| A cyber-universe
of possibilities |
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Harnessing the potential
of cyberspace, IE Singapore aims to make its website
(www.iesingapore.com)
not just a one-stop shop, but a first-stop shop
for all businesses going global.
To achieve this, IE Singapore embarked on a total
revamp of its website and even created a new team
in October 2003 that focuses entirely on Web services.
Since then, the portal has gone through a few rounds
of facelift.
Companies can visit the portal to gain market insights
and industry analyses, register for seminars and
missions, and purchase online market reports and
publications. They can also register for the online
business “matchmaking” services to access
more doors of opportunity.
The website is customer-centric and easier to use,
especially now with the recent addition of ASK-IE,
an intelligent FAQ service. The website focuses
on four key areas.
Market
and business intelligence
Knowledge of the international business environment
is necessary for launching a successful overseas
venture. This section enables companies to keep
abreast of business insights and the latest market
conditions of the countries they are venturing into.
Companies can even assess their readiness to internationalise
— with the help of an online Internationalisation
Readiness (iReadiness) Toolkit. Other resources
include Singapore trade statistics and an online
library catalogue.
Networks
and business contacts
The website offers three key business networks —
Network China, Network India and Network Indonesia
— which are emerging as premier platforms
for companies to find business partners and exchange
knowledge of their initiatives in these countries.
Through these network platforms, companies can gain
in-depth market research reports and other useful
information. They can also increase their contacts
with local and overseas partners. The business-to-
business exchange and business-matching services
are also helpful for raising the profile of companies,
making it easier for others to find
them online.
IE programmes and
events
Success in the global arena depends on companies’
ability to differentiate themselves and leverage
on sustainable internationalisation capabilities.
IE Singapore helps companies in critical areas such
as branding, design, manpower and capital. Information
on business support offices located in major cities
worldwide is available in this section.
Companies can also benefit from in-depth articles
and contacts for building and developing their capabilities
to venture abroad. Those interested in IE Singapore’s
seminars and missions can register online. They
can also find out more about the value-added services
that help Singapore-based companies venture abroad.
Other online resources in this section include an
IE activities calendar, brand assessment toolkit,
and information on the International Partners Programme
and Singapore Consultants Trust Fund.
Doing
business in Singapore
This section is for foreign companies interested
in using Singapore as a regional hub. It equips
foreign companies with the essential knowledge for
doing business in Singapore and setting up a local
presence prior to establishing a permanent business
entity here.
Foreign companies can submit an application for
setting up a representative office and gain useful
links to local agencies. |
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By
IE Singapore
Next: eCitizen portal
gets a facelift |
