Enterprise Singapore
Enterprise Singapore is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore. Formed on 1 April 2018 through the merger of International Enterprise Singapore and SPRING Singapore, it is tasked with programs related to small and medium-sized enterprises, national standards, and accreditation.
History
Enterprise Singapore was formed through the merging of International Enterprise Singapore and SPRING Singapore, integrating the functions of both organizations. Before the merger, SPRING Singapore focused on standards and accreditation as well as enterprise development for local businesses, while International Enterprise Singapore concentrated on trade promotion.On 5 February 2018, the Parliament of Singapore passed a bill to officiate the establishment of the new unified statutory board.
Responsibilities
Quality and Standards
Enterprise Singapore develops and implements national standards for Singaporean enterprises. Through the industry-led Singapore Standards Council, it administers the Singapore Standardisation Programme, which promotes the standards aligned with both industry needs and also government policies. The Council comprises professionals from industry, trade, and consumer associations, academia, and government agencies. It develops standards for the Singapore stock market and encourages their adoption among all stakeholders involved in doing business in Singapore.The agency also serves as the national accreditation body. Enterprise Singapore manages the, which develops and manages accreditation schemes supporting Singapore’s strategic initiatives such as market access, security, safety, and health. Enterprise Singapore also manages the Good Laboratory Practice Compliance Program, which ensures that facilities and laboratory studies meet internationally accepted standards. Studies conducted in Singapore under GLP-compliant conditions are recognized in more than 30 OECD and non-OECD countries.
Support for businesses
Enterprise Singapore administers a range of programs that provide financial and technical support to enterprises of varying sizes and development stages.- The Start-Up SG program partners with incubators, angel investors, and other government agencies.
- For small and medium-sized enterprises, the agency offers grants, access to research institutes and technology, and international expansion support through tax incentives and funding schemes.
- It also supports large corporations through initiatives such as the that facilitates joint projects with smaller companies.
Internationalization efforts
Overseas markets
Enterprise Singapore maintains overseas centers in various countries to support the internationalization of Singaporean enterprises. In total, there are 36 overseas centers in 21 countries, including nine in the People's Republic of China.Plug and Play Network
Launched in 2018, the agency established a Plug and Play Network in partnership with nine organizations spanning across six countries.The Plug and Play Network includes market research, a database for overseas partners, and facilities intended to assist companies with connections and workspace arrangements.