My recommendation is to approach one of the independent entrepreneur networks such as SGEntrepreneurs or E27 who should be able to mobilize the Singapore startups. They have a vested interest in seeing this sector grow to their fullest potential.

Just replying your reply to my note left in this topic quite some time back. Looking at collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore entrepreneurs, I am sure we will be able to come up with some ideas on how to engage these startup entrepreneurs. One of the ideas that I think about is to have joint activities, firstly with a networking activity between Malaysian and Singapore entrepreneurs. That’s usually done to break the ice and eventually foster some sort of business collaboration. We can do this frequently enough in different places so that Singaporean entrepreneurs are also exposed to different parts of Malaysia.

Secondly, perhaps to jointly organise an ASEAN or Asian regional entreprenuers conference. That could provide a platform for all entrepreneurs to learn from one another.

Thirdly, to cement a good collaboration, we need to have proper infrastructure in placed to create low cost market access. I suggest using incubators in our respective countries to work together and nurture both our countries’ entrepreneurs when they decide to seek market access in the respective countries.

Thank you for your very well thought-through comments. I must say I am very impressed by your train of logic and analysis behind those comments.

Market adoption:
Most local SMEs, if they make it, do it through sheer grit. In 77th Street’s case, Elim Chew had to struggle a long time – 77th Street started in 1988, and only expanded to China in 2004 with support from IE Singapore and SPRING. That’s 16 years of sheer determination.

In any case, it’s a case of walking the talk. If the government agencies believe enough in the startups to promote them to others, shouldn’t they eat their own dog food too?

Lack of mentors:
Touche. In most cases, disciples can only go as far as the master. In our mentorship schemes locally, that means not very far.

Cross-interaction of sectors/industries:
1. Copying technology to start a business – Technology is not the end-all and be-all of business. It is a matter of applying the right technology with the right business model to the right market at a right time – and that is the difficult part. Think Creative vs Apple for MP3 players.
2. Reliance on others – It’s better to start something and own 50% than to own 100% of nothing? Everything in business is a risk.
3. At the end of the day, we need to consider the objectives of cross-pollination across industry sectors. It may make sense for a SME 500 company which has hit a plateau to look for ideas from another industry, but is unlikely to matter much to a new startup.

Most importantly, it is good that you’re already thinking along the lines of entrepreneurship at the age of 19. The future of our country depends on your enterprise and creativity.

Go and make a difference!