Management award for 3 top executives

THREE top executives - a retailer, restaurateur and high-tech boss - have won the prestigious International Management Action Award (IMAA) for their innovative management efforts.

They are Mr Douglas Foo, chief executive of Apex-Pal International, which runs the Sakae Sushi chain of restaurants; Mrs Helen Khoo, executive director of Wing Tai Retail, a leading Singapore retailer; and Mr Seah Moon Ming, president of Singapore Technologies Electronics, wholly owned by Singapore Technologies Engineering.

The three were selected from the 12 finalists nominated.

The IMAA, first established in 1999, is an international award which recognises excellence in people management.

Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said: 'The art of management has become more complex, with new factors coming into play.' He was the guest of honour at the awards ceremony held at Raffles City Convention Centre yesterday.

Growing diversity, changing demographics and a heightened ambiguity were cited as factors contributing to this complexity.

While the awardees agreed with Mr Lim, each had a different take on how to tackle the challenges ahead.

Mr Foo said he employs a more 'hands-on approach', and makes an effort to understand each stage of production.

'More of teamwork rather than team management,' he said of his management style.

Mr Seah chooses instead to pursue 'action', stressing the importance of innovation, talent and resources.

And Mrs Khoo's winning formula for management? 'A conducive, collaborative and happy environment' to achieve an 'open, friendly and direct company culture'.