To encourage Little India merchants to adopt digital initiatives for their businesses, the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) is collaborating with various partners to help them leverage on technology to improve processes and capture growth opportunities.
On Friday, February 1, SICCI signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the Info-communication Media Development Authority (IMDA), Enterprise Singapore and Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA). The MOI advocates the adoption of e-payment and e-commerce initiatives among more merchants.
Two separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) were also signed with the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and the James Cook University (JCU).
For the MOU with SINDA, SICCI aims to identify strategic partnerships with industry players to develop internship and employment opportunities for Indian youths in Singapore studying at post-secondary institutions. This will help them to make better career choices by providing them with meaningful work assignments and industry exposure.
On the other hand, the MOU with JCU identifies new opportunities for collaboration between the two organisations in the areas of international trade and business.
Witnessing the signing of the MOI and MOUs, Guest of Honour Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), highlighted in his opening speech the importance of investing in the training and capabilities of people. "It is undeniable that digital is the way of the future. But it is important to realise that digital transformation is not just about business transformation. It is also people transformation. They need to be equipped with the skills, in order for organisations to develop full value of digital initiatives."
On the same day, SICCI also launched its revamped web portal and mobile app, which will offer its members and visitors a more comprehensive experience. The new website boasts a sleek design, improved functionality and richer content.
"SICCI is proud to be the first business chamber in Singapore to offer a mobile app for its members to tap on the Chamber's services and membership privileges on-the-go," said Mr K Barathan, Chief Executive Officer of SICCI. "Both platforms will provide robust information for our members, partners, business community, visitors and media to better understand SICCI's services and offerings."
