The Straits Times / The Business Times News on Best World

Making the most of R & D

Best World International's Group CEO talks about how Singapore-based companies can benefit from the government's new research initiatives

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's vision to remake the economy by emphasising R&D, innovation and enterprise resonates with me. The investment of major resources for research as an integral part of the economic strategy would help Singapore break out from the competition. This initiative by the government to find and develop blue oceans would allow Singapore to find opportunities.

Focusing research on these new industries would create ample opportunities for growth that would be both profitable and rapid. The need to foster innovation and enterprise through R&D and re-skilling of older workers to compete in the new economy is important.

Success in these areas would grow the economy and create jobs for Singaporeans. Companies in these industries can surely leverage and benefit from this research programme. The next level of growth requires Singaporeans to compete on the basis of knowledge, innovation and talent, and not just on costs.

- Dora Hoan
Group Chief Executive Officer
Best World International Ltd