February 2025 - Penguin Random House SEA

New Books Releasing in March 2025

Posted on February 28, 2025March 2, 2025 by simransingh

A new month means new books to add to your TBR, and this March, we’re bringing you a lineup that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re in the mood for intrigue, inspiration, or introspection, there’s something here for every kind of reader. Dive into our list and get ready to discover your next great read!

Here are the books releasing this month:

Written by Kam Raslan, here is a satirical thriller that offers relationship drama, spying and seduction, and thrilling reunions. The book will keep you hooked throughout and take you on a journey of a man who wants to belong to something, or someone.

Our author Marga Ortigas brings to you a collection of savagely personal ‘postcards’—or eclectic experiential essays—from a former journalist on the margins of middle age. This book will make you laugh and realize that you’re not alone in the journey of life and getting older.

Here is a chilling mystery written by Ruben Dass that is also based on true experiences. Exciting, isn’t it? The story follows two forensic investigators who find a body in a horrifying state. This journey leads them to unravel secrets and hunt dark human beings.

Here’s a playbook by John Aguilar for cultivating your genius, optimizing your body, and living over 100! It will guide anyone and everyone who wants to live their best lives, and look and feel good living it. And who doesn’t want that?

Here’s a collection of short stories written by Patrick Sagaram. In these stories you will find people we all know. People like ourselves, searching and yearning, often in the wrong places for something meaningful and real or for at least a brief moment, right.

Tempted to read them all already? Keep an eye on our Instagram page to find out when they release.

Read an exclusive excerpt from Awakening the Advocate

Posted on February 28, 2025 by simransingh

If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact on the world, Matthew S. Friedman’s inspiring book is the perfect guide. Through his incredible experiences and tireless activism over 35 years, he shows us that one person truly can create a ripple effect that leads to global change.

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When an Act of Kindness Goes Terribly Wrong
Some time ago, I received an urgent email from an Indian businessman named Mr Gupta, who was on a work trip in Bangkok. He described a distressing incident that had occurred the previous evening before his departure back to India.

Mr Gupta explained how, during a visit to the hotel bar, a chaotic scene unfolded before him. A crazed man barged in, shouting at a young woman in Russian and forcibly dragging her towards the exit. Concerned for her well-being, Mr Gupta, along with a few other patrons, stepped forward to help. Within minutes, hotel security arrived and apprehended the man.

Filled with empathy, Mr Gupta sat down with the woman and listened to her harrowing tale. In broken English, she explained how she had fallen victim to a Russian trafficking gang that had deceived her with the promise of a hotel job in Thailand, only to force her into prostitution.

Moved by her plight, Mr Gupta made a compassionate decision. He offered to purchase a ticket for her to return to Russia and planned to accompany her partway on the journey. They would fly together to Hong Kong, after which he would return to India while she would continue her journey back home.

However, things took a turn for the worse when the woman found herself alone in her hotel room in Hong Kong. Gripped by fear, she began to have second thoughts about going back to Russia. She was terrified that the trafficking gang would track her down and harm her and her family. Her anxiety escalated, leading her to resort to excessive drinking.

In her drunken state, she reached out to Mr Gupta, who was staying in a separate hotel room, and made a distressing threat. She claimed that if he didn’t stay with her, she would falsely accuse him of rape and attempted trafficking. Faced with a challenging situation, Mr Gupta tried to persuade her to return to Russia, but her behaviour became increasingly erratic. He feared that involving local authorities would result in his arrest.

Feeling desperate, Mr Gupta sought help through a mutual contact, who connected him with me. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, I reached out to a colleague at the United Nations who stepped up and swiftly intervened. The woman received the necessary assistance from trained specialists and was safely repatriated to Russia. Mr Gupta, profoundly shaken by the experience, returned to India, having learned a valuable lesson.

While Mr Gupta’s intentions were noble and rooted in compassion, he underestimated the profound trauma experienced by the trafficking victim. This scenario, unfortunately, is not uncommon. Well-meaning individuals encounter trafficking victims and feel compelled to help. But due to the intricate nature of these situations and the extreme trauma endured by the victims, it is crucial that ordinary people refrain from intervening independently. Doing so can inadvertently create further complications for both the victim and the well-intentioned individual.

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In this book, you’ll learn how a once-shy boy from a New England town dedicated his life to battling the scourge of human trafficking in over 40 countries. Get your copy of this incredibly moving book today.

Read an exclusive excerpt from B.E.S.T. Marking

Posted on February 11, 2025 by simransingh

B.E.S.T. Marking presents a powerful new Leadership Paradigm to navigate the complexities of this new normal environment- and win it big. It’s more than a framework; it’s a revolution in leadership. A call to action for leaders to conquer emerging challenges.

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Why is trust important in leadership and followership?

Trust is essential for great leaders, especially in the post-pandemic world. The pandemic has created a number of challenges for leaders, including:

Increased uncertainty and complexity: The world is more uncertain and complex than ever before. Leaders need to be able to make decisions quickly and effectively in the face of changing circumstances. To do this, they need to be able to trust their team members to provide accurate information and to execute on their decisions.
Greater need for collaboration: The pandemic has shown that leaders need to be able to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and government officials. To build and maintain successful collaborations, leaders need to trust their partners and to be willing to share information and resources.
Increased focus on employee well-being: The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of employee well-being. Leaders need to create a work environment where employees feel safe, supported, and valued. To do this, leaders need to trust their employees and to be willing to give them the flexibility and autonomy they need to succeed.

In the post-pandemic world, leaders who are able to build and maintain trust with their team members and stakeholders will be more likely to succeed.

There are many benefits to trust in leadership and followership. Some of the key benefits include:

Increased employee engagement: When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and to feel motivated to do their best.
Improved productivity: Trust allows employees to work more efficiently and effectively. When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to take initiative and to go the extra mile.
Higher-quality decisions: When leaders and followers trust each other, they are more likely to make better decisions. This is because they are more likely to share information openly and honestly, and to consider all sides of an issue.
Reduced turnover: Trust helps to create a more positive and supportive work environment. This leads to lower turnover rates and higher retention of top talent.

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Learn more about the importance and benefits of trust in leadership and followership along with other crucial information in B.E.S.T. Marking by Jerome Mangadap.

Get your copy today.

Read an exclusive excerpt from Future Fit Asian Organization

Posted on February 6, 2025 by simransingh

The second edition of The Future Fit Organisation series dives deep into research and grass-roots case studies from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, China and India and outlines how to localise change management strategies which to harmonise with the distinct cultures within Asia.

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Leadership styles vary significantly across Asia, reflecting the rich tapestry of traditions and values that define the continent. From the consensus-driven approach in Japan to the authoritative style in some Southeast Asian countries, leaders must be open to gaining a deeper appreciation for the approaches that resonate most effectively within their specific cultural contexts.

The Transformational Leader in Asia

For leaders in Asia, successful transformations are deeply rooted in a blend of traditional values and forward-thinking approaches. Here’s my take on the bedrock principles leaders must embody to spearhead successful transformations in the region.

Respect for hierarchy and authority

Traditional Asian cultures often place a high value on hierarchy and respect for authority figures. Leaders should be mindful of this and foster a culture of open communication while maintaining a level of deference. Example: Rivigo, an Indian logistics technology company, places a strong emphasis on discipline and structured operations. They have implemented innovative solutions while maintaining a structured approach to their operations, with their proprietary software reducing driver fatigue, optimizing routes and monitoring truck performance – helping cement its position as the largest, fastest, and safest.

Harmony and collectivism

Asian cultures emphasize the collective over the individual. Leaders should promote teamwork, consensus-building, and a sense of belonging among team members. Encouraging a harmonious work environment is crucial.

Long-term relationship building

Building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect is paramount. Leaders should invest time in cultivating connections with team members, clients, and stakeholders. Long-term relationships can be key to sustainable success.

Adaptability and flexibility

Asia is a diverse continent with various cultures and business practices. Leaders should be adaptable and open to different approaches. Being flexible in the face of change is essential for navigating the complexities of the region.

Emphasis on education and skill development

Many Asian cultures place a high value on education and continuous learning. Leaders should support and provide opportunities for skill development and professional growth among their team members.

Cultural sensitivity and inclusion

Being sensitive to cultural nuances and differences is crucial. Leaders should create an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and heard, regardless of their cultural background.

Balancing tradition with innovation

Striking a balance between preserving cultural traditions and embracing innovation is key. Leaders should encourage forward-thinking and creativity while respecting the heritage and values of the community.

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To read more about the Core Principles of Transformational Leadership, get your copy of this incredible book by Friska Wirya now.

Books To Fall In Love With This Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 by simransingh

Hello book lovers!

It’s the season of love and we’re here to celebrate with that ONE THING we love the most – books!

We have curated a special list of books with unique and captivating love stories for you to read this Valentine’s Day. Come, fall in love.

Cheese Donuts Are Most Definitely Subpar — Know more||

An enemies-to-lovers romance that will make you swoon! Follow the love story of Ellie and Dion as they start off on kind of a bad note and soon realise that they don’t really despise each other.

This dark romance is all you need right now, trust us. Imagine a love that is forbidden and crosses multiple boundaries to win. Meet ‘The Heartbreaker’ and his obsession, Lil and read how they will do anything to be together.

Here’s a story about how a crush at work can turn into something more. But Kali and Luca’s story is a lot deeper than that. The layers of emotion in their story will keep you hooked from the beginning.

Go on a roller coaster with Emily who is heartbroken and unemployed, as she meets new people only to run into her K-Pop Idol ex-boyfriend. There is drama, love triangles, self-realisations and a lot more in this story.

This is for the independent girlies who need the reassurance of self-love but also be open to finding love in unthinkable places, just like the main character Sarah. Her adventure will set you free.

Love is complicated, and rarely ever simple and here’s a book that includes the messiness behind love. It’s dark, it’s scandalous and you won’t want to put it down as you read about Gale, Papang and Queen.

This is a work romance of our dreams! Emma and Kip are involved in a friendly, flirty and literary smackdown that grows into something deeper than either of them had signed up for.

This is the story of Arya, who goes viral on the internet overnight and Dave, a famous yet reclusive artist who’d retreated from the public. Things go awry when their paths cross, but it might not be the worst thing.

Rebels, Traitors, Peacemakers — Know more||

We all are guilty of loving fictional love stories but here are REAL stories of Indian-Chinese relationships – heartfelt encounters of their struggles and triumphs. They will give you hope to fight for what you love.

Of chance encounters, imaginary worlds, forgotten pasts and redemption – here is the story of Gemma and Cole and how everything changes when they meet. Gemma sets out on a journey for truth.

A beautifully serendipitous love story of Bryce and Nora who fall in love in high school and find an unconventional way to stay in touch after graduation. The story spans over a few years and we ache to see them together again.

So, which one are picking up first?

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Month: February 2025