SICCI Connect Issue 1

2014 – Issue 1
SICCI Steers Forward
With New Leadership
...
New way forward for SICCI
in the next 2 years?
In this Issue:
Enhanced
Membership
Benefits
SICCI Adopts
ISO 9001
A Publication of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
SICCI’S BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
(2014 – 2016)
Executive Committee
SICCI PANEL OF
ADVISORS
Ms. Indranee Rajah
Senior Minister of State
Ministry of Law and Ministry of Education
President, Singapore Indian Development Association
Mr. J Y Pillay
Chairman, Tiger Airways Holdings Limited
Chairman, Council of Presidential Advisers
Chairman
Dr. R Theyvendran
Stamford Press Pte Ltd
Mr. S Chandra Das
MD, Nur Investment & Trading Pte Ltd
Pro-Chancellor, NTU
Vice-Chairman
Mr. Kirpa Ram
Pars Ram Brothers Pte Ltd
Mr. Sat Pal Khattar
Chairman, Khattar Holdings Pte Ltd
Chairman, Guocoland Ltd
Mr. M K Chanrai
Chairman, Kewalram Chanrai Group
Past Chairman of SICCI
Vice-Chairman
Mr. R.Ponnampalam
John Keells Singaproe Pte Ltd
Mr. Haider Sithawalla
Executive Director, KSP Investments Pte Ltd
Executive Director, Savant Infocomm Pte Ltd
Honorary Treasurer
Mr. S. Malaiappan
V P Kumaran & Co
Secretary & CEO
Mr. K Barathan
Singapore Indian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
Board of Directors
Mr. A Dinakaran
Madras New Woodlands
Mr. JP Jaiswal
Peakmore International
Mr. Ashok Khosla
Om Associates
Mr. Kuppan Karuppiah
Greensafe International
Mr. Akber Ali
Akber Ali & Co
Mr. Mohan Das Naidu
Individual Member
Mr. C. Sankaranathan
The Banana Leaf Apolo
Mr. Neil Parekh
Individual Member
Mr. Deepak Singapuri
New Light Enterprises
Mr. S Palaniappan
Abiraame Jewellers
Ms Helen Campos
MC Corporate Sevices Pte
Ltd
Mr. Subhangshu Dutt
Krishnapatnam Port
Mr. Srinivasan Venkita
Padmanabhan
Kewalram Singapore
Ambassador K Kesavapany
Governor, Singapore International Foundation
President, Singapore Indian Association
CONTENTS
Editor’s Note
……………………………………
Cover Story
……………………………………
What’s New? ……………………………………
What’s Next? ……………………………………
Ad Corner
……………………………………
3
4
6
7
8
EDITORIAL INFORAMTION
SICCI Connect is a newsletter of the Singapore Indian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. You may send your comments to:
The Editor
Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
SICCI Building
31 Stanley Street
Singapore 068740
Telephone: 6222 2855
Website: www.sicci.com
Email: corpcomm@sicci.com
Editorial Team
R Theyvendran
K Barathan
Nishani Hassan
No part of this newsletter should be published without the consent of the
Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 2
The question here is, how can SICCI
make a difference for its Members?
G
reetings from the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and it is
my pleasure to pen the Editor’s Note for SICCI Connect.
I am pleased to present to you the new newsletter, SICCI Connect, which evolved from The
Chamber Times. This newsletter encompasses a vibrant outlook with updates on what is
happening in SICCI every bi-monthly.
The name SICCI Connect was chosen because of the three pillars SICCI represents:
Advocator, Connector and Enabler and is part of the larger effort by SICCI to proactively
reach out to connect with its members and advocate opportunities for business expansion
which in turn will enable members to be better equipped in battling with the steep
competition from the fast-evolving business arena.
The question here is, how can SICCI make a difference for its Members? SICCI’s new brand
image aims to involve and align everyone associated with it to its corporate objectives, core
values, key programmes and future directions.
With the vision, mission and brand behaviours clearly defined, it will also be easy for SICCI to
see the difference they can make as part of a dynamic organisation. SICCI members and
constituents will also see value in being part of a progressive chamber.
The Chamber Times will feature news and happenings at SICCI. It will be segregated into 2
main parts: What’s New? and What’s Next. What’s New will feature the new activities and
events which is taking place in SICCI while What’s Next offers you a glimpse of what to expect
in the coming months.
The issue will also focus on business-related developments in Singapore and in countries of
importance to SICCI’s members and at the same time, include regular and relevant opinion
pieces on events, policies, issues, locally and globally.
I therefore take great pleasure in presenting SICCI Connect to you and hope you enjoy
reading this new and refreshing publication. I look forward to your unstinting support in SICCI !
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 3
SICCI witnessed a change of guard at its 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held
on 24 April 2014 at the Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The AGM Dinner was
graced by Madam Halimah Yacob, Singapore’s Parliament Speaker.
Dr. R Theyvendran from Stamford Press Pte Ltd has been elected as the Chairman of the Board
for term of 2014 to 2016. He will be leading a Board of 16 Directors, of which 4 have been reSICCI for another term.
elected
Singapore has always been keen to strengthen ties with India, country's Parliament speaker
Halimah Yacob has said during the AGM Dinner, urging the city state-based businesses to further
develop
trade
relations
with
the
emerging
economy.
Highlighting the two countries' good track record of working closely, Madam Halimah Yacob told
members of SICCI to progress on the past performance. The speaker said SICCI had long
recognised the importance of India as an economic partner for Singapore.
"Business missions to different parts of India on a regular basis have ensured that businesses in
Singapore are kept aware of the ever-changing economic landscape of India," he said at
SICCI's annual general meeting."
She also noted SICCI's endeavours in meeting Singapore Indian business community needs, and
assured that the chamber would continue to play its vital role in the development of Singapore's
trade and investment relations with India and Indian businesses globally.
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 4
Amongst some of the strategic plans Dr.Theyvendran has in the pipelines is to profile SICCI
internationally through various platforms. This includes establishing further global business network
and collaboration by means of meaningful strategic partnerships .
SICCI also hopes to build on strategic alliances with Indian-Indian businesses playing a part as a
connector for members who are keen in doing business in India. Similarly on the same token,
Indian-Indian companies who are looking to expand and connect with Singapore-Indian
businesses can also approach the Chamber for such trade-match opportunities.
To promote and protect the interests of Indian business communities in Singapore, SICCI also acts
as a feedback channel to the Singapore Government to represent and express commercial and
relative questions as well as the opinions of Indian business community. The Chamber also
provides statistics and information pertaining to trade, commerce, manufacturing and other
businesses.
The Chamber hopes to help Indian businesses in Singapore expand beyond those that the
community has been traditionally dominant in. At present, 37% of Indian businesses are in
traditional trading services.
Meanwhile, SICCI would be sending two business missions to India this year, programmes for
which would be worked out after the on-going general elections, said SICCI's newly- appointed
chairman R Theyvendran.
"We are definitely going to send at least two missions to India, but we are not clear on the
market direction at this stage of the elections. We really do not know which way the wind blows,"
he said.
,
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 5
The Chamber hopes to boost membership numbers from 721
1500 by the middle of next year. The increase will be done
through enhanced membership benefits, value proposition for
members to be part of SICCI.
Membership Networking Nights will also be an integral part of
being a Chamber member and we hope more business and
individuals will take advantage of the benefits of being a
member.
Introducing 3 new membership categories, SICCI hopes to
reach out further to the Indian community at large. Businesses
can now join us as Members through the enhanced categories
as follows:
Life Membership
Categories
Fees
Corporate
$10,000 + GST
Individual
$7,000 + GST
Associate Membership
Categories
Fees
Individual
$380 + GST
In line with its aim to be system driven, one of SICCI’s internal
goal is to embark on ISO 9001:2008 to be the first of the trade
association to be internationally certified for its processes.
International Standards are strategic tools and guidelines to help
companies tackle some of the most demanding challenges of
modern business.
They ensure that business operations are as efficient as possible,
increase productivity and help companies access new markets.
Some of the benefits of ISO 9001 include:
Cost Savings - International Standards help optimise operations
and therefore improve the bottom line
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction - International Standards help
improve
quality,
enhance
customer
satisfaction and increase sales
Access To New Markets - International Standards help prevent
trade barriers and open up global market.
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 6
The Singapore Indian Entrepreneur Awards is back again, moving into its 11th year. We are proud
to announce that once again, DBS has agreed to partner us in our prestigious event. Launched
in 2004, the SICCI-DBS Singapore Indian Entrepreneur Awards are presented annually by the
Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry to recognise outstanding Indian
entrepreneurs and to serve as a motivation for budding Indian entrepreneurs.
The key objectives of the Awards are to recognise and reward the best entrepreneurs in the
Indian business community in Singapore. By showcasing leading Indian entrepreneurs and
businesses in Singapore, the contemporary entrepreneurial spirit within the Indian community is
highlighted. They are also an important medium to inspire other Singaporean Indians to
undertake the entrepreneurship path and enhance the visibility of Indian entrepreneurs and
businesses in Singapore.
To kick-start this year’s event, we are pleased to launch the opening of the Awards on 19 May
2014 at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel. Two distinguished speakers from the business community
would be speaking at this event on Forging ties with the Asian Economic Giants. Mr Girija Pande,
Executive Chairman of Apex Avalon Advisors will be the one of the distinguished speakers while
Amb Kesavapany has agreed to be the moderator.
About 150 business leaders are expected to attend this launch event. This event is
complimentary for members and invited guests. Please contact Ms. Kathi at kathi@sicci.com to
register now!
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 7
ADVOCATOR, CONNECTOR, ENABLER – PG 8