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안녕 (Annyeong)… Hi Trading Supplies
Dongwon YangBan Fried Green Laver with Anchovy & Shrimp.
Isabel Sim. Li Yen/Epoch Times
By Li Yen | Epoch Times Staff
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sabel Sim is an unpretentious lady who loves dogs.
Sitting comfortably at her office in Ubi, accompanied by her poodle, she talks to Epoch Times about the challenges she faces starting her food company – Hi Trading Supplies.
All product photos Courtesy of Hi Trading Supplies
Dongwon YangBan Rice Porridge with Abalone.
Dongwon Light Tuna with Bulgogi Sauce. 24 November 20–December 3, 2015
The 23-year-old graduated from University of Melbourne two years ago. With a degree in Finance and Management, she had worked in a bank for three months as a temporary administrative staff, but doubted whether that was the path she would follow. “I just could not deal with the daily routine. As a person who appreciate changes from time to time, an office job really would not be ideal for me,” she says. Then, a golden chance came by. Her cousin was given the opportunity to work with Dongwon, one of the biggest F&B conglomerates in Korea, through a business associate. And coincidentally, Isabel was studying Korean language at Seoul’s Yonsei University at that time. She told her cousin Dongwon is a well-known brand in Korea and a quality brand worth bringing to the Singapore market.
Dongwon Fresh Morning Aloe Vera Juice.
Dongwon YangBan Crispy Laver Snack with Almond.
After much planning and discussion with their Korean counterparts, Isabel and her cousin started Hi Trading Supplies. Although Dongwon has more than 400 products in their catalogue, the cousins decide to focus on its most popular products - Yangban Seaweed and the canned tuna which dominate the South Korean market. They are also importing beverages such as aloe vera juice, and instant porridges. “Our mindset was really simple: we just want more people to know about such good quality products,” she says. “I like the way Dongwon does their business.” According to Isabel, Dongwon F&B is putting continuous efforts in R&D to develop innovative, safe and healthy products for consumers. She adds, “Offering an alternative healthier option for our consumers is what we aim to do.” Seaweeds are excellent at regulating and purifying our blood and are high in calcium - 10 times more calcium than milk and eight times as much as beef. Seaweed is also high in nutrients and is beneficial for digestive health, and contributes to
Dongwon YangBan Seasoned Seaweed Laver with Perilla Oil.
Our mindset was really simple: we just want more people to know about such good quality products. Isabel Sim cholesterol-lowering as well as weight loss. “Seaweed is embedded in the Korean culture. They eat it as a daily snack or side dish together with their meals. This is because seaweed has a lot of health benefits. But in Singapore, we only eat it as a snack occasionally, and some of them with lots of flavouring. We hope to be able to promote and educate more people about the benefits of seaweed and to let them know that you can snack healthily,” she explains.