Sustainability pays for SMEs

THE year is almost at the halfway mark, and lots of exciting developments have since taken place that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be excited about. Aside from the new business initiatives announced during Budget 2018 such as the Productivity Solutions Grant, there was also the merger of government agencies Spring Singapore and IE Singapore to what is now known as Enterprise Singapore.

This issue, we look at sustainability, and how SMEs can play their part. In Top Story, we find out what sustainability is all about and what companies are doing to promote it. There is more to sustainability than just going green or focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR). More importantly, businesses can also reap benefits at the same time - read on to find out more.

The Towkays section features Frank Phuan, co-founder and chief executive officer of clean energy solutions company Sunseap Group. His innovative business idea of providing solar energy as a service led him down a different path from his family business which used to manufacture solar panels. Today, the business has expanded rapidly from a five-man operation in Singapore to a 100-staff regional business, with bigger plans in mind.

In line with the sustainability theme, the Cutting Edge section features two companies - eco u and Netatech - which are showing how sustainability and good business sense can go together.

In Budding Entrepreneurs, we spotlight Shaun Heng of Eatsy, a food dining app that allows diners to order, pay and split their bill through their phones when dining out, and even get rewarded with cashback after every meal.

In Space, we find out how blockchain technology can play a role in boosting the security and transparency of real estate transactions. Find out the do's and don'ts of investigating and disciplining errant employees in Legal Adviser.

In Smart Capital, take a look at how family-owned businesses can handle corporate governance in today's digital age.

We hope this issue comes in useful.

Vivien Shiao EDITOR