Google to train 2,500 more Singapore SMEs to go global by 2019
Singapore
SOME 2,500 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore will be trained by Google to tap the global market by 2019, the tech giant announced on Monday during the official launch of the expansion of its Go Global initiative.
This will be on top of the 1,000 SMEs that Google has trained to date since 2015 when the programme first started.
The expanded programme aims to boost the digital capabilities of SMEs to become export-ready through three main pillars: helping SMEs to get started online, training them to explore new markets and expand overseas, and equipping SME talent to become digital leaders.
Gilberto Gaeta, head of Google Marketing Solutions For Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines And Emerging Markets, said: "We've seen great traction with our efforts with Go Global since its launch, and we want to go even bigger this year to provide more help for SMEs to fulfil their dreams of becoming recognised brands at home and abroad."
Google also announced new partnerships with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF) to reach out to more SMEs and solicit feedback.
NTUC and SiTF have a combined base of 13,650 member companies, but non-member SMEs can also join the programme.
A host of training tools will be made available to SMEs which take part, including a new programme that gives them access to dedicated marketing consultants who can advise them on how to grow using online media campaigns.
The tech giant identified partner agencies which can provide local enterprises with consultancy and training in data interpretation, analysis and insights training, online leads management, e-commerce and more.
Masterclasses led by Google and its partner agencies will also provide practical advice on how to grow a digital presence, while export-specific workshops will be held for brands looking to take their products and services overseas using tools such as AdWords, Google Analytics and Global Market Finder.
Finally, it aims to train 1,000 business leaders by 2019 using Squared Online, a digital leadership and marketing programme. This was announced by Google in April this year.
Two homegrown SMEs - online furniture retailer Castlery and gaming chair retailer Secretlab - shared their experiences growing their business through digital in partnership with Google.
Castlery co-founder Declan Ee said that through some of the tools recommended by Google, such as AdWords and YouTube advertisements, the company scaled its monthly revenues from S$2,000 to S$200,000 in the first 18 months of operations in Singapore.
"Digital outreach gives young startups like us a fighting chance," he added.
There was also a panel - comprising Mr Ee, SiTF executive director Ho Semun, Secretlab managing director and co-founder Ian Ang, Spring Singapore group director Kee Ai Nah and United Overseas Bank managing director and country head of business banking Mervyn Koh - to share tips with SMEs thinking of going digital.
The panel was in consensus that SMEs in Singapore are often divided between the digitally-savvy startups run by millennials and the more traditional family businesses that are already established.
The latter are the ones that fear change and do not see the need to invest in digital, the panel observed. However, panellists urged SMEs not to remain in a "state of denial".
Mr Koh said: "Ultimately, SMEs must keep an open mind and be willing to change their mindset on how digital solutions can help them take advantage of growth opportunities."
Many resources are available, including the Go Global programme, which can give SMEs a helping hand to increase their digital capabilities, he added.
