's coworking scene with the largest network, offering close to 50 coworking centres across eight gateway cities in the region.

JustCo empowers flexible work across our network of high-quality coworking centres in prime locations, seamlessly integrated with technology to enable our members to work from any of our premises. Beyond flexible workspace solutions, we also strive to be the place that works for all individuals and businesses, revolutionising how people work by providing a platform that fosters growth, connections, collaborations and opportunities for our ever-growing JustCo community and beyond. For more information, visit our website. 

JustCo has a presence in eight major cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Melbourne, Taipei, Hsinchu, Seoul and Tokyo. The network provides an environment for companies looking to expand within the region to smoothly adapt to the local culture, and through member events, connects companies with the local business community and helps foster valuable partnerships.

─ What kind of companies use JustCo?

We have a wide range of industries including financial services, e-commerce, technology, media and professional services. Many multinationals and fast-growing start-ups also use JustCo's flexible workspace solutions to connect with the wider business community. This connection is key to success in today's dynamic marketplace.

─ Does JustCo actively welcome companies that are expanding internationally?

Absolutely! JustCo is not only a workspace provider, but also a platform to expand into new markets and connect with different business communities. With a strong network of close to 50 locations across the Asia Pacific region, we strive to lower the barriers for companies to enter the market by providing high quality workspace. And our members can use any JustCo location in the region wihtout any additional costs.

─ What specific services do you provide?

JustCo has launched the JustCo Business Solutions to help businesses succeed. This service facilitates growth and breakthroughs for businesses by connecting them to a wide range of experts in areas such as marketing support, human resource management, and finance.

JustCo Business Solutions works with reliable business partners to foster a culture of mutual support for success in the wider JustCo community.

─ What are some of the key factors you look for when accepting foreign companies?

We welcome legally registered companies based in any of the six markets* we operate in tailored to local needs.

For example, in Singapore, we help foreign companies set up an office within JustCo's private suite. This allows them to easily expand and adjust their workspace as needed without having to worry about the administrative burden of common spaces such as pantries and event spaces.

*Six markets
The six markets in which JustCo operates are Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

─ What are the biggest challenges in international business?

Adapting to local cultures and understanding the unique requirements of each market are essential for successful global business, and JustCo uses a two-pronged approach to help companies settle down in the new market.

The first is "local expertise": JustCo is made up of locally hired employees and headquarters staff who have a deep understanding of the emerging industries in each market. As a result, we know how best to help companies enter new markets and reduce the barriers of entry.

The second is "active engagement": JustCo serves both local and international companies. Importantly, it responds to the different needs of its domestic and international clients. An example of community development is JustCo Japan's "Just Gohan" (Breakfast meeting).

This regular breakfast meeting began with the introduction of Japanese onigiri (rice balls) and has fostered connections between Japanese and international members, creating a strong sense of place and community solidarity. Ultimately, local and international businesses will feel welcome and comfortable in our workspace.

─ What are some of the benefits of working with international companies?

We are not only a provider of flexible workspace solutions, but also a platform for companies to enter new markets. With a JustCo membership, members can gain access to any of our over 40 locations across Asia, which provides the convenience of working from anywhere. I am assuming you are referring to members conveniently shuttling between different locations, significantly lower the barriers to entry and allow for seamless business development.

In addition to working with our members and the community, we also partner with leading developers such as Frasers Property, Sansiri and Daito Trust. These strategic partnerships provide valuable insight into local needs and help us navigate new markets.

─Finally, what is your message to all companies?

We are committed to creating a coworking community where all professionals can thrive. To achieve this, we work hand in hand with our global stakeholders to continuously improve and expand our services to meet the diverse needs of our members.

Since its inception, JustCo has led the adoption of flexible workspace solutions in the Asia Pacific region. Seeing our members grow and progress is what fuels our passion and drives us to constantly improve our services, innovate and refresh our space. In a dynamically changing business environment, our goal to make JustCo a place where all professionals can thrive is unwavering.

The entrepreneurial journey is not always easy. That's why we are committed to being here with you and helping you succeed now and in the future. Join us in building a vibrant JustCo community.