Commentary

6 keys to sustainable leadership development in Singapore

Many Singapore business owners view people development and training as a 'good-to-have', rather than a 'must-have'. This dangerous viewpoint can be costly to both short-term profits and long-term progress.

Commentary

6 keys to sustainable leadership development in Singapore

Commentary

65% of Singaporean customers are looking at you on their mobiles

Last year, for the first time in the history of the Internet, the number of mobile devices connected to it overtook the number of standard desktop connections. In passing this mobile tipping point the rise of mobile marketing and commerce has cemented itself front and centre in how we do business.

Commentary

Bringing down barriers in securities markets – ISO 20022 the way forward

Different languages. Different market practices. Different financial communication channels. Different monetary systems. Different regulatory requirements. Little or no automation of financial transaction processing.

Commentary

Where the Australian Dollar is headed and what it means to Singapore

Singapore's interest in Australian assets has been growing for many years given the proximity, stability, and well-regarded educational institutions. With the recent drop in the Australian Dollar (AUD) of more than 25%, this interest has only strengthened. An important consideration for many Singapore-based investors is therefore... 'where to next for the Australian dollar'.

Commentary

Expat versus local salaries in Singapore

Several recent media reports have explored the issue of expat salaries and asked if expats are really receiving as much as you think they are. In our experience, few expats in Singapore today are on the inflated packages of the past.

Commentary

The cleverest SG50 marketing campaigns

With preparations for the big day in full swing, it seems that the little red dot is practically everywhere – even gracing special edition sardine cans! Some commentators are sceptical about businesses trying to 'cash-in' on the wave of emotion and excitement about the nation's special day. I think they should lighten up.

Commentary

Collaboration economy starts with where you sit

Singapore, the world's 3rd most popular destination for digital business, is a mecca for co-working spaces. With remote workers and outsourcing on the rise, location-independent professionals are increasingly choosing to work in these shared spaces.

Commentary

Leveraging on technology to maximise HR productivity

With productivity rising extremely slow in recent years, the drain on existing resources which are already overstretched is getting more and more apparent.

Commentary

Is franchising still relevant for aspiring Singapore entrepreneurs?

In my first article, “How Singaporeans can do franchising wisely,” I talked about how aspiring entrepreneurs can purchase a brand and business through the franchise model.

Commentary

The Singapore investor in the Land of Smiles

To most Singaporeans, Thailand is synonymous with the idea of a fantastic tropical holiday. Travellers from all over the world visit to enjoy a lazy vacation on a sunny beach in Phuket, explore the tropical islands close to Krabi, or hunt for bargains in one of Bangkok’s vibrant malls.

Commentary

10 reasons I love doing business in Singapore

Having been in Singapore for 6 years now I have an understanding of why it’s great to do business in Singapore and Asia comparative to doing business in London and the UK. With 20 years of doing business in London I can honestly say that doing business in Singapore and Asia is so much easier and more pleasurable than doing business in the UK and Europe.

Commentary

Re-evaluating current workforce planning methods in Singapore

With Singapore seen as one of the most advanced and forward-looking cities in Asia, we would expect Singaporeans to be taking the lead when it comes to workforce planning… but the Workforce Planning Trends and Practices survey report 2015 reveals a surprisingly primitive side to the highly developed first-world nation.

Commentary

Raising engagement levels in Singapore

According to a Morgan McKinley Working Hours Survey in 2014, over 80% of Singapore’s professionals who responded say they are working in excess of their contractual hours.

Commentary

The future of SkillsFuture -- How can we make it a success?

The announcement of the SkillsFuture fund has led to much discussion. Right after it was announced, a few MPs raised in parliament an important aspect of SkillsFuture: how do we develop a culture of continuous learning and personal responsibility for one’s own career and future as the nation prepares for the uncertain future?

Commentary

Is Singapore the right place to set up a social enterprise?

Are you a purpose-driven individual? Do you see yourself and your business as part of the global community? Are you seeking to be the change and innovation that Singapore loves to foster?

Commentary

These are the skills in demand right now in Singapore

Singapore’s jobs market has bounced back to high levels of activity following the slowdown in the recruitment process during Chinese New Year. Now that the pace of hiring is picking up again, will your skills be in demand?

Commentary

How can we stop innovation in Singapore?

How does Singapore remain relevant as a commercial hub? How economically resilient are we? How can Singapore businesses and executives 'upgrade' at a faster pace than neighbors with bigger populations and greater natural resources? These are key questions being asked by the government and academics, but ultimately it is the business community that needs to come up with the answers.

Commentary