Try GOLD - Free
SMEs urged to go global, seek partnerships with MNCs that benefit both
The Straits Times
|October 18, 2025
Link-ups can help firms improve capabilities and diversify supply-chain risks: Alvin Tan
Full Potential of 3D Printing to Materialise Magics
(Mr Sean Looi, general manager of Creatz3D, at the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific 2025 event. The 3D-printing solutions provider has seen its revenue soar two to three times since 2024, boosted by partnerships with MNCs. PHOTO: EDB)
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should seek to go global, given Singapore’s small market, said Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan on Oct 17.
Going global can lead SMEs to partnerships with multinational corporations (MNCs) which are mutually beneficial, helping them to improve their capabilities and diversify supply-chain risks, Mr Tan added.
He was speaking on the last day of the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific 2025, held at the Singapore Expo.
During the event’s fireside chat with Mr Tan, company executives representing three successful cases of MNC-SME collaboration agreed that such partnerships have furthered their business goals.
One of the companies represented at the chat was Pratt and Whitney Component Solutions (PWCS), which specialises in aircraft component repair and overhaul at Seletar Aerospace Park.
This story is from the October 18, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Hurdles to Trump’s push for Gulf to fund Gaza reconstruction
When US President Donald Trump spoke in Israel’s Parliament, ahead of the signing of his Gaza peace plan earlier in October, he thanked “Arab and Muslim nations” in advance for pledging “tremendous amounts of money” to rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.
4 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Singaporean, Canadian pen pals finally meet after 43 years
The letters between Michelle Anne Ng and Sonya Clarke Casey forged a friendship that saw them share about their life experiences and secrets
5 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Australia rushes to close security gaps amid sex abuse cases in childcare centres
National educator register, trial of CCTV monitoring among measures to be rolled out
3 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Wild show full of treats for fans
The 165-minute concert by Taiwanese singer Jam Hsiao was big on nostalgia and showcased his impressive vocals
2 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Thai-Cambodian declaration a net positive for all parties, says analyst
Mr Anutin, dressed in a sombre black suit and tie, concurred that both sides had agreed to promptly remove heavy weapons from the border area to build confidence and trust, and that Thailand would also begin the process of releasing 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. He said the day marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and a \"concrete step towards peace\".
3 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Trump confident of deal after ‘successful’ US-China talks in KL
US President Donald Trump said he was confident of hashing out a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he is expected to meet this week, after top economic officials from both countries reached a preliminary consensus in trade talks that concluded on Oct 26.
2 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
S'pore economy could reach $1.5 trillion by 2040, lift STI to 10,000: DBS
Report calls for marketwide shift to unlock the country's long-term growth potential
3 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Victim loses $l.lm to scammers posing as MAS officials; 24 nabbed
Twenty-four people, aged between 15 and 34, were arrested after a victim lost more than $1.1 million in a week to scammers pretending to be government officials.
3 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
PM Wong meets leaders of Brazil, South Africa and European Council
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met the leaders of Brazil, South Africa and the European Council on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.
1 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Sea otters and art museums are feeling Taylor Swift's Midas touch
Mr Andreas Henning was caught off guard by the Swifties coming out of the woodwork.
4 mins
October 27, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size

