ASEAN - India Conference - Singapore is uniquely-positioned to facilitate even closer ASEAN-India relations - Sicci
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Singapore Indian Chamber
of Commerce & Industry
ESTABLISHED 1924
A publication of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
MCI (P) 067/02/2017 ISSUE 01 • February 2018
ASEAN – India
Conference
Singapore is uniquely-
positioned to facilitate
even closer ASEAN-India
relations
– Deputy Prime Minister
Teo Chee Hean
Singapore
Budget 2018
page 6
SICCI CONNECT 1
CONTENTS EDITORIAL INFORMATION
Chairman’s Message..................................................1 SICCI Connect is a newsletter of the Singapore
Closer ASEAN-India ties ....................................... 2/5 Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. You
may send your comments to:
Singapore Budget 2018 - New initiatives to
The Editor
help firms grow...................................................... 6/7
Singapore Indian Chamber of
Benefitting members through active Commerce and Industry
engagement........................................................ 8/10 SICCI Building
Singapore Indian Chamber
INDUS Food Fair 2018............................................12 of Commerce & Industry 31 Stanley Street
ESTABLISHED 1924 Singapore 068740
Joint Seminar with HDFC........................................13 Telephone: 6222 2855
IT Cluster meeting...................................................14 Website: www.sicci.com
Email: dhava@sicci.com
Taxpayer Feedback Panel .......................................15
Editorial Team
SBF Meeting............................................................15
Dr. R. Theyvendran
Inspiring Business Owners.......................................16 Mr. Dhavakumaran M.
Scan QR Code
25 years of Engagement.........................................20 for the e-copy of
SICCI Connect
The ‘Way Forward’ in Optimising Bone and
Joint Function..........................................................21 Copyright is held by the Singapore Indian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (SICCI). All rights reserved. Feel
Trade Match.............................................................24 free to reproduce reports in whole or part, but please credit
SICCI Connect.
SICCI’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS SICCI PANEL OF
(2016 – 2018) ADVISORS
Dr R Theyvendran Ms Indranee Rajah
Chairman Senior Minister of State
Stamford Media International Pte Ltd Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Law
Mr Neil Parekh Dr T Chandroo Mr J Y Pillay
Vice-Chairman Vice-Chairman Chairman, Council of Presidential Advisers
Individual Member Modern Montessori Rector, College of Elise and Peter Tan (NUS)
International Pte Ltd Board Member of Vatican, Financial Information
Authority
Mr Akber Ali
Honorary Treasurer Mr S Chandra Das
Akber Ali & Co Singapore High Commissioner to Sri Lanka
(non-resident)
Board of Directors Managing Director, Nur Investment & Trading Pte Ltd
Mr S Kesavan Ms Jayanthi Manian
Diamond Glass Enterprise Pte Ltd Chase Resource Mr Sat Pal Khattar
Mr SV Padmanabhan Management Pte Ltd Chairman, Khattar Holdings Pte Ltd.
Olam International Pte Ltd Dato Thiayagarajan VT
Mr Ashok Khosla Jothi Impex Pte Ltd Mr R Jayachandran
OM Associates Pte Ltd Mr S Palaniappan High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius
Ms Helen Campos Abiramee Jewellers (non-resident)
MC Corporate Services Pte Ltd Mr Hanif Moez Nomanbhoy Executive Chairman,
Mr Mohan Das Naidu Nomanbhoy & Sons Pte Ltd Napier Healthcare Solutions Pte Ltd
Individual Member Mr TRV Rajan
Mr Deepak Singapuri Techcom Solutions Pte Ltd Mr K V Rao
New Light Enterprises Capt Subhangshu Dutt Resident Director, ASEAN
Mr JP Jaiswal Individual Member Tata Sons Limited
Peakmore International Pte Ltd
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
“ The Singapore Budget has many
initiatives to encourage Singapore
companies to innovate and expand
their business. The Chamber supports
the Government’s initiatives to help
firms grow.
“
Dear Members, the event gave him the opportunity to meet
like-minded entrepreneurs. We continuously
Hosted by Singapore, the ASEAN-India encourage businesses to look at new areas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference in January of growth, realign their strategies and
marked 25 years of partnership between the embrace new technologies and leverage on
regional bloc and India. SICCI was a sponsor the Government and partners for support.
of the 2-day event. Deputy Prime Minister Teo
Chee Hean said that Singapore had played On a personal note, I have served the
a key role in catalysing India’s engagement maximum two terms as Chairman and will
with ASEAN. At SICCI, we have been actively be passing the mantle to a new team to
engaging emerging markets such as India, lead the Chamber in April. It has been
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to open up new a wonderful four years, and I would like
opportunities for members. to thank and commend my fellow board
members for working tirelessly to strengthen
In the recently presented Singapore the fundamentals and grow the Chamber.
Budget 2018, Finance Minister Heng
Swee Keat announced a slew of initiatives I would like to wish all our members every
to help businesses cope with near-term success in all your endeavours.
cost pressures and for continued growth.
Businesses in Singapore can also expect Thank you.
more support for internationalisation and
partnerships. The Chamber supports the
Government’s initiatives to help firms grow.
More than 120 members attended our
Networking Night in February. They were Dr R. Theyvendran
Chairman, Board of Directors
able to network and explore new business Singapore Indian Chamber of
opportunities. One new member shared that Commerce and Industry
SICCI CONNECT 1
COVER STORY
Closer ASEAN-India ties
The ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) conference marked 25 years of
dialogue partnership between the regional bloc and India, hosted by Singapore,
the ASEAN chair. SICCI was a sponsor of the 2-day event which saw nearly 4,000
delegates congregate at Marina Bay Sands on 6th and 7th January.
“ Singapore has played a
key role in catalysing India’s
engagement with ASEAN
in the past 25 years, and we
are uniquely-positioned to
facilitate even closer ASEAN-
India relations. As a civil
aviation, trading and financial
hub, we are a good base for
Indian companies to work from
in order to expand to Southeast
“
Asia and beyond.
- Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, the He added that India has participated actively
guest of honour at the gala dinner said, in ASEAN-led cooperation platforms, such
“India has played a major role in our region as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East
and has left a mark on language, food and Asia Summit and trade relations have been
religion. Over the years, the cooperation enhanced by the ASEAN-India free trade
between ASEAN and India has expanded to agreement which came into effect from 2010.
include security, trade, tourism, education,
and culture.” He also highlighted that India was integral
to the security of South East Asia and said
Trade between ASEAN and India has risen he was heartened as the discussions during
steadily from USD2.9 billion in 1993 to the two-day conference had highlighted the
USD58.4 billion in 2016. huge potential for further cooperation.
2 SICCI CONNECT
COVER STORY
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
“ Singapore stands ready
to partner India in areas of
innovation, and to serve as a
“
catalyst for this in our region.
- Minister for Foreign Affairs
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian “This ongoing urbanisation, this need for
Balakrishnan stressed on three steps for infrastructure and investments will provide
achieving the objective including economic huge opportunities for our businesses and
integration, enhanced connectivity and our people in the decade to come. The point
linking cities into a Smart City network is, we have a lot to gain from cooperation.”
between ASEAN and India.
On the Smart City initiative, he said,
He said, “We need to press on with economic “Singapore was honoured to be invited
integration. This is not just a mantra, but by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to
crucial for the mutual prosperity of the citizens partner in the development of the “People’s
of India and ASEAN. Singapore is therefore Capital” of Amaravati to establish a highly
working with all partners towards unlocking this liveable and sustainable city with excellent
potential through the Regional Comprehensive infrastructure, services, and high standards
Economic Partnership (RCEP).” of governance.”
SICCI CONNECT 3
COVER STORY
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
“ Singapore is a gateway
for businesses in ASEAN and
“
India to reach each other.
- Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry)
S Iswaran
Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) as an enabling tool for small and medium
S. Iswaran said that there are great enterprises to access markets that were once
opportunities for collaboration between out of their reach.
India and ASEAN nations, including in the
areas of infrastructure, innovation and start-
ups and the digital economy.
Mr Iswaran said that India and ASEAN have
“ Over the years, the cooperation
between ASEAN and India has
identified innovation as a priority, and they expanded to include security, trade,
should study how to “build connectivity” tourism, education, and culture.
so start-ups have access to markets in both
We have established as many as 30
regions.
platforms for cooperation, including
He also highlighted the importance of an annual leaders Summit and seven
the digital economy and e-commerce as
another area of common priority as it serves
Ministerial Dialogues.
“
- DPM Teo Chee Hean
4 SICCI CONNECT
COVER STORY
NEW JOURNEY ON AN ANCIENT ROUTE
“ We have immense resources
in the form of our diaspora in
South-east Asia, to be the bridge
for a new journey on an ancient
route.
“
- India’s External Affairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma “We have immense resources in the form
Swaraj said that economic, political and of our diaspora in South-east Asia, to be
cultural ties between India and each South- the bridge for a new journey on an ancient
east Asian country was growing. route,” she said.
She said: “For India, ASEAN leadership and About a fifth or 6 million of the 31 million
centrality is central to peace and prosperity overseas Indians, comprising both Indian
for a rapidly-changing Indo-Pacific region.” citizens abroad and persons of Indian origin,
live in the 10 ASEAN countries, according
She added that ASEAN and India must
to figures from India’s Ministry of External
work together to meet several common
Affairs.
challenges. These included creating skills for
a digital age, generating jobs in an age of
disruption, and meeting the needs of rapid
urbanisation.
SICCI CONNECT 5
BUDGET Singapore Budget 2018 New initiatives to help firms grow Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat recently announced a number of initiatives in the budget to help businesses cope with near-term cost pressures and for continued growth. Businesses in Singapore can expect more support for internationalisation and partnerships. The amount of expenses that can qualify for the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation will be increased from $100,000 to $150,000 for each year of assessment, from YA2019. Partnerships Several existing grant schemes that support To facilitate businesses in accessing support partnerships between companies will be to adopt technologies and productivity combined under a single Pact scheme, or solutions, existing grant schemes that Partnerships for Capability Transformation, support off the shelf productivity solutions through which companies can apply for up will be streamlined into one Productivity to 70 percent of funding for collaborations in Solutions Grant (PSG). The PSG will provide areas including capability upgrading, business funding support for up to 70 percent of development and internationalisation. qualifying costs. Innovation Corporate Income Tax To encourage innovation, the Government The corporate income tax rebate for year will pilot the Open Innovation Platform, of assessment (YA) 2018 will be raised to 40 where businesses can list their specific percent of tax payable, with a cap of $15,000. challenges and then be matched with ones For YA2019, the rebate will be 20 percent of that help co-develop solutions. tax payable, capped at $10,000. 6 SICCI CONNECT
BUDGET
There will be a corporate tax exemption, The Business and IPC Partnership Scheme
restricted to the first $200,000 of chargeable (BIPS) will be extended for an additional three
income, from YA2020. years until December 2021. The partnership
allows businesses that support their staff
For start-ups specifically, 75 percent of their to volunteer and provide services to IPCs
first $100,000 chargeable income will be (Institutions of a Public Character) to receive
exempt from corporate tax from YA2020, a 250 percent tax deduction on associated
down from 100 percent currently. costs incurred.
This is a “sound and equitable” measure to Dollar-for-Dollar
help companies develop capabilities and to
It was also announced that the Government
make sure every profitable company pays
would provide dollar-for-dollar matching on
some taxes, said Mr Heng.
donations received by the Empowering for
Tax Deductions Life Fund - which helps fund programmes
in skills upgrading and employment for
There will also be tax deductions for
vulnerable groups - under the President’s
businesses who buy, build or co-innovate
Challenge, for the next five years.
new solutions and engage in research and
development. In all, enhancements to all initiatives
supporting philanthropy and volunteerism
The tax deduction for intellectual property
are set to cost the Government around $190
(IP) registration fees will double to 200
million a year.
percent, to “help firms protect their
intangible assets”, said Mr Heng. Wage Credit Scheme
The Wage Credit Scheme, which co-funds
Enterprise Singapore wage increases for Singaporean employees
Two grants - one from IE Singapore and one up to a gross monthly wage of $4,000, will
from Spring Singapore - will be combined be extended for three years.
to form the Enterprise Development Grant
(EDG). It will provide up to 70 percent co- To help more Singaporeans get trained
funding for businesses seeking to build deep in digital skills like data analytics, artificial
capabilities, scale up and internationalise. intelligence and the Internet of Things, the
TechSkills Accelerator, launched in 2016,
Businesses can apply for the EDG from the will be expanded into new sectors like
fourth quarter of this year. manufacturing and professional services.
Social Responsibility The current Work Trial scheme will be
Corporations and businesses will also see upgraded into a Career Trial programme
further encouragement to engage in charity which will help job seekers try out new jobs
and staff volunteerism. and access new careers.
SICCI CONNECT 7
FEATURE
Benefitting members through
active engagement
More than 120 members attended SICCI’s Networking event on 8th February 2018
at the Peninsula Excelsior Hotel. They were presented with various networking and
business opportunities.
SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran giving his keynote address to members
In his keynote address, SICCI Chairman Dr “We remain a useful platform for members
R Theyvendran shared with members that in to exchange and pick up new business ideas
the past four years, the Chamber had grown through our talks and seminars, networking
stronger financially and was able to provide nights, overseas trade missions, publications
greater benefits to members. and other outreach programmes,” he said.
8 SICCI CONNECTFEATURE
The Chamber continuously
encourages businesses to look
at new areas of growth, realign
their strategies and embrace new
technologies to reduce operational
costs and leverage on the government
and partners for support.
He added that SICCI will continue with
its efforts in providing more benefits
for our members and look forward to
engaging more members through the
events planned for 2018.
Dr Theyvendran also shared that in
view of the Chamber elections in
April 2018, a team of progressive
leaders under the helm of current
SICCI Director and SME Centre@
SICCI Chairperson Ms Helen Campos
is ready to lead SICCI to greater
heights.
He said, “My team and I have
worked tirelessly to strengthen the
fundamentals and grow the Chamber
through progressive initiatives,
SICCI Director and SME Center@SICCI Chairperson
partnerships and membership drives. Ms Helen Campos spoke on SICCI’s activities that have
I am confident that Helen and her benefitted members.
team will do even better with their
dedication and hard work to keep
SICCI useful, strong and relevant.” many of our members had gained new
insights on regional and international
He also said that SICCI encourages women business trends and opportunities,” she said.
to take up leadership roles so that they
can bring their drive and energy to benefit She added, “Our SME Centre@SICCI
society. continues to be one of the best performers
yearly and hundreds of our members have
Addressing the members, Ms Campos said benefitted from their advisory services. The
that SICCI has assisted members in their Centre has held many capability developing
efforts to internationalise their business workshops and seminars and members
operations, “Through our overseas trade should continue to avail of its services.”
SICCI CONNECT 9FEATURE
Guest-speaker Mr. Andy Chew, Director of Business &
Strategic Partnerships, KAPLAN Professional shared on
how businesses can upskill with digitisation. Kaplan was
an event sponsor.
SICCI Director Mr S Venkat welcoming members to
SICC’s first networking night for 2018 Event sponsor India International Insurance
New Members
The networking night also saw 25 new members receive
their membership certificates.
Shared new corporate member Mr Khaja of Aberdeen
Global Traders Pte Ltd, “My family’s business has been a
member of SICCI for nearly 50 years. So when I started my
own company recently, it was only natural for me to become
a member. I am looking forward to working closely with the
Chamber and fellow members.”
10 SICCI CONNECTMembers’ and guests
networking
SICCI CONNECT 11EVENTS
INDUS Food Fair 2018
SICCI Directors (above from
right) Mr. JP Jaiswal and Mr
Akber Ali (Honorary Treasurer)
recently attended the Indus
Food Fair in India along with
various dignitaries.
Discussions with all parties
were very fruitful and the
various officials met were keen
to work closely with SICCI and
explore opportunities in the
future. IE Singapore is keen to help and support
Singapore companies in any way possible to
They have assured to keep SICCI in the loop go beyond Singapore to establish themselves
for all future events so that our members in newer markets.
can not only benefit from attending the
conference as delegates but opportunities SICCI Members are encouraged to be attend
will be provided for them to exhibit their such events and avail of such opportunities
products. to expand their business and go global.
12 SICCI CONNECTEVENTS
Joint Seminar
with HDFC
SICCI held a joint seminar with HDFC
on 28 January at the Suntec Convention
Centre. The seminar focused on the
Indian economy and the opportunities
in the Indian realty landscape.
SICCI Director Mr S Venkita Padmanabhan presented
on the ‘Outlook on the Indian economy and opportunity
for investors in India’.
SICCI CONNECT 13EVENTS
IT Cluster meeting
SICCI Members who attended the IT Cluster
meeting: Mr. Vignesh Wadarajan (Jankosoft), Mr.
Steven (ABI-Tech Solution), Mr. Dawood (ABI-Tech
Solution), Mr. Jit Nagpal (Sciente Consulting),
Mr. Jay Varman (Dei.com.sg), Mr. William Lu (IBIZ
Consulting), Mr. Siva Rajan (De Mellows) and Mr. S.
Gunasegaran (Pixibit)
SICCI’s first IT Cluster meeting in January. delegates to better understand India’s global
brought together people from the same integration strategy / foreign economic
industry with different skill sets. The aim of policy and Singapore’s role in the Amravati
cluster is to bid for projects, attend conferences, project, the opportunities stemming from
take part in exhibitions as a consortium and it, and how Singapore companies may be
succeed rather than trying to make it alone. able to participate.
The special guest at the meeting was Mr. 3. Global Exhibition on Services – This
Ninad S Deshpande, Deputy Indian High exhibition is organized by Confederation
Commissioner of Indian Industry (CII) in Mumbai from 15th
May to the 18th May. SICCI is keen to play its
Three opportunities were presented to the
part and lead a team of delegates to take
members for their consideration –
part in this exhibition which is expected to
1. Advantage Assam – Within the past few attract visitors in excess of 50,000 people.
months there were 2 visits to Singapore
The members present put forward their
from the State Government officials. Assam
queries and concerns before the Deputy
being a “green” state has a lot of potential in
High Commissioner in regards to how such
various development verticals with IT being
opportunities can benefit SMEs. The questions
one of them. There is a strong push from the
raised were well answered to the satisfaction
State to help build the infrastructure and
of those present and the members agreed to
make Assam to be the gateway of India into
meet offline with each other to explore how
the ASEAN countries. The exhibition titled
they could come together and grow their
“Advantage Assam” was to be held on 3rd
business. The members were pleased with the
and 4th February in Guwahati, Assam.
efforts taken by the Chamber to help the SMEs
2. High Level Business Mission to India (Andhra in coming together in such forums and would
Pradesh) led by SBF – A business mission like the IT cluster to meet regularly to exchange
trip to Andhra Pradesh from 24th to the 28th thoughts and ideas of helping each other grow
Feb 2018. The objective of the mission is for and leverage on each other’s strengths.
14 SICCI CONNECTEVENTS
Taxpayer Feedback Panel
The Taxpayer Feedback Panel (TFP) met on
Tuesday 30 January 2018. The meetings,
held twice a year at IRAS, are an outlet for
IRAS to convey new tax initiatives or measure
to members and for members to voice their
concern on tax matters. SICCI Honorary
Treasurer Mr Akber Ali (seated, first from
left) and SICCI Director Ms Helen Campos
represent SICCI on the Panel.
SBF Meeting
SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran (fourth
from left) chaired the Roundtable Meeting
initiated by SBF and MFA with Mr Vijay
Chauthaiwale (fifth from left) head, foreign
affairs department of the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP)
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) in their interests in India. Also discussed was
collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign the challenges that each representative’s
Affairs (MFA), organised an India Round organization faced in doing business in India.
Table Meeting, in conjunction with the visit
of Mr Vijay Chauthaiwale, on 20 February. Mr Mr Chauthaiwale visited Singapore from 19
Vijay Chauthaiwale is a senior representative
to 23 February 2018 for the MFA Visitors
who heads the foreign affairs department of
Programme, where leading individuals
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India. The
from selected countries such as India were
roundtable meeting was chaired by SICCI
invited to spend some time in Singapore
Chairman Dr R Theyvendran. The meeting
was a closed door meeting of selected to learn about Singapore’s experiences in
invitees to discuss the current developments areas of mutual interest, and to share views
/ updates on the political scene in India and and exchange ideas with key stakeholders in
how the Singapore businesses see India and both the public and private sector.
SICCI CONNECT 15SME
Inspiring Business Owners
On 8 January 2018, in conjunction with the Indian Harvest Festival, “Pongal”, SME
Centre@SICCI collaborated with the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association
(LISHA) to organise a Capability Workshop in Little India.
SME Centre@SICCI Chairperson and SICCI Director Ms Helen Campos (6th from right) with LISHA representatives
(centre) and SME Business Advisors at the Little India Capability Workshop.
The workshop aimed to educate Little India automation through the assistance provided
merchants and small-medium enterprises by SME Centre@SICCI business advisors.
(SMEs) on effectively automating their
processes, defraying costs through The Indian Heritage Centre housed the
Government assistance and utilising free workshop which attracted over 80 business
marketing tools to develop their marketing owners from various sectors such as retail, IT,
strategies. Beauty & Wellness and F&B, amongst many
others.
Two successful SME owners, Mr Jothi
Manickavasakam, Managing Director of Sri
Vinayaka Exports Pte Ltd and Madam Selvi, SME Centre@SICCI’s, Chairperson, Ms Helen
Founder of Dania Beauty Salon were invited Campos, in her opening speech shared
to share their success stories of attaining the Government initiatives in providing
Government grants and benefitting from platforms for assistance to businesses in
16 SICCI CONNECTSME
Owner of Dania Beauty Salon, Madam Selvi, touched on the challenges she faced in growing her business.
order to enhance their capabilities for tool jointly developed by SPRING Singapore
local and overseas expansion. She further and the UOB-SMU Asian Enterprise Institute.
encouraged SMEs to converse with business
advisors part of the SME Centre@ SICCI to She illustrated an example of how a beauty
explore the Government initiatives available and wellness company identified and
to them in order to improve their business evaluated their customer demographics
processes. and characteristics to develop effective
promotions for the business through the
The SME Centre@SICCI, business advisor, Market Assessment template. The assessment
Ms Karpagam Jyahraman introduced the helped the company achieve a greater reach
session by highlighting the services provided and as a result a strong sales performance.
by the Centre. She added that apart from
business advisory, the Centre also engages Madam Selvi Shree founder of Dania beauty
professionals to educate SMEs on building salon who has been running Dania Beauty
their capabilities through workshops and Salon for the past 14 years, shared with the
diagnostics. She further shared on how SMEs audience the two core challenges she faced
can digitalise and automate their processes being (i) financial assistance to grow the
by engaging approved Service Providers business and (ii) facilitating an understanding
through the Go Digital Programme by of her customers.
Info-communications Media Development
Authority (IMDA) and the Innovation & The SME Centre@SICCI had conducted a
Capability Voucher (ICV) governed by market assessment for her business and
SPRING Singapore. encouraged her to apply for the Innovation &
Capability Voucher (ICV) ‘Customer Insights,
Another business advisor at the SME Cetre@ Consultancy’.
SICCI, Ms Kritika Rajwani explained that
businesses can develop, implement and She received the $5000 voucher and was able
manage their marketing efforts at no cost to categorise her customers and develop
with the Marketing Toolkit, a non-financial effective marketing strategies, helping her
SICCI CONNECT 17SME
Mr Jothi Manickavasakam of Sri
Vinayaka Exports Pte Ltd shared
his entrepreneurial journey with the
participants.
to grow her business. She also successfully of source of Ponni rice to Singapore.
applied for a Microloan Programme. She Progressively, the company implemented
is currently awaiting an ICV approval for a proper risk management systems through the
CRM system to manage her clientele with Risk Management Assistance Fund (RMAF)
more efficiency. As a small company, her and also became ISO 9001:2008 certified
challenges resonated with the other small through the ICV initiative.
business owners who attended the talk and
The workshop received positive feedback
were keen to understand how Government
and moving forward the SME Centre@SICCI
initiatives could benefit them as well.
has affirmed its commitment with LISHA and
The second entrepreneur, Mr Jothi other organisations to organise workshops,
Manickavasakam of Sri Vinayaka Exports Pte business clinics and networking sessions
Ltd shared a very passionate entrepreneurial to facilitate continuous learning, introduce
journey with the participants. He applauded dynamic solutions that enhance productivity,
the courage that SMEs took to run their inspire SMEs to push forth in their growth
business, encouraged life-long learning and journey and open the doors for greater
emphasised the need for SMEs to reach out networking and business opportunities in
to available resources that can benefit them. Singapore and overseas.
If you would like to speak with a business
In 2009, he underwent the Financial Facilitator
advisor from SME Centre@SICCI, please
Programme (FFP) supported by SPRING, to
email to sme@smecentre-sicci.sg or call at
seek the expertise of ex-bankers and financial
consultants to improve financial practises 6508 0147.
within his company and further benefited from If you are a business owner or know other
the Bridging Loan initiative. In 2011, through
SMEs in the F&B and Jewellery sectors, please
the Food Fund under Agri-Food & Veterinary
do reach out to us at sme@smecentre-sicci.sg.
Authority of Singapore (AVA), he studied the
We would like to hear from you and share how
feasibility of growing Ponni rice in Cambodia
digitisation can benefit your business.
to ensure that there was diversification
18 SICCI CONNECTSICCI CONNECT 19
25 years of Engagement
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF), in collaboration with Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, presented the
second edition of the Singapore - India Business Dialogue, “Exploring Future Trends
and Partnerships in Financial Services and Logistics in India”. SICCI was a supporting
partner.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between IE Singapore and CII. (From right) IE
Singapore Assistant CEO Mr Tan Soon Kim, CII Director General Mr Chandrajit Banerjee. CII President Ms
Shobana Kamineni and CII President Designate Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal.
The event, held at the SBF Centre on 8 have been very helpful in bringing together
January, was organised in conjunction with the representatives from Singapore companies
annual visit of the CII Core Group delegation, to explore opportunities in India.
comprising of some of India’s key business
persons from conglomerates such as Apollo There were 2 panel discussions on
Hospitals, Bharti Enterprises, Jetline Group financial services and integrated logistics
of Companies and Bajaj Finserv. & infrastructure followed by a lively Q&A
session with the audience. During the panel
Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General discussion on financial services, Mr Amit
of CII said that the organisation has been Ranjit Sinha from DBS shared on the bank’s
engaging Singapore for the past 25 years. He growing digital presence in India, helping it
added that business chambers such as SICCI to reach out to many customers in rural areas.
20 SICCI CONNECTMEMBERS’ SECTION
The ‘Way Forward’ in Optimising
Bone and Joint Function
Corporate Member HK Doshi Orthopaedic Center’s Specialist Orthopaedic & Trauma
Surgeon Dr Hitendra K Doshi shares on how mobility can be significantly affected
through aging as a result of joint degeneration.
a common condition however its severity
may be influenced by past injuries, previous
sports related activities of due to other
compounding factors such as obesity.
Many non-surgical approaches are available
to reduce the load on the degenerate joint
for example the use of an off-loader knee
brace, visco-supplementation and regular
physiotherapy besides pain killers and weight
reduction. In severe degeneration, where
quality of life has compromised significantly,
surgery may be recommended.
Orthopaedic concerns in the elderly beyond On the parallel, trivial injuries are more likely
60 years of age is also known as Ortho- to result in fractures in the elderly due to the
Geriatrics. Some of these concerns may have presence of osteoporosis compared to the
been present since the younger years due to a younger population. Common fractures that
sport related injury, a trauma or simply due to occur in the upper limb are fractures around
wear and tear. However, it becomes apparent the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. In the
with symptoms and signs as one ages. lower limb, the most common fractures involve
the hip joint. The incidence of hip fractures in
Mobility can be significantly affected through particular has been on the rise in recent years
the ages as a result of joint degeneration. particularly in the elderly with osteoporosis.
Though it can be prevented with early
diagnosis and intervention with preventive One of the major challenges for these patients
measures, many may require a customised is to regain their pre-fracture mobility and
approach of treatment to optimise function joint function. In recent years, specialised
with painless mobility. care pathways have been established in
many centres abroad to ensure optimal
With advancing age, joint degeneration is management of geriatric fractures. With
SICCI CONNECT 21MEMBERS’ SECTION
a dedicated Ortho-Geriatric care model,
patients have shown promising recovery with DEEPEST
minimal complications after surgery.
CONDOLENCES
The aging population in Singapore has
been on the rise and today most elderly
folks in our society lead a healthy and active
lifestyle. However, many individuals suffer
from chronic pain involving the joints that
limit function and mobility. In today’s society,
cultural norms demand every individual to be
independent and self-sufficient particularly
in carrying out activities of daily living.
On behalf of everyone at SICCI, The Board of
Although, caregivers may be present to care
Directors and SICCI Chairman, Dr R. Theyvendran,
for the aged in a family unit, the elderly would
express our deepest condolences to the family and
usually hope to remain active and be able to
loved ones, on the passing of our past President
care for him or herself.
Mr G Ramachandran on 6th March 2018 in India.
The quality of life of an individual is dependent
The Chairman and Board of Directors wish to
on optimising and preserving bone and
place on record much thanks and gratitude for his
joint function. Having treated many patients
leadership and many contributions to the Indian
requiring a joint replacement surgery and
business community during his terms as President
fracture fixation over the years, it is evident
(1966-68, 1973-74 and 1982-86).
that mobility and function can be restored with
a surgical intervention when indicated. Mr Ramachandran was a well-known and popular
leader of the Indian business community. At
Nevertheless, the surgical need can be avoided
SICCI’s 60th anniversary dinner in 1985, Mr
by minimizing the progression of degeneration
Ramachandran famously said, “Although we are
with awareness and compliance to preventive
known as snake-charmers, peanut vendors, hole-
measures. Besides, there may be a need
in-the-wall shop owners, it is perhaps true to say
to modify activities as one ages to ensure
that Indian businessmen were among the first
satisfactory joint mobility.
established multi-national trading houses in the
history of the region.”
Similarly, preventing falls and treating
osteoporosis can reduce the incidence of
His legacy and work will live on forever.
fragility fractures in the elderly. Obtaining an
‘early diagnosis’ with a timely consult, a holistic May his soul rest in peace.
approach to management and adopting
preventive measures is truly the ‘Way Forward’ “In the end, it’s not the years in your life
in optimizing bone and joint function. that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Email: doshi@hkdortha.com - Abraham Lincoln
Website: www.hkdortho.com
22 SICCI CONNECTOur deepest condolences on the passing of past President
Mr G Ramachandran on 6th March 2018 in India.
SICCI Chairman Dr R. Theyvendran and the Board of Directors express
their heartfelt condolences to the family and wish to place on record
SICCI’s thanks and gratitude for his leadership and contributions to
the Indian business community during his term as President (1966-68,
1973-74 and 1982-86).
Mr Ramachandran was a well-known and popular leader of the Indian
business community. At SICCI’s 60th anniversary dinner in 1985, Mr
Ramachandran famously said, ““Although we are known as snake-
charmers, peanut vendors, hole-in-the-wall shop owners,it is perhaps
true to say that Indian businessmen were among the first established
multinational trading houses in the history of the region.”
His legacy and works will live on forever. May his soul rest in peace.
SICCI CONNECT 23TRADE MATCH
FRUNATIC VISHESH EXPORTS & IMPORTS
Contact Name : Moorthy Visvaanathan Contact Name : Aneel Varm
Contact No : +65 93802295
Contact No : + 91-9820068234
E-mail : moorthy@keenlifestyle.com
Email : vishesh.v6@gmail.com
Website : www.frunatic.com
Description: We are a high end restaurant serving Description: We export a range of ladies
only quality vegan food. We also run a “Eat right” garments, costume jewellery, fancy and plain
Talk on every Thursday and Saturday. The talk is at bindis// Plain Bindis, punjabi suits, ladies kurtis ,
$35.00 per head and it comes with food sampling of cosmetics, mehandi cones, kajals, sindhur sticks
a 9 course meal as well. It’s a fine dining experience. and powders. Besides these products we also
We also do a health scan at just $38.00 per head just
export Stainless Steel Kitchenware, Wedding
for SICCI members. This is a preventive health check,
Decor Items, Greeting Cards/, Wedding cards,
so that you would be able to know about your health
Statues of Gods in Resin, Silver Metal and Gun
even before you go to the hospital for an actual health
Metal and Agarbatties.
check-up. Venue of the Talk: Palais Reinassance, 390
Orchard Road, B1-06.Singapore 238871.
ABHINISH MEGACORP APRICA EXPORTS
Contact Name : Nishant Shah
Contact Name : Akshar Miyani
Email : abhinishmegacorp@gmail.com Contact No : +91 99240 94842
Website : www.abhinish.com Email : akshar@apricaexports.com
Description: We want to export fresh fruits and
vegetables, with that we are also willing to export Description: We manufacture Polyester fabrics
Nutraceutical and 100% herbal prod. All the products such as Taffeta, Satin, Georgette etc. We have
are picked from our own farms and harvesting units been providing our products to various export
with specialized supervision. Currently we are houses from over 8 years, and now we are
exporting these goods in countries like Russia, Nepal, looking forward to export our products directly
Thailand, Sri Lanka and,Bhutan. to Singapore. Looking for importers / distributors
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES
Our deepest condolences on the passing of SICCI Vice-Chairman
Dr T Chandroo’s dear beloved mother on 14 February 2018.
SICCI Chairman Dr R. Theyvendran, the Board of Directors and the
Secretariat express their heartfelt condolences to Dr Chandroo
and his family.
May her soul rest in peace.BE PART OF A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AWARD CATEGORIES Category 1: Singapore Indian Entrepreneur of the year (Large Enterprise) Category 2: Rising Entrepreneur of the year (Medium Enterprise) Category 3: Promising Entrepreneur of the year (Small Enterprise) Category 4: Foreign Indian Entrepreneur of the year For details contact : Raji Raj (Ms) 98391141 / adminsiea@sicci.com
You can also read
