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MEMBER’SVOICE
The post-Nokia world that Finns and Finnish com-
-
ra of new opportunities for established companies
and lean start-ups to embark on brave market
entry strategies into the South East Asia region.
There are many positive developments in the
horizon for ASEAN as a region. Year 2015 is
countries are expected to come down. Singapore
– perfectly located in the nucleus of the develop-
ments for AEC (Asean Economic Community) – is
a highly productive and highly sophisticated mar-
exporter of skills and services to the region. That
makes Singapore an ideal entry point for Finnish
companies to come and learn about how to do
business in the region. Analysts are particularly
upbeat about the prospects of Vietnam and the
Philippines, as well as Indonesia, however, pro-
ductivity and infrastructure remain some of the key
obstacles that many European companies face.
EU is ASEANs leading trading and investment
partner and is now strongly stepping up its com-
mitment to the region. Recently, EU has select-
ed Singapore as a hub for EU Gateway, a pilot
project that will direct European small and medi-
um-sized enterprises to invest in South East Asia.
The initiative is expected to enable up to 1000
years. ASEAN, with a population of 620 million
people and a combined gross domestic product
European enterprises. With a rising middle class
across the region ASEAN will increasingly become
a highly potential consumer market not only for
other ASEAN members but also for European
companies.
Singapore is well placed as the trampoline for
Finnish companies to enter the region. In today’s
uncertain world companies face the challenge
customers want and will pay for – as quickly as
possible. Fast iteration and customer insights are
needed. Initial success can only be measured
by learning faster than others and determining
whether the company should persevere with the
chosen direction or pivot elsewhere. Becoming a
member of Finnish Business Council in Singapore
regional knowledge and best practises as well as
practical advice for how to set up operations in
the ASEAN region.
The Finnish Business Council in Singapore makes
it a priviledge to add exceptional value to its
member companies by inviting industry experts
to share their learnings and impart their down-to-
earth advice for the community. During the past
year members have had the priviledge to listen
to advice from people with amazing start-up suc-
cesses, university professors outlining principles
for market innovation, and professional brand
builders giving practical advice for building an
authentic and sustainable brand.
Singapore is the perfect “trampoline” for Finnish
companies to jump on in their pursuit to con-
quer ASEAN region. The Finnish Business Council
in Singapore is ready to facilitate market entry
and promote the interest of Finnish companies in
Singapore and the region. The time to enter the
ASEAN region is now.
Sirpa H. Ikola (sirpa.kaleidoscope@gmail.com), Co-Founder, Kalei-
doscope Consulting Pte. Ltd. | Vice President, European Chamber of
Commerce, Board of Governors, Singapore | Secretary of Board, Finn-
ish Business Council, Singapore
IstherearighttimeforFinnishcompaniestoenterSouthEastAsianmarkets?