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MESSAGE
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
EDITORIAL TEAM
A Fresh Start
2013, as quickly as it had begun, has ended.
It was a year lled with tumultuous events
that tested the resolve of business owners in
Singapore. From the cuts in the dependency
ratio ceiling for foreign workers to the thankfully
brief onset of haze, veteran businessmen and
entrepreneurs alike all had to contend with
these challenges, pushing through adversity to
grow further.
At the end of 2013, we recognised 12 Entrepreneurs in the Entrepreneur
of the Year 2013 ~ A Rotary Singapore-ASME Award, outstanding
business people who have made successful inroads in their chosen
industries. Three of these exceptional individuals were our inaugural
Young Entrepreneurs, a new Award Category rolled out in 2013. Being
with the Award for the better part of 11 years, it lls me with great
pride and fulllment, having seen the journey the Award itself has taken
through the years.
As we move forward into 2014, our SMEs have to prepare for possibly
more challenging times ahead. They will also have to keep a more
open mind on how to best steer their companies to greater success,
which includes merging to form larger companies to reap better scale
and improved leverage on their markets. As the business environment
continues to change, our SMEs must change as well to maintain
relevance and remain competitive.
As a new year begins, ASME will strive to do more. Amongst the host
of new programmes and initiatives in the pipeline, we hope to have an
incubation centre that can bridge operating SMEs with new knowledgedriven
or technologically-based startups that are relevant extensions to
their current operations. This allows the deployment of old capital and
established business acumen to fresh ideas, renewing vibrancy and
creating greater sustainability in the SME community.
Amidst the plethora of different ideas, we will still remain true to our roots,
to be the business Association For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs.
I wish all an enterprising 2014.
Wee Chorng Kien, Kurt
President
Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
Interim Executive Director
Ang Yuit
Advisor
Thomas Fernandez
Head, Corporate Communications
Justin Shen
Editor
James Tan
[corpcomms@asme.org.sg]
Sub-Editor
Eunice Choy
Writer
Rachelle Tan
Advertising
Celine Sim
Luann Leong
Joey Cheng
[sales@asme.org.sg]
Design & Printing
SC (Sang Choy) International Pte Ltd
Publisher
Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME)
Contributors
Stephen Lew Mark Dixon
Chong Eng Hock Robert Chew
Lee Boon Kee Anthony Ku
VJP LLP
Maybank Singapore
Singapore Sports Council
DISCLAIMER
The comments and views expressed in Entrepreneurs’
Digest do not necessarily reect the comments and views
of the Publisher. This publication is intended to encourage,
motivate and assist readers with regards to entrepreneurship
and the associated. It is however, not a substitute for and
should not be relied on as if it were professional advice on
entrepreneurship, law, accounting or any other aspects
of business. The Publisher expressly disclaims all liability
for loss, damage or expense suffered or sustained by any
person, body or corporation arising directly or indirectly from
action as a result of the material in this publication. Any and all
reliance on material therein shall be at the readers’ own risk.
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recording or otherwise without prior permission of the
copyright owner of the Publisher © Association of Small and
Medium Enterprises, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Tower 4, #03-
13 Singapore 150167. Tel (65) 6513-0388 Fax: (65) 6513-
0399 MICA (P) NO 137/09/2013 ISSN: 1793-0286 Printed by
SC (Sang Choy) International Pte Ltd
JAN FEB 2014
ENTREPRENEURS’ DIGEST
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