The secrets to growing successful family business and maintaining healthy family relationships are trust, strong family values and open communications. Join us in this Family Business Conference 07 to learn how business owners and youths play a part to ensure the success of these family businesses that drive Singapore's economy.
Venue : Ngee Ann Polytechnic Convention Centre
This 3 hours conference is organized by a group of final year students from the Diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship), School of Business & Accountancy, Ngee Ann Polytechnic. The objective is to increase public awareness of family businesses and family support for startups. After all, family businesses are important drivers of our economy, especially amongst the SMEs.
This Conference is supported by THE BUSINESS TIMES, Action Community for Entrepreneurs (ACE), Zao Bao, National Youth Council and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free upon registration.
Some of the topics to be discussed in the conference include:
- Challenges in succeeding family business
Date : Saturday, 6th January 2007
Time : 9.30am to 12.30pm
- Sharing of success stories and difficulties faced by family businesses
- Views from the 3rd generation in succeeding the business
(Keynote Speaker) Mr. Richard Eu Richard Eu is the Group CEO of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd. Eu Yan Sang, founded in 1879 by his great grandfather, is in the business of providing consumer healthcare products and services based on traditional Chinese and integrative medicine. Born in Hong Kong in 1947, he lived in Singapore since young and pursued his Secondary and University education in England. After graduating with a law degree from London University, he started his career as a merchant banker. Thereafter, he was a stockbroker before buying into and managing a group of companies involved in the marketing of computer equipment in SE Asia. The business was sold and he became a venture capital consultant before joining Eu Yan Sang in 1989. He successfully built Eu Yan Sang's traditional Chinese medicine business to where it stands today, enjoying an unrivalled reputation as one of the leaders in this field in Asia. The Company is publicly listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. In 2003, he was a finalist in the coveted Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award in Singapore under the Master Category. Apart from his business interests, he is involved in non-profit and community organizations.
CEO
Eu Yan Sang
Adrin Loi Adrin took over the business of Ya Kun Kaya Toast in 1998. His key responsibilities were in the business development, product development, marketing & A&P and human resource management. In 2000, he set up Ya Kun Singapore Pte Ltd and became its Managing Director, overseeing the whole food manufacturing facility. He was also integral to the Company's plan for expansion through franchising and in 2001. Ya Kun International Pte Ltd was established. Under his management, the Company has grown from the flagship outlet at Far East Square to 24 outlets in various parts of Singapore, 12 outlets in Indonesia, 2 outlets in South Korea, 6 outlets in Taiwan and 1 outlet in Japan. Now, as Executive Chairman of YKI, he is still involved in every aspect of the business. Adrin is a Council Member to North East CDC serving in the Community Assistance Towards Self-Reliance and Employment (CARE) Committee. Ya Kun - The Toast that Binds ... Kinship, Friendship, Partnership Ms Joyce Han is the Managing Director of SL Ponie Pte Ltd. SL Ponie is a subsidiary of mainboard public listed Sing Lun Holdings Limited, and was formed after a merger between Ponie International, and Sing Lun. Ms Han possesses 16 years of experience in the apparel industry and is responsible for SL Ponie’s overall strategic planning and direction.
Ms Han began her career with Liz Claiborne as a merchandiser, and in 1991, was invited to Ponie International after business grew from less than US$1M to US$10 under the leadership of her father, Mr Han Fook Siew.
After taking over the helm of Marketing Director, she successfully diversified Ponie’s production locations into countries like Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka and China, and growing the total work force to more than 3000 workers. She also expanded its customer base, working with renowned brands like GAP, BABY GAP, RALPH LAUREN, ANN TAYLOR, and BANANA REPUBLIC, as well as the world’s largest departmental store in the States, MACYS. In August 2006, in a bid to further the interests of the company, she successfully led a merger between Ponie International and Sing Lun Holdings Limited. Today, SL Ponie has a turnover in excess of US$40M and is a major player in apparel manufacturing industry.
Executive Chairman
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Managing Director
SL Ponie Pte Ltd
Mr Jerry Lim
Business Development Manager
Jack's Place
Mr Kenny Yap
Executive Chairman and Managing Director
Qian Hu Fish Farm
Full Name: Jonathan Khong Wei Dong
Jonathan is a 3rd year business student majoring in entrepreneurship.
He is heading the entire organizing committee of Family Business Conference to make sure that the event is a successful one. He is one that thinks out of the box and has a very strong drive in doing things.
Jonathan, being an outspoken entrepreneurship student, believes in having the entrepreneurial spirit and aspires to become a successful entrepreneur in Singapore.
Full Name: Tok Kian Chew
Kian Chew is a final year student majoring in Entrepreneurship.
He is leading the Financial and Corporation Communication department in the Family Business Conference 2007. His main job scope is to handle all sponsorship/accounting and liaising with the external parties – such as speakers, corporate, government bodies and the supporting partners
Previously from Mechanical Engineering where he had achieved excellence results, a sudden change of interest leads him to pursue Business studies instead. He has shown keen interest in financial area and always took up the financial roles for the projects in his course. Kian Chew aims to major in wealth management in university and aspire that one day he can contribute his share to the continuity of his own family business.
Full Name: Cheong Ming Hui
She is leading the Operations and Logistics Department in the Family Business Conference 2007. Her main job scope is to handle all operations and logistics prior to the event and on the day of the event itself – such as the handling of manpower issues, conference hall and programme planning, etc.
Ming Hui has bagged 9 distinctions in the course of her studies so far and she hopes her results will lead her to further education in the University, where she can learn more about business and management. She aspires to join a MNC upon graduation where she can learn the ropes from experienced individuals in the corporate world. Her ultimate aim, however, is to start her own business and to leave a legacy with her achievements in life.
Ming Hui is dedicated and responsible towards her life endeavours. She is constantly seeking to upgrade herself and will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of her life.
Full name: Ong Ta Hong
He played a part in the marketing and publicity department within the family business conference team and work with other departments to ensure the success of Family Business Conference 2007.
Ta Hong, being a young entrepreneurship student, aspires to become a successful entrepreneur in Singapore.
Full name: Noorin Najmi Nawi
Being the Creative Director in the Family Business organizing committee, she is responsible for anything that will give the conference the X-factor.
Noorin, being a youth, is willing to do what it takes to make sure she carries her responsibility well.
Full Name: Amanda Tan Wei Jing
Leading to the conference, Amanda is the organizer for the Photo-Story Competition, which is held among the secondary school students in Singapore.
With good communication skills, Amanda has contributed a lot into making sure that the competition is a success. With her past job experiences and dedication, the competition is near to perfection.
School: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Business & Accountancy
Course: Diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship)
School: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Business & Accountancy
Course: Diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship) 
School: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Business & Accountancy
Course: Diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship)
Ming Hui is a final year student majoring in Entrepreneurship.
School: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Business and Accountancy
Course: Business studies (Entrepreneurship)
Ta Hong is a 3rd year business student majoring in entrepreneurship.
School: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Business and Accountancy
Course: Business studies (Entrepreneurship)
Noorin is a 3rd year business student majoring in entrepreneurship.
School: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Business & Accountancy
Course: Diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship)
Amanda is a final year student majoring in Entrepreneurship.
Audiences of the conference arriving in cars, may park their cars in the lots at Block 72/56.
09.15 --- Registration
09.45 --- Arrival of Guest of Honour, Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry.
10:00 --- 'Welcome to Family Business Conference 2007' by Mr. Daniel Buenas, Journalist, The Business Times.
10:05 --- Welcome Address by Mr. Chia Mia Chiang, Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
10.15 --- Opening Address by Guest of Honour by Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry.
10.30 --- 'Can Asian Businesses Go Beyond The 3rd Generation' by Key Note Speaker
11.00 --- 'Generation gap issues surrounding succession and working in Family Owned Businesses'. Discussion by a panel of reputable family businesses owners.
12.00 --- Judging of Family Business Photo Shoot competition Presentation by top 3 winners
12.25 --- Prize Awarding Ceremony
12.30 --- Networking Refreshment
Sign Up Here!
Singapore Family Business Conference Registration
Alternative, you may contact Latifah Bte Ismail - 64608324