Question 1

What exactly is 'Light Presence'?

Accepted Answer

Light Presence means operating in a market through certified local partners — without establishing a local legal entity, hiring local employees, or maintaining a permanent physical office. TNGAP's Singapore hub entity manages all contracts and IOR obligations.

Question 2

Is Light Presence legally sound?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TNGAP's Hub-and-Spoke / Light Presence structure has been reviewed by Christopher & Lee Ong, one of Singapore's leading commercial law firms. The structure is designed to avoid PE (Permanent Establishment) risk while enabling full ASEAN market operations.

Question 3

Does Light Presence apply to all ASEAN markets?

Accepted Answer

Light Presence applies across Phase 1 markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each market has specific regulatory considerations that TNGAP manages through certified local partners. Korea (Phase 3) will require a separate structure assessment.

Question 4

What is PE (Permanent Establishment) risk?

Accepted Answer

PE risk refers to the possibility that a foreign company's activities in a country create a taxable presence — triggering local corporate tax obligations. TNGAP's structure is specifically designed to operate below PE thresholds, as confirmed by Christopher & Lee Ong.

Question 5

Can my company visit ASEAN markets under Light Presence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business travel is explicitly included in the Light Presence model. Japanese brand representatives can visit partner facilities, attend trade events, and meet with buyers — without this creating PE exposure. TNGAP advises on travel frequency and documentation practices.

現地オフィス不要。法的根拠確認済み。

オーバーヘッドのない存在感。

Christopher & Lee Ong — 確認済み。

Hub-and-Spoke across 4 Phase 1 markets.

Light Presence — common questions.

一緒に確認しましょう。