News and Case Studies

Introduction

First introduced under the Stabilisation and Support Package of Singapore’s Budget 2020, the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) has been extended up to Sep 2021 to cover the hardest-hit industries. Support measures have also been enhanced to greater support businesses during the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) [P2(HA)] period.

The JSS was designed to improve assurance and support to workers and businesses most affected by the COVID-19 crisis in this time of economic uncertainty. The initiative will provide cash flow support to local businesses, incentivise companies to retain local workers, and encourage firms to share productivity gains with its employees.

Under the Scheme, the Government will subsidise a percentage of the first $4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to local employees. The JSS payouts are intended to compensate and protect employee wages. The wage support scheme has three tiers as follows:

**Firms in the built environment such as construction companies will receive 75% wage support for wages paid from June to September 2020 only. Thereafter, they will receive up to 50% (Tier 2) wage support instead.

Below shows the computation of JSS payout for employees from three tiers and three different wage rates:

Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) FAQs

Who are qualified for JSS?

All employers (not in the Employer Exclusion List^) who made CPF contributions for local (Singaporean and PR) employees will qualify for the payout. Local shareholders and directors earning wages with mandatory CPF contributions are also qualified for the payout. However, business owners (sole proprietors or partners in partnership businesses) earning wages or trading in their personal capacity are not eligible for the payout.

Firms and businesses that cannot resume operations on June 2, 2020 are also eligible for the payout. To help the business, the government will provide 75% wage support until August 2020 or when they are allowed to operate, whichever comes first. Businesses under this category include gyms, cinemas, retail outlets, and recreational centres.

UPDATED: Under the P2(HA) enhanced JSS measures, businesses required to suspend many, if not all of their operations, will also receive JSS support of 50% for the period from 16 May 2021 to 13 June 2021. This applies to affected gyms, fitness studios, performing arts organisations, and arts education centres.

Certain sectors not required to suspend operations but are considerably affected by the tightened measures, like retail, cinemas and family entertainment centres, will also enjoy enhanced JSS support of 30% from 16 May 2021 to 13 June 2021.

Other businesses significantly affected by the tightened measures in P2(HA) may also appeal for enhanced JSS support at go.gov.sg/jss.

^ Employer Exclusion List

1. Local government agencies including ministries and departments, organs of state, and statutory boards
2. PA services and grassroot units
3. Government and government-aided schools
4. High commissions, trade offices, embassies, consulate
5. Foreign military units
6. Unregistered local/foreign entities
7. Representative offices of foreign companies, foreign trade associations, foreign non-profit organisations, foreign chambers, foreign government agencies, and foreign law practices
8. Bank representative offices, insurance representative offices and other financial representative offices registered with MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore)
9. News bureaus
10. International organisations
11. Entities paying CPF but are not registered in Singapore
    

How to apply for JSS payout?

Employers do not need to apply for the JSS payout. All employers (not in the Employer Exclusion List) who made CPF contributions for local employees will automatically qualify and will be notified of the support tier they qualify for and the amount they will receive. Businesses with CorpPass access can check their notification emails through the IRAS’s myTax Portal.

How will employers receive the payout?

JSS payouts will be credited through the following modes in order of priority:

1. Credited to the employers’ GIRO bank account used for Income Tax or GST;
2. For those without GIRO accounts, the JSS payout will be credited to their registered PayNow Corporate bank account
3. Otherwise, the JSS payout will be made by cheque.

Employers who are still not using GIRO or PayNow Corporate are encouraged to sign up for these modes to receive their JSS payouts faster.

When are the scheduled payouts?

Employers would have received the JSS payouts in April, July, and October 2020. A special payout was released in May 2020 to support businesses during the circuit breaker by providing support in advance. Eligible sectors will also receive subsequent payouts in March, June, September and December 2021.

Introduction

The SMEs Go Digital programme was developed to help SMEs embrace digital transformation and maximise growth with the help of digital technologies. As part of this programme, support such as enhanced government grants, the Digital Resilience Bonus, SME Digital Tech Hub, Start Digital Packs and more have been introduced.

Spearheaded by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the Start Digital programme was launched in January 2019 and encourages SMEs to adopt digital business processes with comprehensive and low-cost digital solutions. The Start Digital Packs have since gained traction and support from banks, regulators, and SMEs in Singapore.

What is the Start Digital Pack?

A Start Digital Pack is an affordable and fully customisable digital business solutions package created under the government’s SMEs Go Digital programme. Recognised by most corporate service providers in Singapore, the easy-to-adopt and easy-to-deploy programmes and tools included in the package are designed specifically to address the needs of small and medium enterprises that are just starting up or transitioning to the digital scheme. An organisation can pick up the tools or systems they need to get a head start in digitalisation, building a stronger foundation for sustainable business growth.

What are the Benefits of the Start Digital Pack for SMEs?

Aside from the benefits of digitalisation, the Start Digital Pack provides SMEs with the following advantages:

Low Price – The Start Digital Pack includes standard business solutions available in the market but are offered at a much lower price. SMEs can take advantage of rebates and/or free months of access when they sign up. **Freebies will depend on the contract and will differ amongst different partners and providers.

Comprehensive Business Solutions – The Start Digital Pack offers a complete set of business solutions for all business needs. The pack includes programmes and tools on business Accounting and Bookkeeping, HR and Payroll, Digital Marketing, Digital Transactions, Sales and Inventory, Cybersecurity, and others.

Customisable Package – SMEs can pick and choose the programmes they need and leave out those that aren’t relevant to their business. Having the right solutions working for their organisation will help entrepreneurs streamline their processes, and focus more on satisfying their customers and growing the business.

Easy Transition to the Digital World – SMEs adopting the Start Digital Packs will also enjoy professional help and guidance that will ease their entry to digitalisation. Corporate service providers in Singapore can provide an array of relevant tech solutions and training to help businesses digitalise their operations.

Who can apply for a Start Digital Pack?

To qualify for the programme, the business must meet the following criteria:

• Singapore registered and incorporated
• At least 30% ownership is held by a Singapore citizen or permanent resident
• Not more than $100 million in annual sales turnover, or not more than 200 employees

How can I apply for a Start Digital Pack for my business?

Qualified businesses can apply for a Start Digital Pack with any Start Digital Partner. Some of the already approved partners and vendors of the SMEs Go Digital Programme include DBS, OCBC, Maybank, UOB, Singtel, and M1. To apply, simply choose the partner (some partners may require the applicant to have an active account with them), customise your package, and then submit the registration form. When choosing the most suitable partner for your business, it is best to learn more about what the partner is offering and the details of the pack – the rates, the apps available and any help they are willing to extend to their clients.

Start Digital Pack Partners

OCBC and DBS banks are two of the first partners who join the Start Digital programme with great business solutions to offer:

OCBC – The OCBC Start Digital Pack has many digital business applications including accounting, marketing, HR, sales and procurement solutions. Its fully customisable solutions dashboard features are also integrated with e-commerce applications like Google Analytics, Mailchimp and Shopify. The dashboard is free to SMEs with OCBC accounts when they apply for a Start Digital Pack and subscribe to at least two solutions. The package also comes with a choice of two free apps upon sign up: Xero, Quickbooks, Mailchimp, or Shopify, for the first 12 months. Cash rebates are also offered in certain applications. To apply, simply send your account declaration and verification to your bank, choose the apps to purchase and start enjoying the benefits of digitalisation. 

DBS – An application for a DBS Start Digital Pack can be made online, with no need for qualified SMEs to physically go to the bank. Application is easily completed within 5 minutes and approval can be expected within 3 business days, when the client’s portal is ready for use. Open to new and existing customers, DBS offers web-based business tools that are designed to streamline processes, increase profitability and enhance business growth. DBS offers up to 18 months of free subscription to their featured solutions upon signing up with their Start Digital Packs.

Solutions under the Start Digital Pack

Start Digital offers a wide range of business solutions for users to choose from. Xero and Financio are two of the most popular business solutions amongst accounting firms in Singapore and Malaysia.

Xero – Xero is a top cloud-based accounting software with business tools integrations that include invoicing, time-tracking, reporting, payments, banking, HR and payroll, inventory, CRM, and bill/expenses management. The user-friendly accounting platform is popular for its groundbreaking and user-focused innovations. Our team at Mighty Glory Corporate Solutions, a certified Xero Advisor, can help you set up your Xero account for your corporate needs, walk you through implementation, and manage your account for you.

Financio – Financio is an all-round business solutions platform specially designed for small and medium businesses. Amongst its key integrations are business apps in invoicing, banking, HR and payroll, collaboration and reporting. Financio also features Lazada, one of the leading eCommerce platforms. The headache of manual stock counts is removed through the seamless synchronizing of price rates and inventory of your eCommerce business with Financio. As one of the pioneer Financio Advisors, we can help you set up your Financio account according to your business needs, implement its use, and manage it so that you can focus on other business priorities.

Conclusion

Connect with us today to know more about the Start Digital Pack! Our team can assist you to choose your partner, help you build your solutions package, and implement the solutions for your business needs. We look forward to helping you achieve your business goals with efficient and holistic solutions.

Introduction

On 30 October 2020, one of Singapore’s biggest names in retail announced its closure. Robinsons will be closing its last two stores in Singapore: its flagship store at The Heeren, and its 85,000 sq ft department store in Raffles City Shopping Centre. Robinsons Singapore has long been a fixture in the city, being in operation for 162 years. More than a business, the well-loved brand has been a huge part of Singapore, creating traditions and evolving through the times with the society it serves. The announcement sent shockwaves around the city, but it was imminent for retail giant Robinsons, which has seen over six years of operational losses.

End of an Era

The first Robinsons store opened in 1858, functioning mainly as a grocery store. By 1957, it has established prominence and became renowned all through the Far East. The conglomerate also stood through unfortunate disasters – its Raffles Chambers store was bombed during World War II, and the store was razed by a massive fire in 1972, with nine people left dead in the blaze.

In the 2000s, the company started to expand and restructure. A new $30 million store opened in Raffles City and from 2006 to 2008, the company went through changes in ownership, with Indonesia’s Lippo Group, and the Al-Futtaim Group of Dubai holding stakes in the company. In 2013, the new flagship store at The Heeren was opened.

In a bid to boost its decreasing sales, Robinsons launched its e-commerce platform in 2016. However, the shrinking demand for retail renting and the shift of shopping preferences from brick-and-mortar stores to virtual continued to plague the company. The COVID-19 epidemic and its economic repercussions proved to be the nail in the coffin for Robinsons. The former shopping giant in Singapore is closing down.

Why is e-Commerce the Biggest Challenge for Traditional Retailers?

Although many were saddened by it, the closure of Robinsons did not come as a total surprise. Physical retailers from all over the world are closing down. Giant brands like Walmart, JCPenney, Neiman Marcus, Forever 21, and Sears have all closed shops. The convenience and accessibility of online shopping have caused a massive shift in buying behaviours and a fast-dropping demand for brick-and-mortar shops, shopping malls, and department stores.

The changing retail landscape removed stores and physical outlets from the equation. eCommerce opened a new dimension in shopping, one that is preferred by most consumers today. Here are five major advantages of e-Commerce that are plaguing department store retailers:

1. Online platforms are cheaper

Setting up and maintaining an online store is a lot cheaper than a brick-and-mortar outlet. The costs of building a website and an online store are just a fraction of the costs of constructing, decorating, and putting together a brick-and-mortar shop. Overhead costs are also lowered as less staff are required to man an online shop, compared to a physical one. No rent, electricity, and water bills!

2. Sellers can set up their own shops

Anyone can easily set up their own online shop or hire an outsourcing firm in Singapore to build one for them. This convenience gives the sellers an option to go directly to their customers, thus effectively lowering costs and increasing profitability. The low barriers for new retailers to set up virtual stores further decreased the need for sellers to rent retail spaces in physical departmental stores.

3. Shopping is more convenient

Convenience and accessibility of online shopping tipped buyers and customers to favour the virtual stores. Multiple payment options give buyers the flexibility and ease of shopping. The remote and cashless transactions afforded by e-Commerce resolved many shopping problems during the pandemic with its lockdowns and travel restrictions.

4. Operations are streamlined

No more restocking of shelves, cash handling, keeping the store neat and tidy, price tagging, holiday staffing, and tiresome inventory monitoring. With e-Commerce, everything is automated, thus, operations are fast, simple, and efficient.

5. Round-the-clock operations and worldwide reach

As consumers flock online, shopping becomes something that can be done around the clock as there are no fixed operating hours for online stores. You continue selling while you and your staff are asleep, at a meeting, or on vacation. You are also maximising your reach as you can now sell to anyone around the world.

How can Retailers Overcome the Threats of e-Commerce?

The overwhelming edge that e-Commerce offers to consumers is proving to be a threat to retailers – one that has reduced many big names and retail brands to bankruptcy. As many welcomed the convenience and accessibility of shopping online, not all retailers are adaptive enough to accommodate the change. Thus, many of them are rapidly losing customers and losing the business.

Change is always a tumultuous stage. But, oftentimes, it is the only option we have if we are to survive the evolution and stay in business. Here are some tips that could help business organisations weather the threats of e-Commerce and the massive disruption it has brought to the business industry.

1. Embrace change

The best way to overcome the threat of e-Commerce is to embrace it. Recognise its advantages and apply them to your organisation. Launching an online store will significantly widen your client base, give your current customers more options, and increase revenue. Expand your reach and operations by establishing an online presence, on top of your brick-and-mortar stores.

Take advantage of government grants such as the Digital Resilience Bonus, where you can receive up to $10,000 for adopting digital solutions in accounting, HR/payroll, inventory management, data analytics, e-Commerce, e-Procurement, food ordering and delivery. Enterprise Singapore (ESG) also provides a 90% support on qualifying costs (capped at $9,000) for retailers looking to list their products for sale online via one of four e-Commerce platforms providers: Amazon, Shopee, Qoo10 and Lazada Singapore. For those unfamiliar with the grant applications, support can be found in SME Centres, or you can opt to work with a corporate service provider in Singapore with proven experience in helping businesses go digital effectively.

2. Highlight your brand

What makes your store or shop unique? What brings people in? Is it the family-friendly ambience of the store? The trendy and fashionable selection of goods? Is it the little extras in the services you offer? Remind people of why they love your store. Highlight your brand and provide the special shopping experience that only you can provide, whether it’s online or offline.

3. Improve your response time

Whether you add a virtual store to your mix or not, it is important to strengthen your customer engagement. e-Commerce has spoilt shoppers with the expectation of instant gratification. People are no longer willing to wait. Prioritise your customer service responsiveness, whether is it answering queries, addressing complaints, and delivering goods. Make sure you provide your customers with what they need, as soon as possible. Empower your customer service team by allocating more human resources to provide personalised support to your customers, while outsourcing administrative tasks such as by engaging accounting firms in Singapore to streamline other parts of your business operations.

Platform responsiveness is also important – Recapture your sales lost to slow or unresponsive webpages by doing regular checks on your site speed and optimising webpage loading times. Work with an outsourced web agency or business consultant who can help to accelerate your business digitalisation.

4. Study your competitors

In the changing business climate, take a closer look at how your competitors are doing. They are your best sources of information and guidance on how to navigate this crucial stage. For the old-timers that have retained their stature, what changes have they adopted? What practices have they retained? For the newcomers, what are they doing right? What is their edge? For those who failed – where did they fail? Learn from these lessons and make use of data and statistics to inform your business strategy and decisions.

5. Bank on customer loyalty

You can alienate loyal customers by changing or not changing at all. The key to securing their loyalty is to know your customers. Conducting a survey or doing interviews will give you a good idea of how they stand on accepting changes. Age, location, social standing, and income range of your target audience are just some of the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to make the change.

6. Invest in a secure platform

Online security is fundamental to any virtual store or website. Ensuring the security of your customers’ information is also a company compliance requirement in Singapore. People are aware and are just too afraid of scams, frauds, and other cybercrimes that are pervasive on the internet. If you are making the move to e-Commerce, make sure that you are building a secure environment for you and your customers, be it via ensuring personal data protection, or using trusted and secure payment gateways.

7. Innovate your marketing plan

The internet has evolved from a connectivity tool into a place where people socialise, communicate, work, and shop. Your current marketing strategy may no longer be the most efficient to reach your target market. Television viewing is on the decline, newspapers are all but phased out, and local radio stations are no longer the primary music source of the masses. Study where you can reach your customers at the present, reassess if your marketing strategies still apply, and make the necessary changes.

Conclusion

Need support to take on the challenges of the digital age for your business? We offer comprehensive business and accounting services in Singapore. Connect with us today to discuss more of your company compliance requirements in Singapore. We look forward to helping you identify your business needs and providing you with efficient and holistic solutions.

Update: The grant application had ended on 31 December 2020.

Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) includes Laptops for SMEs

The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is a strategic program implemented by the government to simplify processes and enhance productivity and operational efficiencies of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Singapore. Under the Resilience Budget, the PSG was expanded to boost business transformation by addressing the needs of Singapore businesses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s new in PSG?

1. The scope of pre-approved digital solutions was widened to include those which help in implementing Covid-19’s safety measures, such as online collaboration, virtual meetings, queue management, and temperature screening. Each eligible SME can receive support for up to 3 laptops bundled with online collaboration tools (such as Zoom and Microsoft Office 365) within each package. The 2 laptop-bundled remote working solutions, pre-approved by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG), are offered by M1 and Singtel.
2. Government support increases from 70% to 80%
3. Valid until 31 December 2020

Who are eligible for the PSG?

The business can apply for PSG if:

1. It is registered and operating in Singapore.
2. The purchase, lease or subscription of the IT solutions and equipment are to be used in Singapore.
3. At least 30% of its shares are held by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (for selected solutions only).
4. The company’s group annual sales turnover is not more than S$100 million, or the company’s group employment size is not more than 200.

Grant application will not be accepted if the business has:

1. Made any payment to any party in relation to the purchase, lease or subscription of the IT solution or equipment.
2. Signed any contract with any party in relation to the purchase, lease or subscription of the IT solution or equipment.

What are the laptop models and pre-approved solutions? Please complete this form and within 1 working day, we shall send you the current laptop model available as well as the latest list of other pre-approved solutions, which are regularly reviewed by the government bodies.

Check out the details on Singtel’s laptop packages while here are also the details for M1’s laptop bundles.

FAQ

1. What are the laptop brands?

Due to the lack of guaranteed supply, laptop brands cannot be promised. Subject to the stock availability, the brand and model are subjected to change without prior notice. However, the minimum laptop specifications required by IMDA are guaranteed.

2. Can I purchase the laptop first without PSG approval and apply for the grant later?

No, the PSG approval number Singtel and M1 will require a grant number upon purchase. Thus, any laptop purchased before the application is not valid for the grant.

3. Can the equipment or IT solution be used for the company’s subsidiary or related party?

No. the equipment or IT solution should only be used by the applicant entity and not by a related party.

4. How to apply for the PSG laptop grant?

We can provide you with a step-by-step guide. Whatsapp us and we shall send you within 1 working day.

5. What is the processing time for applications?

Applications are processed within 4 to 6 weeks from the submission of all required information.

6. What is the annual grant cap for PSG?

Each company supported by Enterprise Singapore, ESG is subjected to an annual grant cap of S$30,000 for the solutions pre-approved by ESG, starting on 1 April and ending on 31 March of the subsequent year.

7. What happens when the grant cap is fully utilised?

Companies that have fully utilised their grant caps will not be eligible for further support within the validity period. They may apply for new solutions in the next period when the grant caps are refreshed.

Above the other existing schemes, the company can also bear the out-of-pocket expenses (up to 90%) with the one-off S$10,000 credit, under the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit, SFEC.

SFEC scheme encourages employers to invest in enterprise transformation and the capabilities of their employees.

A corporate service provider (CSP) is a business entity that provides compliance services such as bookkeeping, unaudited financial statements and tax services. CSP also assists with the formation of new business entities, generating payroll calculation and payslips for the client’s employees, and even handling the administrative functions of the client’s business.

The value of a corporate service provider lies in the professional assistance they provide to the companies that hire them, be it MNC (Multinational Corporation) or SME (Small-Medium Enterprise), towards the overall functioning and running of the client’s business. Singapore is a modern nest of entrepreneurial activities. New businesses and concepts may be coming to life in the country every day, but not every entrepreneur is familiar with the ins and outs of running a corporate enterprise. This is where a Corporate Service Provider can step in and help their clients, by providing preventive measures to avoid being penalised for non-compliance acts.

SHOULD I CONSIDER HIRING A CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER IN SINGAPORE?

Singapore is a country that welcomes and encourages the growth of new ideas and enterprises, especially when they can benefit the country and its people. It is also one of the countries where more people engage in business and entrepreneurial activities than in many other places in the world. In keeping with the growth of the businesses and startups, there has also been a rise in Corporate Service Providers being engaged as well.

The primary benefit of outsourcing various company tasks to a CSP lies in obtaining professional and personalized approaches to managing administrative tasks and overall functioning of the company. Instead of having to manage the various administrative tasks internally (such as handling expense claims, paying the employees, or even maintaining the accounting registers), the CSP whom you hire will manage those tasks for you.

If your company is not equipped to proficiently handle the administrative tasks associated with running a company, especially if the entity is a start-up or a brand new venture, a Corporate Service Provider can give you the space to focus on your core concepts and ideas while they manage the internal functioning of your company. A CSP will ensure that all the internal processes of your company are proceeding smoothly, and managed by individuals who have experience in what it takes to maintain the internal functions in a professional and overall cost-effective manner.

WHAT IS A CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER?

A Corporate Service Provider is a professional firm that provides business solutions to any company, with the intention of providing quality and value-added services in the sector of company management, business advisory, statutory submissions within the stipulated deadlines, clearance of accounting backlogs, other compliance requirements, as well as various internal processes within the company.

Singapore is an ideal business hub for new enterprises. If you are thinking to start your own business, you might be aware that there are many more thoughts which go into the success of a business venture than a concept or idea. While the core concept is ultimately that draws consumers to the company, it is the overall management of the company which determines the success or failure of the venture.

If you are a new entrepreneur and want to start your business journey in Singapore, then outsourcing your company’s compliance duties to a Corporate Service Provider should be high in your agenda. Many new companies fail to keep up with the business rules and regulations, as well as the various internal processes such as proper bookkeeping and payroll management, which are important in managing a company.

WHAT DOES A CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER DO?

A Corporate Service Provider will help you in running your business, by providing you with assistance when it comes to the internal management of your company. The services include:

• Company Incorporation: Business registration is one of the first hurdles faced by business makers. At Mighty Glory Corporate Solutions, our experienced professionals can easily tackle this hurdle for you by managing the entire process of incorporation and preparing the necessary post-incorporation kit for your company. Upon hiring our services, you can focus on the establishment or growth of your company, while we, as the appointed Corporate Service Provider, will handle the other compliance requirements.
• Corporate Secretarial Service: A good company secretary has to be equipped with the right skills as their roles and responsibilities in a company are vast. One has to ensure that all relevant statutory obligations are met, business interest of the company is always protected and good corporate governance is practiced. Also, to serve as an advisor to the directors and to provide any practical support, whenever required.
• Payroll and Taxes: Managing employees is another important part of maintaining and running a company. To that extent, payroll management becomes very important. Any mistakes in managing your company’s taxes can also cost you dearly. A CSP will handle all these for you, so you neither have to spend time away from your core idea on it, nor do you have to worry about any mistakes regarding it.
• Maintaining Proper Accounts: CSP professionals also ensure that all the company’s fiscal expenditures, revenue, other income, and other related aspects of your revenue are carefully monitored, tracked, and recorded within the company’s accounts. This helps to maintain an air of transparency and provides you with all the information that you need to understand the financial performance and position of your company.

ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER

Running a business is a challenging task. It is a speculative process and there is never any guarantee that your business will take off and take you to the heights you envision for yourself. A key reason why many companies fail to even take off is due to the bad internal management within the company.

The internal structure and foundation of your enterprise are crucial to building an overall sustainable superstructure in your business. A Corporate Service Provider takes care of the internal processes and allows you to focus on your company’s growth and market success. You will find it easier to recruit new employees through a CSP, find people that can help to build your business, as well as engage services that help in the maintenance and administration of your company.

Especially in the earlier stages of your business endeavour, it is most important to focus on the business itself and expand it. This is where a good internal management team is required to ensure that the company’s processes flow smoothly and without any hiccups.

A lack of transparency within the company management or an overall mismanagement can even lead to incur business losses. A CSP steps in by acting as a professional guide that is experienced in navigating through these hurdles and can enable you to take your company to a foundation where you can focus on developing yourself not just as an entrepreneur, but as an established figure in the world of business and marketing.

CONSIDERATIONS IN HAVING A CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER

A CSP is crucial to the success of new businesses, and a useful friend to those who have already been in the world of business for long periods of time. However, not every Corporate Service Provider will suit you. Not only do you need to consider which CSP you are approaching, but also who they have previously worked with, and to what extent they can help you in successfully setting up and managing your business.

Aside from other successes in working with different companies, the fields that your corporate service provider specializes in will also help you in moving up the corporate ladder. Before you hire a Corporate Service Provider to help you manage and run your company, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Support Services: The kinds of support services you require will decide the Corporate Service Provider whom your company shall approach. Look for a CSP that specializes in what your company requires, whether that be internal financial management or administrative responsibilities.
• Transparency: If your CSP is unwilling to be open about all the processes that they will undertake to help you run your company, these names should be removed from your short list. As you are approaching your CSP with the intention of growing your business, they should ideally be open with you about what they intend to do and why they intend to adopt. A lack of transparency indicates a lack of trust going forward and this should be avoided.
• Cost-effectiveness: The point of hiring a Corporate Service Provider is not just to outsource the tasks or responsibilities of your company to professionals, but also to reduce the internal costs that you might need to undertake, should you have to hire employees for internal management. A good CSP will help you to manage your company in a way which fits your budget, and would promote cost-effectiveness by reducing your overall business expenditure.

CONCLUSION

Singapore is experiencing a growth in businesses and an expansion in startups. In this corporate atmosphere, a Corporate Service Provider can give you a competitive advantage in ensuring that your business stays on path and follows all the stipulations, which every company needs to maintain to enhance corporate success and sustainability.

covid-19

Introduction

From late January 2020 onwards, the world has been plagued with news on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19, previously known as 2019 novel coronavirus). A pneumonia of unknown cause was originated from Wuhan City in Hubei Province of China. Singapore’s strategic location makes it vulnerable to contracting the virus. As of March 16, 2020 (1200 SGT), the accumulated number of cases in Singapore is 243. 109 patients were discharged while the other 134 remain in the hospitals. On March 11, WHO (the World Health Organization) has officially announced COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic. The number of cases globally increases daily and different governments impose different strategies and restrictions.

Despite the measures implemented by Singapore Government regarding the containment and prevention of the virus spread, Singapore businesses also play a large part in keeping the community safe, especially those within the company. The Singapore Standard for Business Continuity Management Systems outlined measures to guide Singapore businesses to ensure the safety of their employees and other stakeholders, minimize the disruption in business operations, and help the country in preventing the spread of the virus.

What is COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus Disease 2019)?

The novel coronavirus is a strain of the coronavirus family that also includes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the common flu – fever, runny nose, shortness of breath, cough and respiratory symptoms. The virus is spread between people vis close person-to-person contact and respiratory droplets from coughing.

The prevention and containment of the virus are relatively easy but need the diligence, vigilance and socially responsible behavior of everyone in the community. At the community level, measures to follow include personal hygiene, awareness, appropriate social distancing and proactive seclusion when you are unwell. People are encouraged to avoid crowded places like malls, hawker centers, religious venues, theaters and other large public indoor sites. As much as possible, minimize the social contact even if there is no fever or respiratory symptoms and seek early medical consultation once any symptom approaches. On a personal level, wearing protective masks is advised when you are feeling unwell, frequently hand-wash with soap and having healthy diets to fortify one’s immune system are encouraged.

How to protect your business from COVID-19?

According to a recent guide published by Enterprise Singapore, companies are encouraged to prepare business continuity plans (BCP) to counter the effects of threats and uncertainties. Here are the four areas to be considered in BCP so as to handle the challenges from the virus outbreak:

Human Resource Management

1. Assign a crisis contact person (Business Continuity Manager). Set up a group chat or open line for employees seeking advice and information, reporting incidents, or seeking help.
2. Plan for the continuity of leadership in case of any absences of key executives and decision-makers.
3. Consider alternative working arrangements such as work-from-home and rotating work schedules to reduce the human traffic in the office premise.
4. Review relevant employee management policies like sick leave, stay-home notices, company-imposed leave of absence and relevant staff insurance plans. Serious communication and monitoring to ensure that the employees comply with the evolving regulations imposed by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to reduce the spread or importation of COVID-19.
5. Defer business travels and events. Make use of the convenient technologies, like video-conferencing or teleconferencing instead of overseas travels.
6. Observe travel bans and other related news. Obtain the required health and travel declarations from employees who have recently traveled to China and other restricted countries (e.g. South Korea, Northern Italy and Iran), as specified by Singapore Government.
7. Monitor the health conditions of the employees. Temperature checks, 14-day quarantine with annual leaves and seeking medical check-ups are required for those who insist on proceeding with non-essential and personal travels outside Singapore. Allow alternative working arrangements like work-from-home, video-conferencing and teleconferencing for the period of absence.

Process and Business Functions

1. Identify essential business activities and employees. Cross-train workers to cover other positions in case of absences. Set up alternate teams and physically segregate the teams to reduce the risk of virus spread.
2. Educate employees on the preventive measures, infection control and good personal hygiene.
3. Develop plans and procedures to manage and track the human traffic movement within the office area.
4. Be updated with the latest news, trends and government’s immediate implementations related to the COVID-19 and disseminate the information to the employees.
5. Closely monitor the health of the working employees.
6. Maintain an adequate supply of medical and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) like thermometers, surgical masks, disposable gloves and disinfectants.
7. Clean and disinfect the frequently-accessed or commonly-exposed company premises and areas, where suspected or confirmed cases have been reported.

Supplier and Customer Management

1. Communicate with your critical suppliers and service providers on the business continuity plans of both parties and make necessary adjustments to allow seamless transactions without compromising the welfare of employees on both sides.
2. Announce the measures to your regular customers which your company is implementing to protect them and your employees from the disease, without affecting the customer company’s requirements and operation.
3. Develop a policy for alternative suppliers and service providers. Also determine a specific situation or timing to opt for the alternative delivery options to your customers.

Communications

1. Appoint a communication coordinator to broadcast on behalf of your company about your company status and business continuity plans (BCP).
2. Educate your employees to ensure that they clearly know their respective roles and responsibilities in the BCP. Discussion can be done in small groups to test on their understanding about their portion of the plan. A communication channel could be established for them to report their environment, seek for additional information and be well-informed on the impact of the BCP procedures, policies and progress that the company is taking to ensure their safety and non-disrupted business operations during the virus outbreak.
3. Inform all the relevant stakeholders of the company – suppliers, customers and service providers about the contingency measures that your company has in place for the virus outbreak.

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