International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Intellectual Property Intermediary (IPI) jointly launched Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Singapore today. This first self-funded EEN centre in ASEAN gives Singapore companies access to technology know-how, intellectual property and business partners. EEN is the world’s largest business and innovation support platform, set up under the European Commission’s Agency for Small and Medium Industries*. Its network spans 54 countries and 600 partnering organisations in Europe and worldwide, with a combined business pool of several million enterprises. EEN Singapore was officially launched by Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), and Dr Michael Pulch, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union in Singapore.

In the current economic climate, many Singapore companies are finding it increasingly difficult to grow and face intensifying competition and challenges such as lack of manpower and rising costs. Companies need to innovate and adopt technology to increase productivity, to scale up quickly, making them more competitive overseas.

IE Singapore, SMF and IPI initiated EEN Singapore to support Singapore companies to build capabilities, focusing on technology adoption and innovation. Singapore companies across industries like infocomm, robotics, electronics, environment, healthcare and personal care can:

• Gain exclusive access to 10,000 business and technology partnership opportunities in various sectors of interest
• Gain access to the technological know-how available in Europe
• Meet potential European companies to develop proprietary solutions and partnerships for business growth
• Participate in missions and brokerage events for B2B matching, organised by IE Singapore, SMF and IPI

Interested companies may register at http://www.een-singapore.sg/

The tripartite partnership taps the strengths of each player - IE Singapore will drive in-depth facilitation of business partnerships; SMF is the overall secretariat that will reach out to businesses and other trade associations and chambers; IPI will lead technology and research partnerships. EEN Singapore is supported under IE Singapore’s Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) programme.

Said Mr Lee Ark Boon, Chief Executive Officer, IE Singapore, “Technology has and will disrupt the way we work – from mobile, to cloud computing and robotics, and maybe soon to artificial intelligence. Singapore companies must continually find ways to improve productivity, build innovative products and improve processes through technology adoption. EEN Singapore will give companies quick access to technology players, catalysing acquisitions and technology transfers, and business partnerships.”

Mr Douglas Foo, President of SMF, said, “EEN Singapore is a key and practical platform that can assist Singapore companies to collaborate with EU companies on specific business projects and technology. Through the EEN Singapore database, we can actively assist companies in Singapore to find business partners with EU companies to form various business and technology collaborations. Our Singapore companies can leverage on EEN Singapore to help them make foray to the European markets by working with EU companies. Similarly, EU companies can tap on the services of the EEN Singapore to partner Singapore companies to gain access to the ASEAN market of 600 million people.”

Prof Lam Khin Yong, Executive Director, IPI, said, “We are pleased to be part of this tripartite partnership with IE Singapore and SMF, where we are well-positioned to facilitate technology collaborations between companies from Singapore and Europe. Together, we look forward to supporting Singapore SMEs in achieving growth and competitiveness through innovation.”

A panel discussion titled “Europe-Singapore partnerships – creating growth opportunities for global markets” was held at the launch event. Key insights and benefits were shared, along with how EEN Singapore catalyses this process. A networking brokerage event was held at the sidelines of the event in the afternoon, with participation from over 200 companies from Singapore and Europe.

*The European Commission's Agency for Small and Medium Industries is a key initiative of EU to promote two way business between EU and rest of the world.


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For media enquiries and/or event photos, please contact:

International Enterprise Singapore
Ms Daphne Hi
Senior Manager, Media
Corporate Communications Group
DID : (+65) 6433 4488
Mobile : (+65) 9817 3561
Email : [email protected]

Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Ms Debra Toh
Executive, Corporate Communications
DID : (+65) 6826 3034
Mobile : (+65) 9856 3453
Email : [email protected]

Intellectual Property Intermediary
Ms Charlene Boh
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
DID : (+65) 6419 6600
Mobile : (+65) 9767 7792
Email : [email protected]

 

About International Enterprise Singapore

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore’s external economy. We spearhead the overseas growth of Singapore-based companies and promote international trade. Our vision is a thriving business hub in Singapore with Globally Competitive Companies and leading international traders.

IE Singapore attracts global commodities traders to establish their global or Asian home base in Singapore. Today, Singapore is a thriving trading hub with a complete ecosystem for the energy, agri-commodities and metals & minerals trading clusters.

Through our Global Company Partnership and Market Readiness Assistance, we also work with Singapore-based companies in their various stages of growth towards being globally competitive.

Our global network of overseas centres in over 35 locations provides the necessary connections in many developed and emerging markets. Visit www.iesingapore.com for more information.


About Singapore Manufacturing Federation

Established since 1932, SMF represents the interest of the Singapore manufacturing community, driving its competitiveness and sustainable growth through serving industry-specific needs. Supported by 10 industry groups and its Centres of Excellence, SMF enhances the competitiveness of the industry by encouraging capacity development and capability building, innovation and productivity.

ISMF provides opportunities for companies to collaborate, network; and to grow and expand both locally and internationally. Current membership stands at about 3,000 corporate members ranging from SMEs to MNCs.

For more information, please visit http://www.smfederation.org.sg/


About Intellectual Property Intermediary

Intellectual Property Intermediary (IPI) was established by the Ministry of Trade & Industry, to enable enterprises to grow their business through technology and innovation. Focusing on industry needs, IPI works with enterprises to source for technologies locally or from abroad; and facilitate partnership to bring new products and services to the market.

IPI connects enterprises to innovation through its team of technology specialists with diverse backgrounds, online and physical technology marketplaces and network of global technology partners. Our personalised support brings together the right people and organisations for collaboration, turning innovation objectives into commercial opportunities. For more information, visit www.ipi-singapore.org