Small-medium enterprises (SMEs) have received much-needed guidance for their businesses to take off in Singapore and abroad. Since 2013, the SME Centre @ North West under North West Community Development Council (CDC) has engaged these SMEs through various platforms, from networking sessions and capability building workshops to more personalised one-to-one consultations.
Workshops to guide SMEs on Digital Transformation and International Business
One key area of support is the SME Capability Workshops @ North West, which helps SMEs develop key business areas. The Digitalisation workshop guides companies on digital transformation, while the Internationalism workshop provides guidance on overseas expansion. Since its inception in 2017, the workshops have played a pivotal role in strengthening the networks and building the capabilities of SMEs.
Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District says, “Through the various engagement platforms, we build strong networks with SMEs and also understand SMEs’ needs and aspiration better. With that, we are able to provide strategic guidance to SME Centre @ North West and support them in sharpening their outreach and consultation efforts, as well as tailor the SME Capability Workshops @ North West to meet their business objectives.”
Workshop benefits company with Automation implementation
A business owner which has benefitted is Mr Siong Beng Seng, Director of AMB Packaging Pte Ltd. He shares, “With the advice of North West CDC and one-to-one business advisory from SME Centre@North West, we applied for the Enterprise Development Grant to help with implementing an automation project, which includes a high-speed printer, big data and robotic arms. This automation project improved our overall productivity with less reliance on manual labour, simplified work processes for our mature workers, and created a safer working environment.”
Local trade associations committed to Digital Transformation for SMEs
On 10 July 2013, an MOU was signed among five local trade associations, SPRING Singapore and the People’s Association to set up Small and Medium-sized enterprise (SME) Centres within the five Community Development Councils. Today there are 13 SME Centres across the country. SME Centre @ North West provides free business advice to SMEs on issues such as government schemes and overseas business expansions to digitally transform their businesses and expand overseas.
