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In defence of dreaming small: micro-SMEs in the modern city

Singapore needs to nurture local champions for the global stage – but can afford to have some that stay home, too

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Janice Heng

Janice Heng

Published Wed, Apr 15, 2026 · 07:00 AM
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    • In a landscape of mega-brands and massive chains, it is also independent micro-SMEs that give a city its character.
    • In a landscape of mega-brands and massive chains, it is also independent micro-SMEs that give a city its character. PHOTO: PIXABAY

    FOR decades, Singapore’s government has exhorted its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to dream bigger: Invent something new, if possible, or at least scale up and go abroad.

    There is no shortage of support for that journey, from tailored business advice in SME Centres, to various grants, schemes and loans.

    The enduring hope is for more home-grown success stories: SMEs that grow into large local enterprises, and perhaps even become international names.

    Thinking AloudSingapore SMEsEntrepreneurship

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