Property360Digest e-magazine Issue # 9 - 2021
WeWork SEA Members
The emphasis on flexibility is echoed by both our existing and new members , with close to 10 % increase in the enterprise segment for WeWork SEA . Across the region , WeWork has tracked renewed and new commitments from companies such as OPPO , Thales , Payoneer , Affinidi , Indepay , and Katalon . Confidence in WeWork ’ s solutions is further reinforced with more than 50 % of WeWork ’ s global members having commitments longer than 12 months , contributing to an average full commitment term of well over 15 months .
Against an economic landscape that increasingly focuses on cash flow efficiency and productivity , lies a growing demand for optionality and collaboration in supporting business operations . Beyond sectors like financial and technology , WeWork ’ s workplace solution is getting traction with diverse industries such as pharmaceutical , government and education across SEA . The government sector is particularly a significant driver for WeWork in Singapore , with a growth of more than 60 % from last year . LingoAce , a Chinese-learning platform for learners aged four to 15 , is another company that has scaled with WeWork as it expands across the region . LingoAce had first set up its headquarters in Singapore with WeWork . Fueled by increased demand for online language learning and new fundings , LingoAce leveraged WeWork ’ s presence in SEA and expanded into Thailand and Indonesia .
Leading WeWorkSEA will be the newly appointed General Manager for Australia and SEA , Balder Tol . As WeWork ’ s first Australian hire in 2016 , Tol ’ s member-first approach grew Australia ’ s membership to over 12,000 members across Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane and Perth . Not only has he established WeWork Australia as a reliable and trusted partner for enterprises , he has been at the forefront leading the return to office and economic recovery strategy for companies in Australia .
In his new role , Tol will continue to be based |
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Thailand ), |
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He will report to Samit Chopra , Managing Director , International ( Strategy and Operations ) based in Singapore .
“ Balder is an inspiring and engaging leader , well liked by his team , members and the industry and is a proven strategic partner to WeWork ’ s stakeholders . Given the dynamic and diverse nature of SEA , Balder is undoubtedly the best person to lead the region . I am confident and excited to see how he advances SEA and Australia , at a time when our value proposition is stronger than ever ,” said Chopra .
Tol also commented , “ This role could not have come at a more pivotal time . This year marks my fifth anniversary with WeWork and we are at an inflection point of innovation and growth . I ’ m grateful for the opportunity to lead the team and redefine the flexible workplace market as cities start to open and organizations start to plan their return to office strategies . I am looking forward to partnering closely with the team to advance WeWork SEA by delivering an unmatched workplace experience .”
Prior to WeWork , Tol was General Manager of Tank Stream Labs and a founding team member of Airbnb Australia . Tol holds a Masters in Management from the University of Sydney .
Balder Tol General Manager , Australia and Southeast Asia ( SEA )