Singapore, a tiny island state with no natural resources of its own, achieved a GDP of over 390 billion US dollars in 2021, recovered remarkably well from the pandemic, and continues to rank high in terms of human development. Clearly, Singapore is a country that holds many lessons. This program provides an insider’s view of Singapore’s business and economy with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs in Singapore make up 99% of all enterprises, employ 70% of the total workforce, and contribute 50% to GDP. In 2020 alone, Singaporean SMEs exported services internationally worth over 609 billion Singapore dollars. While they hold enormous potential, SME business owners in Singapore are struggling to implement basic digital solutions and to scale internationally. The challenges SMEs face include trouble attracting the right talent, limited financial resources, and unfamiliarity with the regulatory environment overseas.

This program focuses on providing an understanding of the role of SMEs in Singapore, and the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs within Singapore’s economic and cultural context. Students will gain exposure to various organizations promoting SMEs in Singapore and meet with business leaders, experts, journalists, and policymakers that will provide them with insights into Singapore’s economy and the role of SMEs. In addition, they will participate in fun immersive activities that will provide a window into Singapore’s fascinating multicultural and historical roots.