What if innovation wasn’t just a buzzword, but a lifeline? Right here at SPRING Singapore, that “what if” became a reality. SPRING Singapore, formerly known as the Productivity and Standards Board (PSB), wasn’t born overnight. It emerged from a merger between the National Productivity Board (NPB) and the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) in April 1996. This union blended the “soft” skills of productivity with the technical prowess of standards and research. SPRING Singapore’s mission was clear: to fuel the growth of Singaporean enterprises and build unwavering trust in their products and services. They aimed to break down technical barriers to trade, ensuring quality and promoting the use of both Singaporean and international standards. The agency wore many hats. They focused on boosting productivity and innovation. They championed quality and standards. They nurtured small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the domestic sector. In 2008, SPRING Singapore invested in the future, awarding Executive Development Scholarships to budding entrepreneurs. They also offered the Management Development Scholarship to SME employees pursuing their Masters degrees. SPRING Singapore, under the leadership of Philip Yeo, was structured into five key departments: Enterprise Capabilities, Enterprise Promotion, Industry Development, Quality & Standards, and Corporate Development. This wasn’t just an organization; it was a catalyst for growth, a testament to Singapore’s commitment to innovation and excellence. SPRING Singapore’s legacy lives on, even after its merger with IE Singapore to form Enterprise Singapore in 2018. The spirit of innovation and the pursuit of excellence they fostered continue to shape Singapore’s economic landscape.
Seah Eu Chin
Consider this a rags-to-riches story. Seah Eu Chin’s life is a morality tale. It is economic history. Seah Eu Chin