Commentary

How businesses can turn big data into smart data - Part 1

Over a series of monthly instalments, I will aim to tackle the ever growing issue of turning big data into actionable insights. Singapore’s level of digital activity is staggering. In APAC, we have the fourth highest mobile penetration (148%) and spend 19.6 hours per month on Facebook, more than twice the global average (8.3 hours).

How businesses can turn big data into smart data - Part 1

Over a series of monthly instalments, I will aim to tackle the ever growing issue of turning big data into actionable insights. Singapore’s level of digital activity is staggering. In APAC, we have the fourth highest mobile penetration (148%) and spend 19.6 hours per month on Facebook, more than twice the global average (8.3 hours).

"Ah Boys to Men" – how a Singapore Super Brand was created

When the first Singaporean armed forces coming of age film “Ah Boys To Men” hit the cinemas and was instantly a monster success it genuinely resonated with Singaporeans. The film had such a fundamental effect that it really made a difference to the way Singaporeans felt about their armed forces in a very positive way. It also created a Singaporean super brand franchise.

Why flexibility is key in Singapore's workforce management in 2014

The rapid pace of change in the business world is forcing organizations to learn swiftly how to optimise organizational effectiveness in a volatile economy.

Here's why salary outlook remains positive for Singapore

Are you hoping to receive a raise in 2014? If so, there is a chance you will get one as employers in Singapore are expecting to give conservative salary increases this year, according to the 2014 Hays Salary Guide.

5 classic hiring mistakes Singapore recruiters make

Recruitment is by far the most difficult HR spectrums to get right. Hiring the next best talent based on an interview that not only is the first time two person meet but also trying to understand each other in a span of 2 hours. Would you get married after knowing your date for 2 hours?

5 myths about the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment. With Singapore’s push towards greater productivity through leveraging on technology, IoT is definitely under the spotlight of businesses in Singapore.

Singapore's journey towards an inclusive society

‘An inclusive society’ – one of the most frequently cited goals of the Singapore Government and one of the themes of the 2013 Budget. While this is a wide-ranging goal, the principal message behind it is one of reducing the burden on the poor through progressive taxation and providing greater support to those in need in areas like education and healthcare.

HR after Anton Casey: Is a formal social media policy necessary?

The latest person to incur the ire of the Singaporean community is Mr Anton Casey, who posted now-infamous remarks about MRT commuters being “poor people”. He swiftly lost his wealth management job and departed for Perth in a huff.

Here's why Singapore is a shining beacon in Luxury Asia

From ION Orchard to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, from Scotts Square to Tangs, and from Paragon to Ngee Ann City, not forgetting the shops and duty free stores at Changi airport, it’s almost a common place to simply refer to Singapore as a shopping destination.

Why the Internet of Things is taking over Singapore

There are more than ten billion units connected to the web today, and this number will have increased five times over by 2020. This is a well accepted prediction by large industry players, including CISCO, and data houses such as Frost & Sullivan.

What 2014 holds for shipping jobs in Singapore

2014 will see owners take delivery of thousands of newbuild vessels and more ships on the water means more people needed in shore-based roles.

5 points to improve Entrepreneurship programmes in Singapore

Having interacted with the various Entrepreneurship programmes in a number of Singapore schools, including Junior Colleges, Universities, Polytechnics and even the ITE over the years, here are some observations that the Entrepreneurship programmes in our schools can be improved to give drastically better results.

3 things Singaporeans can learn from multi-billionaires

Recently I read the news about this guy who owns a Porsche supercar; he made some impolite remarks on social media saying that the commuters in our local transport are poor people; he also mentioned about the "stench" in our public transport (I was like 'Huh?').

The silver lining for property investors in Singapore in 2014

Somewhat startling news came out of Singapore’s own PropertyGuru this January - and was rapidly followed up by this verenerable organ - a new report claims that Singapore private property prices are expected to drop between 6-8% in 2014. 

What's next for Singapore restaurateurs?

Recently, visitors to Plaza Singapura can expect to be greeted with long queues in which Singaporeans wait patiently between two to four hours just to savour the latest and newest food craze in town, dim sum.

7 most successful businesses to set up in Singapore

Many people around the world perceive Singapore as an excellent tourist hub, what with its sights and sounds, the hospitality and warmth of the people and the multicultural atmosphere that it has to offer.

What Singaporeans must learn from Anton Casey's Facebook mishap

You must have heard about Anton Casey’s remarks on his Facebook page about train commuters in Singapore and the inevitable backlash that followed. I was quite disappointed that he chose such a crass and insensitive way to express himself.