Have No Fear
BG YEO: BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING WILL HELP S'PORE FIRMS
WITHSTAND SHOCKS
TODAY Newspapers on 29 May 2003
By Kim_Kyna Tan
Horror stories abound about entrepreneurs venturing into China, with the Sars outbreak only fueling further doubts.
To allay fears, the Government is taking the lead by encouraging Business Continuity Planning (BCP) measures to ensure that it's business as usual even as global travel is curtailed and the world economy suffers.
"Business Continuity Planning is not only a necessity for business operations. Companies should also see it as a competitive tool. Firms with comprehensive BCP are better able to withstand shocks." said Minister for Trade and Industry George Yeo at the launch of the Chinese publication, Singapore Enterprises in China - a collection of 40 success stories.
To help Singapore-based businessmen who are unable to travel to Sars-affected markets, International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) is offering its overseas offices and business support offices (BSOs) in 30 locations worldwide as virtual or physical contact points to enable them to maintain communication with their clients.
The suite of services offered include online business matchmaking, video conferencing facilities, assistance with administrative functions and hiring of personnel.
To provide a template for BCP best practices, IE Singapore also teamed up with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to work closely with trade associations and the business community to organise seminars and workshops.
SPRING Singapore will help local companies by developing a standard on Guidelines for Implementing Business Continuity Plan to be followed by a certification scheme.
While the Government spares no effort in inoculating businesses against Sars, it is up to the business community itself to ensure that the virus will not claim the entrepreneurial spirit as another victim.
China is still very much on Singapore's radar and it has the means to overcome the current crisis, BG Yeo pointed out.
"Although Sars is a major problem for China now, China has the will and the ability to overcome it. China is now Singapore's most important investment destination by far." he said.
Singapore Enterprises in China - a collection of 40 success stories is a joint collaboration by IE Singapore, the Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao and Lingzi Media.
Speaking at the launch cum seminar yesterday, three businessmen featured in the book gave practical advice on wheeling and dealing in China.
Mr Ravi Sarma, marketing manager of Mega Tech, pointed out the fact that China has overcome worse epidemics in its history.
"This kind of epidemic happens every year in China. With the help of the international community and with its strong base of research scientists and doctors, China will find a way to deal with it." he said.
|
Copyright
2005 All rights reserved.