ISSUE 01 • February 2018MCI (P) 067/02/2017

A publication of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Singapore Indian Chamberof Commerce & Industry

ESTABLISHED 1924

ASEAN – IndiaConference

Singapore Budget 2018

Singapore is uniquely-positioned to facilitate even closer ASEAN-India relations

– Deputy Prime MinisterTeo Chee Hean

page 6

SICCI CONNECT 1

Dr T Chandroo Vice-Chairman

Modern Montessori International Pte Ltd

Board of Directors

Mr Neil ParekhVice-Chairman

Individual Member

Mr S KesavanDiamond Glass Enterprise Pte Ltd

Mr SV PadmanabhanOlam International Pte Ltd

Mr Ashok KhoslaOM Associates Pte Ltd

Ms Helen CamposMC Corporate Services Pte Ltd

Mr Mohan Das NaiduIndividual Member

Mr Deepak SingapuriNew Light Enterprises

Mr JP JaiswalPeakmore International Pte Ltd

Dr R TheyvendranChairman

Stamford Media International Pte Ltd

Mr Akber AliHonorary Treasurer

Akber Ali & Co

SICCI Connect is a newsletter of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. You may send your comments to:

Copyright is held by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). All rights reserved. Feel free to reproduce reports in whole or part, but please credit SICCI Connect.

Ms Jayanthi ManianChase Resource Management Pte Ltd

Dato Thiayagarajan VTJothi Impex Pte Ltd

Mr S PalaniappanAbiramee Jewellers

Mr Hanif Moez NomanbhoyNomanbhoy & Sons Pte Ltd

Mr TRV RajanTechcom Solutions Pte Ltd

Capt Subhangshu DuttIndividual Member

SICCI PANEL OF ADVISORS

EDITORIAL INFORMATIONCONTENTS

Editorial TeamDr. R. TheyvendranMr. Dhavakumaran M.

Singapore Indian Chamberof Commerce & Industry

ESTABLISHED 1924

Scan QR Code for the e-copy of SICCI Connect

Ms Indranee RajahSenior Minister of State

Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Law

Mr J Y PillayChairman, Council of Presidential Advisers

Rector, College of Elise and Peter Tan (NUS)Board Member of Vatican, Financial Information

Authority

Mr S Chandra DasSingapore High Commissioner to Sri Lanka

(non-resident)Managing Director, Nur Investment & Trading Pte Ltd

Mr Sat Pal KhattarChairman, Khattar Holdings Pte Ltd.

Mr R JayachandranHigh Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius

(non-resident)Executive Chairman,

Napier Healthcare Solutions Pte Ltd

Mr K V RaoResident Director, ASEAN

Tata Sons Limited

The EditorSingapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

SICCI Building31 Stanley StreetSingapore 068740Telephone: 6222 2855Website: www.sicci.comEmail: dhava@sicci.com

Chairman’s Message .................................................1

Closer ASEAN-India ties ...................................... 2/5

Singapore Budget 2018 - New initiatives to help firms grow ..................................................... 6/7

Benefitting members through active engagement ....................................................... 8/10

INDUS Food Fair 2018 ...........................................12

Joint Seminar with HDFC .......................................13

IT Cluster meeting ..................................................14

Taxpayer Feedback Panel ......................................15

SBF Meeting ...........................................................15

Inspiring Business Owners ......................................16

25 years of Engagement ........................................20

The ‘Way Forward’ in Optimising Bone and Joint Function .........................................................21

Trade Match ............................................................24

SICCI’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS(2016 – 2018)

Dear Members,

Hosted by Singapore, the ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference in January marked 25 years of partnership between the regional bloc and India. SICCI was a sponsor of the 2-day event. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said that Singapore had played a key role in catalysing India’s engagement with ASEAN. At SICCI, we have been actively engaging emerging markets such as India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to open up new opportunities for members.

In the recently presented Singapore Budget 2018, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced a slew of initiatives to help businesses cope with near-term cost pressures and for continued growth. Businesses in Singapore can also expect more support for internationalisation and partnerships. The Chamber supports the Government’s initiatives to help firms grow.

More than 120 members attended our Networking Night in February. They were able to network and explore new business opportunities. One new member shared that

the event gave him the opportunity to meet like-minded entrepreneurs. We continuously encourage businesses to look at new areas of growth, realign their strategies and embrace new technologies and leverage on the Government and partners for support.

On a personal note, I have served the maximum two terms as Chairman and will be passing the mantle to a new team to lead the Chamber in April. It has been a wonderful four years, and I would like to thank and commend my fellow board members for working tirelessly to strengthen the fundamentals and grow the Chamber.

I would like to wish all our members every success in all your endeavours.

Thank you.

The Singapore Budget has many initiatives to encourage Singapore companies to innovate and expand their business. The Chamber supports the Government’s initiatives to help firms grow.

Dr R. TheyvendranChairman, Board of DirectorsSingapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

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SICCI CONNECT 1

COVER STORY

Closer ASEAN-India ties

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, the guest of honour at the gala dinner said, “India has played a major role in our region and has left a mark on language, food and religion. Over the years, the cooperation between ASEAN and India has expanded to include security, trade, tourism, education, and culture.”

Trade between ASEAN and India has risen steadily from USD2.9 billion in 1993 to USD58.4 billion in 2016.

He added that India has participated actively in ASEAN-led cooperation platforms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit and trade relations have been enhanced by the ASEAN-India free trade agreement which came into effect from 2010.

He also highlighted that India was integral to the security of South East Asia and said he was heartened as the discussions during the two-day conference had highlighted the huge potential for further cooperation.

The ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) conference marked 25 years of dialogue partnership between the regional bloc and India, hosted by Singapore, the ASEAN chair. SICCI was a sponsor of the 2-day event which saw nearly 4,000 delegates congregate at Marina Bay Sands on 6th and 7th January.

Singapore has played a key role in catalysing India’s engagement with ASEAN in the past 25 years, and we are uniquely-positioned to facilitate even closer ASEAN-India relations. As a civil aviation, trading and financial hub, we are a good base for Indian companies to work from in order to expand to Southeast Asia and beyond.

- Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean

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SICCI CONNECT2

ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stressed on three steps for achieving the objective including economic integration, enhanced connectivity and linking cities into a Smart City network between ASEAN and India.

He said, “We need to press on with economic integration. This is not just a mantra, but crucial for the mutual prosperity of the citizens of India and ASEAN. Singapore is therefore working with all partners towards unlocking this potential through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).”

“This ongoing urbanisation, this need for infrastructure and investments will provide huge opportunities for our businesses and our people in the decade to come. The point is, we have a lot to gain from cooperation.”

On the Smart City initiative, he said, “Singapore was honoured to be invited by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to partner in the development of the “People’s Capital” of Amaravati to establish a highly liveable and sustainable city with excellent infrastructure, services, and high standards of governance.”

COVER STORY

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Singapore stands ready to partner India in areas of innovation, and to serve as a catalyst for this in our region.

- Minister for Foreign AffairsDr Vivian Balakrishnan

SICCI CONNECT 3

Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran said that there are great opportunities for collaboration between India and ASEAN nations, including in the areas of infrastructure, innovation and start-ups and the digital economy.

Mr Iswaran said that India and ASEAN have identified innovation as a priority, and they should study how to “build connectivity” so start-ups have access to markets in both regions.

He also highlighted the importance of the digital economy and e-commerce as another area of common priority as it serves

as an enabling tool for small and medium enterprises to access markets that were once out of their reach.

COVER STORY

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION

Singapore is a gateway for businesses in ASEAN and India to reach each other.

- Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran

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SICCI CONNECT4

Over the years, the cooperation between ASEAN and India has expanded to include security, trade, tourism, education, and culture.

We have established as many as 30 platforms for cooperation, including an annual leaders Summit and seven Ministerial Dialogues.

- DPM Teo Chee Hean

We have immense resources in the form of our diaspora in South-east Asia, to be the bridge for a new journey on an ancient route.

- India’s External Affairs MinisterSushma Swaraj

COVER STORY

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India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that economic, political and cultural ties between India and each South-east Asian country was growing.

She said: “For India, ASEAN leadership and centrality is central to peace and prosperity for a rapidly-changing Indo-Pacific region.”

She added that ASEAN and India must work together to meet several common challenges. These included creating skills for a digital age, generating jobs in an age of disruption, and meeting the needs of rapid urbanisation.

“We have immense resources in the form of our diaspora in South-east Asia, to be the bridge for a new journey on an ancient route,” she said.

About a fifth or 6 million of the 31 million overseas Indians, comprising both Indian citizens abroad and persons of Indian origin, live in the 10 ASEAN countries, according to figures from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

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NEW JOURNEY ON AN ANCIENT ROUTE

SICCI CONNECT 5

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat recently announced a number of initiatives in the budget to help businesses cope with near-term cost pressures and for continued growth.

Singapore Budget 2018 New initiatives to help firms grow

Businesses in Singapore can expect more support for internationalisation and partnerships. The amount of expenses that can qualify for the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation will be increased from $100,000 to $150,000 for each year of assessment, from YA2019.

Partnerships Several existing grant schemes that support partnerships between companies will be combined under a single Pact scheme, or Partnerships for Capability Transformation, through which companies can apply for up to 70 percent of funding for collaborations in areas including capability upgrading, business development and internationalisation.

InnovationTo encourage innovation, the Government will pilot the Open Innovation Platform, where businesses can list their specific challenges and then be matched with ones that help co-develop solutions.

To facilitate businesses in accessing support to adopt technologies and productivity solutions, existing grant schemes that support off the shelf productivity solutions will be streamlined into one Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). The PSG will provide funding support for up to 70 percent of qualifying costs.

Corporate Income TaxThe corporate income tax rebate for year of assessment (YA) 2018 will be raised to 40 percent of tax payable, with a cap of $15,000. For YA2019, the rebate will be 20 percent of tax payable, capped at $10,000.

BUDGET

SICCI CONNECT6

There will be a corporate tax exemption, restricted to the first $200,000 of chargeable income, from YA2020.

For start-ups specifically, 75 percent of their first $100,000 chargeable income will be exempt from corporate tax from YA2020, down from 100 percent currently.

This is a “sound and equitable” measure to help companies develop capabilities and to make sure every profitable company pays some taxes, said Mr Heng.

Tax DeductionsThere will also be tax deductions for businesses who buy, build or co-innovate new solutions and engage in research and development.

The tax deduction for intellectual property (IP) registration fees will double to 200 percent, to “help firms protect their intangible assets”, said Mr Heng.

Enterprise SingaporeTwo grants - one from IE Singapore and one from Spring Singapore - will be combined to form the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG). It will provide up to 70 percent co-funding for businesses seeking to build deep capabilities, scale up and internationalise.

Businesses can apply for the EDG from the fourth quarter of this year.

Social ResponsibilityCorporations and businesses will also see further encouragement to engage in charity and staff volunteerism.

The Business and IPC Partnership Scheme (BIPS) will be extended for an additional three years until December 2021. The partnership allows businesses that support their staff to volunteer and provide services to IPCs (Institutions of a Public Character) to receive a 250 percent tax deduction on associated costs incurred.

Dollar-for-DollarIt was also announced that the Government would provide dollar-for-dollar matching on donations received by the Empowering for Life Fund - which helps fund programmes in skills upgrading and employment for vulnerable groups - under the President’s Challenge, for the next five years.

In all, enhancements to all initiatives supporting philanthropy and volunteerism are set to cost the Government around $190 million a year.

Wage Credit SchemeThe Wage Credit Scheme, which co-funds wage increases for Singaporean employees up to a gross monthly wage of $4,000, will be extended for three years.

To help more Singaporeans get trained in digital skills like data analytics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, the TechSkills Accelerator, launched in 2016, will be expanded into new sectors like manufacturing and professional services.

The current Work Trial scheme will be upgraded into a Career Trial programme which will help job seekers try out new jobs and access new careers.

BUDGET

SICCI CONNECT 7

FEATURE

In his keynote address, SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran shared with members that in the past four years, the Chamber had grown stronger financially and was able to provide greater benefits to members.

“We remain a useful platform for members to exchange and pick up new business ideas through our talks and seminars, networking nights, overseas trade missions, publications and other outreach programmes,” he said.

Benefitting members through active engagement

More than 120 members attended SICCI’s Networking event on 8th February 2018 at the Peninsula Excelsior Hotel. They were presented with various networking and business opportunities.

SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran giving his keynote address to members

SICCI CONNECT8

FEATURE

The Chamber continuously encourages businesses to look at new areas of growth, realign their strategies and embrace new technologies to reduce operational costs and leverage on the government and partners for support.

He added that SICCI will continue with its efforts in providing more benefits for our members and look forward to engaging more members through the events planned for 2018.

Dr Theyvendran also shared that in view of the Chamber elections in April 2018, a team of progressive leaders under the helm of current SICCI Director and SME Centre@SICCI Chairperson Ms Helen Campos is ready to lead SICCI to greater heights.

He said, “My team and I have worked tirelessly to strengthen the fundamentals and grow the Chamber through progressive initiatives, partnerships and membership drives. I am confident that Helen and her team will do even better with their dedication and hard work to keep SICCI useful, strong and relevant.”

He also said that SICCI encourages women to take up leadership roles so that they can bring their drive and energy to benefit society.

Addressing the members, Ms Campos said that SICCI has assisted members in their efforts to internationalise their business operations, “Through our overseas trade

many of our members had gained new insights on regional and international business trends and opportunities,” she said.

She added, “Our SME Centre@SICCI continues to be one of the best performers yearly and hundreds of our members have benefitted from their advisory services. The Centre has held many capability developing workshops and seminars and members should continue to avail of its services.”

SICCI Director and SME Center@SICCI Chairperson

Ms Helen Campos spoke on SICCI’s activities that have

benefitted members.

SICCI CONNECT 9

SICCI Director Mr S Venkat welcoming members to

SICC’s first networking night for 2018

FEATURE

Guest-speaker Mr. Andy Chew, Director of Business &

Strategic Partnerships, KAPLAN Professional shared on

how businesses can upskill with digitisation. Kaplan was

an event sponsor.

Event sponsor India International Insurance

New MembersThe networking night also saw 25 new members receive their membership certificates.

Shared new corporate member Mr Khaja of Aberdeen Global Traders Pte Ltd, “My family’s business has been a member of SICCI for nearly 50 years. So when I started my own company recently, it was only natural for me to become a member. I am looking forward to working closely with the Chamber and fellow members.”

SICCI CONNECT10

Members’ and guestsnetworking

SICCI CONNECT 11

INDUS Food Fair 2018

SICCI Directors (above from right) Mr. JP Jaiswal and Mr Akber Ali (Honorary Treasurer) recently attended the Indus Food Fair in India along with various dignitaries.

Discussions with all parties were very fruitful and the various officials met were keen to work closely with SICCI and explore opportunities in the future.

They have assured to keep SICCI in the loop for all future events so that our members can not only benefit from attending the conference as delegates but opportunities will be provided for them to exhibit their products.

IE Singapore is keen to help and support Singapore companies in any way possible to go beyond Singapore to establish themselves in newer markets.

SICCI Members are encouraged to be attend such events and avail of such opportunities

to expand their business and go global.

EVENTS

SICCI CONNECT12

Joint Seminarwith HDFC

SICCI Director Mr S Venkita Padmanabhan presented

on the ‘Outlook on the Indian economy and opportunity

for investors in India’.

SICCI held a joint seminar with HDFC on 28 January at the Suntec Convention Centre. The seminar focused on the Indian economy and the opportunities in the Indian realty landscape.

EVENTS

SICCI CONNECT 13

SICCI’s first IT Cluster meeting in January. brought together people from the same industry with different skill sets. The aim of cluster is to bid for projects, attend conferences, take part in exhibitions as a consortium and succeed rather than trying to make it alone.

The special guest at the meeting was Mr. Ninad S Deshpande, Deputy Indian High Commissioner

Three opportunities were presented to the members for their consideration –

1. Advantage Assam – Within the past few months there were 2 visits to Singapore from the State Government officials. Assam being a “green” state has a lot of potential in various development verticals with IT being one of them. There is a strong push from the State to help build the infrastructure and make Assam to be the gateway of India into the ASEAN countries. The exhibition titled “Advantage Assam” was to be held on 3rd and 4th February in Guwahati, Assam.

2. High Level Business Mission to India (Andhra Pradesh) led by SBF – A business mission trip to Andhra Pradesh from 24th to the 28th Feb 2018. The objective of the mission is for

delegates to better understand India’s global integration strategy / foreign economic policy and Singapore’s role in the Amravati project, the opportunities stemming from it, and how Singapore companies may be able to participate.

3. Global Exhibition on Services – This exhibition is organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Mumbai from 15th May to the 18th May. SICCI is keen to play its part and lead a team of delegates to take part in this exhibition which is expected to attract visitors in excess of 50,000 people.

The members present put forward their queries and concerns before the Deputy High Commissioner in regards to how such opportunities can benefit SMEs. The questions raised were well answered to the satisfaction of those present and the members agreed to meet offline with each other to explore how they could come together and grow their business. The members were pleased with the efforts taken by the Chamber to help the SMEs in coming together in such forums and would like the IT cluster to meet regularly to exchange thoughts and ideas of helping each other grow and leverage on each other’s strengths.

IT Cluster meeting

SICCI Members who attended the IT Cluster

meeting: Mr. Vignesh Wadarajan (Jankosoft), Mr.

Steven (ABI-Tech Solution), Mr. Dawood (ABI-Tech

Solution), Mr. Jit Nagpal (Sciente Consulting),

Mr. Jay Varman (Dei.com.sg), Mr. William Lu (IBIZ

Consulting), Mr. Siva Rajan (De Mellows) and Mr. S.

Gunasegaran (Pixibit)

EVENTS

SICCI CONNECT14

Taxpayer Feedback Panel

SBF Meeting

The Taxpayer Feedback Panel (TFP) met on Tuesday 30 January 2018. The meetings, held twice a year at IRAS, are an outlet for IRAS to convey new tax initiatives or measure to members and for members to voice their concern on tax matters. SICCI Honorary Treasurer Mr Akber Ali (seated, first from left) and SICCI Director Ms Helen Campos represent SICCI on the Panel.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), organised an India Round Table Meeting, in conjunction with the visit of Mr Vijay Chauthaiwale, on 20 February. Mr Vijay Chauthaiwale is a senior representative who heads the foreign affairs department of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India. The roundtable meeting was chaired by SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran. The meeting was a closed door meeting of selected invitees to discuss the current developments / updates on the political scene in India and how the Singapore businesses see India and

their interests in India. Also discussed was

the challenges that each representative’s

organization faced in doing business in India.

Mr Chauthaiwale visited Singapore from 19

to 23 February 2018 for the MFA Visitors

Programme, where leading individuals

from selected countries such as India were

invited to spend some time in Singapore

to learn about Singapore’s experiences in

areas of mutual interest, and to share views

and exchange ideas with key stakeholders in

both the public and private sector.

SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran (fourth

from left) chaired the Roundtable Meeting

initiated by SBF and MFA with Mr Vijay

Chauthaiwale (fifth from left) head, foreign

affairs department of the Bharatiya Janata

Party (BJP)

EVENTS

SICCI CONNECT 15

The workshop aimed to educate Little India merchants and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) on effectively automating their processes, defraying costs through Government assistance and utilising free marketing tools to develop their marketing strategies.

Two successful SME owners, Mr Jothi Manickavasakam, Managing Director of Sri Vinayaka Exports Pte Ltd and Madam Selvi, Founder of Dania Beauty Salon were invited to share their success stories of attaining Government grants and benefitting from

automation through the assistance provided by SME Centre@SICCI business advisors.

The Indian Heritage Centre housed the workshop which attracted over 80 business owners from various sectors such as retail, IT, Beauty & Wellness and F&B, amongst many others.

SME Centre@SICCI’s, Chairperson, Ms Helen Campos, in her opening speech shared the Government initiatives in providing platforms for assistance to businesses in

Inspiring Business Owners

On 8 January 2018, in conjunction with the Indian Harvest Festival, “Pongal”, SME Centre@SICCI collaborated with the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LISHA) to organise a Capability Workshop in Little India.

SME Centre@SICCI Chairperson and SICCI Director Ms Helen Campos (6th from right) with LISHA representatives

(centre) and SME Business Advisors at the Little India Capability Workshop.

SME

SICCI CONNECT16

order to enhance their capabilities for local and overseas expansion. She further encouraged SMEs to converse with business advisors part of the SME Centre@ SICCI to explore the Government initiatives available to them in order to improve their business processes.

The SME Centre@SICCI, business advisor, Ms Karpagam Jyahraman introduced the session by highlighting the services provided by the Centre. She added that apart from business advisory, the Centre also engages professionals to educate SMEs on building their capabilities through workshops and diagnostics. She further shared on how SMEs can digitalise and automate their processes by engaging approved Service Providers through the Go Digital Programme by Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Innovation & Capability Voucher (ICV) governed by SPRING Singapore.

Another business advisor at the SME Cetre@SICCI, Ms Kritika Rajwani explained that businesses can develop, implement and manage their marketing efforts at no cost with the Marketing Toolkit, a non-financial

tool jointly developed by SPRING Singapore and the UOB-SMU Asian Enterprise Institute.

She illustrated an example of how a beauty and wellness company identified and evaluated their customer demographics and characteristics to develop effective promotions for the business through the Market Assessment template. The assessment helped the company achieve a greater reach and as a result a strong sales performance.

Madam Selvi Shree founder of Dania beauty salon who has been running Dania Beauty Salon for the past 14 years, shared with the audience the two core challenges she faced being (i) financial assistance to grow the business and (ii) facilitating an understanding of her customers.

The SME Centre@SICCI had conducted a market assessment for her business and encouraged her to apply for the Innovation & Capability Voucher (ICV) ‘Customer Insights, Consultancy’.

She received the $5000 voucher and was able to categorise her customers and develop effective marketing strategies, helping her

Owner of Dania Beauty Salon, Madam Selvi, touched on the challenges she faced in growing her business.

SME

SICCI CONNECT 17

to grow her business. She also successfully applied for a Microloan Programme. She is currently awaiting an ICV approval for a CRM system to manage her clientele with more efficiency. As a small company, her challenges resonated with the other small business owners who attended the talk and were keen to understand how Government initiatives could benefit them as well.

The second entrepreneur, Mr Jothi Manickavasakam of Sri Vinayaka Exports Pte Ltd shared a very passionate entrepreneurial journey with the participants. He applauded the courage that SMEs took to run their business, encouraged life-long learning and emphasised the need for SMEs to reach out to available resources that can benefit them.

In 2009, he underwent the Financial Facilitator Programme (FFP) supported by SPRING, to seek the expertise of ex-bankers and financial consultants to improve financial practises within his company and further benefited from the Bridging Loan initiative. In 2011, through the Food Fund under Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), he studied the feasibility of growing Ponni rice in Cambodia to ensure that there was diversification

of source of Ponni rice to Singapore. Progressively, the company implemented proper risk management systems through the Risk Management Assistance Fund (RMAF) and also became ISO 9001:2008 certified through the ICV initiative.

The workshop received positive feedback and moving forward the SME Centre@SICCI has affirmed its commitment with LISHA and other organisations to organise workshops, business clinics and networking sessions to facilitate continuous learning, introduce dynamic solutions that enhance productivity, inspire SMEs to push forth in their growth journey and open the doors for greater networking and business opportunities in Singapore and overseas.

If you would like to speak with a business advisor from SME Centre@SICCI, please email to sme@smecentre-sicci.sg or call at 6508 0147.

If you are a business owner or know other SMEs in the F&B and Jewellery sectors, please do reach out to us at sme@smecentre-sicci.sg. We would like to hear from you and share how digitisation can benefit your business.

Mr Jothi Manickavasakam of Sri

Vinayaka Exports Pte Ltd shared

his entrepreneurial journey with the

participants.

SME

SICCI CONNECT18

SICCI CONNECT 19

25 years of Engagement

The event, held at the SBF Centre on 8 January, was organised in conjunction with the annual visit of the CII Core Group delegation, comprising of some of India’s key business persons from conglomerates such as Apollo Hospitals, Bharti Enterprises, Jetline Group of Companies and Bajaj Finserv.

Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII said that the organisation has been engaging Singapore for the past 25 years. He added that business chambers such as SICCI

have been very helpful in bringing together representatives from Singapore companies to explore opportunities in India.

There were 2 panel discussions on financial services and integrated logistics & infrastructure followed by a lively Q&A session with the audience. During the panel discussion on financial services, Mr Amit Ranjit Sinha from DBS shared on the bank’s growing digital presence in India, helping it to reach out to many customers in rural areas.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF), in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, presented the second edition of the Singapore - India Business Dialogue, “Exploring Future Trends and Partnerships in Financial Services and Logistics in India”. SICCI was a supporting partner.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between IE Singapore and CII. (From right) IE

Singapore Assistant CEO Mr Tan Soon Kim, CII Director General Mr Chandrajit Banerjee. CII President Ms

Shobana Kamineni and CII President Designate Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal.

SICCI CONNECT20

The ‘Way Forward’ in Optimising Bone and Joint Function

Corporate Member HK Doshi Orthopaedic Center’s Specialist Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon Dr Hitendra K Doshi shares on how mobility can be significantly affected through aging as a result of joint degeneration.

MEMBERS’ SECTION

Orthopaedic concerns in the elderly beyond 60 years of age is also known as Ortho-Geriatrics. Some of these concerns may have been present since the younger years due to a sport related injury, a trauma or simply due to wear and tear. However, it becomes apparent with symptoms and signs as one ages.

Mobility can be significantly affected through the ages as a result of joint degeneration. Though it can be prevented with early diagnosis and intervention with preventive measures, many may require a customised approach of treatment to optimise function with painless mobility.

With advancing age, joint degeneration is

a common condition however its severity may be influenced by past injuries, previous sports related activities of due to other compounding factors such as obesity.

Many non-surgical approaches are available to reduce the load on the degenerate joint for example the use of an off-loader knee brace, visco-supplementation and regular physiotherapy besides pain killers and weight reduction. In severe degeneration, where quality of life has compromised significantly, surgery may be recommended.

On the parallel, trivial injuries are more likely to result in fractures in the elderly due to the presence of osteoporosis compared to the younger population. Common fractures that occur in the upper limb are fractures around the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. In the lower limb, the most common fractures involve the hip joint. The incidence of hip fractures in particular has been on the rise in recent years particularly in the elderly with osteoporosis.

One of the major challenges for these patients is to regain their pre-fracture mobility and joint function. In recent years, specialised care pathways have been established in many centres abroad to ensure optimal management of geriatric fractures. With

SICCI CONNECT 21

MEMBERS’ SECTION

a dedicated Ortho-Geriatric care model, patients have shown promising recovery with minimal complications after surgery.

The aging population in Singapore has been on the rise and today most elderly folks in our society lead a healthy and active lifestyle. However, many individuals suffer from chronic pain involving the joints that limit function and mobility. In today’s society, cultural norms demand every individual to be independent and self-sufficient particularly in carrying out activities of daily living.

Although, caregivers may be present to care for the aged in a family unit, the elderly would usually hope to remain active and be able to care for him or herself.

The quality of life of an individual is dependent on optimising and preserving bone and joint function. Having treated many patients requiring a joint replacement surgery and fracture fixation over the years, it is evident that mobility and function can be restored with a surgical intervention when indicated.

Nevertheless, the surgical need can be avoided by minimizing the progression of degeneration with awareness and compliance to preventive measures. Besides, there may be a need to modify activities as one ages to ensure satisfactory joint mobility.

Similarly, preventing falls and treating osteoporosis can reduce the incidence of fragility fractures in the elderly. Obtaining an ‘early diagnosis’ with a timely consult, a holistic approach to management and adopting preventive measures is truly the ‘Way Forward’ in optimizing bone and joint function.

Email: doshi@hkdortha.comWebsite: www.hkdortho.com

On behalf of everyone at SICCI, The Board of Directors and SICCI Chairman, Dr R. Theyvendran, express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones, on the passing of our past President Mr G Ramachandran on 6th March 2018 in India.

The Chairman and Board of Directors wish to place on record much thanks and gratitude for his leadership and many contributions to the Indian business community during his terms as President (1966-68, 1973-74 and 1982-86).

Mr Ramachandran was a well-known and popular leader of the Indian business community. At SICCI’s 60th anniversary dinner in 1985, Mr Ramachandran famously said, “Although we are known as snake-charmers, peanut vendors, hole-in-the-wall shop owners, it is perhaps true to say that Indian businessmen were among the first established multi-national trading houses in the history of the region.”

His legacy and work will live on forever.

May his soul rest in peace.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

- Abraham Lincoln

SICCI CONNECT22

Our deepest condolences on the passing of past President

Mr G Ramachandran on 6th March 2018 in India.

SICCI Chairman Dr R. Theyvendran and the Board of Directors express their heartfelt condolences to the family and wish to place on record SICCI’s thanks and gratitude for his leadership and contributions to the Indian business community during his term as President (1966-68, 1973-74 and 1982-86).

Mr Ramachandran was a well-known and popular leader of the Indian business community. At SICCI’s 60th anniversary dinner in 1985, Mr Ramachandran famously said, ““Although we are known as snake-charmers, peanut vendors, hole-in-the-wall shop owners,it is perhaps true to say that Indian businessmen were among the first established multinational trading houses in the history of the region.”

His legacy and works will live on forever. May his soul rest in peace.

SICCI CONNECT 23

DEEPEST CONDOLENCESOur deepest condolences on the passing of SICCI Vice-Chairman Dr T Chandroo’s dear beloved mother on 14 February 2018.

SICCI Chairman Dr R. Theyvendran, the Board of Directors and the Secretariat express their heartfelt condolences to Dr Chandroo and his family.

May her soul rest in peace.

FRUNATICContact Name : Moorthy Visvaanathan

Contact No : +65 93802295

E-mail : moorthy@keenlifestyle.com

Website : www.frunatic.com

Description: We are a high end restaurant serving

only quality vegan food. We also run a “Eat right”

Talk on every Thursday and Saturday. The talk is at

$35.00 per head and it comes with food sampling of

a 9 course meal as well. It’s a fine dining experience.

We also do a health scan at just $38.00 per head just

for SICCI members. This is a preventive health check,

so that you would be able to know about your health

even before you go to the hospital for an actual health

check-up. Venue of the Talk: Palais Reinassance, 390

Orchard Road, B1-06.Singapore 238871.

ABHINISH MEGACORPContact Name : Nishant Shah

Email : abhinishmegacorp@gmail.com

Website : www.abhinish.com

Description: We want to export fresh fruits and

vegetables, with that we are also willing to export

Nutraceutical and 100% herbal prod. All the products

are picked from our own farms and harvesting units

with specialized supervision. Currently we are

exporting these goods in countries like Russia, Nepal,

Thailand, Sri Lanka and,Bhutan.

VISHESH EXPORTS & IMPORTSContact Name : Aneel Varm

Contact No : + 91-9820068234

Email : vishesh.v6@gmail.com

Description: We export a range of ladies

garments, costume jewellery, fancy and plain

bindis// Plain Bindis, punjabi suits, ladies kurtis ,

cosmetics, mehandi cones, kajals, sindhur sticks

and powders. Besides these products we also

export Stainless Steel Kitchenware, Wedding

Decor Items, Greeting Cards/, Wedding cards,

Statues of Gods in Resin, Silver Metal and Gun

Metal and Agarbatties.

APRICA EXPORTSContact Name : Akshar Miyani

Contact No : +91 99240 94842

Email : akshar@apricaexports.com

Description: We manufacture Polyester fabrics

such as Taffeta, Satin, Georgette etc. We have

been providing our products to various export

houses from over 8 years, and now we are

looking forward to export our products directly

to Singapore. Looking for importers / distributors

TRADE MATCH

AWARD CATEGORIESCategory 1: Singapore Indian Entrepreneur of the year (Large Enterprise) Category 2: Rising Entrepreneur of the year (Medium Enterprise) Category 3: Promising Entrepreneur of the year (Small Enterprise) Category 4: Foreign Indian Entrepreneur of the year

For details contact : Raji Raj (Ms) 98391141 / adminsiea@sicci.com

B E P A R T O F A P R E S T I G I O U S A W A R D