SINGAPORE : Nurturing a spirit of enterprise in the young and
building a pro-business environment are two areas the government
can work harder in to raise the next generation of
entrepreneurs.
Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr
Vivian Balakrishnan said this on Tuesday at a seminar on
entrepreneurship.
He said that Singapore is still a long way from being a nation
churning passionate entrepreneurs, adding that the Action Community
for Entrepreneurship, or ACE, will help link students with the
business community.
By coming into contact with and learning from those in the business
community, it is hoped this will stroke the students' passion and
open their minds to the world of entrepreneurs.
Dr Vivian said the nurturing of entrepreneurship in the young will
take time, but it will be a worthwhile investment.
On building a pro-business environment, Dr Vivian, who is also
Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, pointed out that
even as the government monitors and reviews its policies, it can do
more in transforming the mindset of civil servants and political
leaders.
One key task is to understand and serve the needs of enterprises
but he feels the bureaucracy now has little incentive to say 'Yes'
which may mean more work and more risk.
Egging the private sector on to play a larger role, Dr Vivian said
ACE will this year forge more partnerships with groups championing
entrepreneurship.
It will also hold more forums and dialogues.
Promoting entrepreneurship will be an on-going effort so old ideas
must be constantly challenged and fresh ideas sought.
He was speaking on the Entrepreneurial Movement and its future
direction at a seminar organised by MediaCorp and Hewlett Packard.
- CNA
Wonder is this true as they monopolise some sectors....