July 19, 2007

ASME’s Venture Incubator Programme @NP is a joint programme by the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to pool their combined strengths and resources to promote NP student entrepreneurship, particularly through mentorship. The Memorandum of Understanding, first signed on July 1, 2005 in the presence of Mr Heng Chee How, then Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development, has been renewed.

In conjunction with the renewal, Entrepreneurs-Connect@NP, NP's comprehensive resource centre for the promotion of student entrepreneurship, held a dialogue & networking session for its students on July 19, 2007. Mr William Lim Tao-E, Chief Executive Officer, Ten & Han Trading Pte Ltd (Old Chang Kee), Mr Kurt Wee Chorng Kien, Vice-President, Conrad & Ottess Private Asset Management and Mr Wong Ming Kwong, President, Key Elements Consulting Group, held court in a panel discussion on the topic “What’s Up, Entrepreneur? An ‘Old’ Brand: Bane or Boon?”

The three experienced entrepreneurs enthralled the audience of about 200 NP students and the lively Q+A session carried well into the informal networking over light refreshments provided by Old Chang Kee. No doubt, students and staff present took away more than valuable insights on entrepreneurship. More of such networking sessions are being planned.

In connection with the MOU renewal, 20 seasoned ASME members and entrepreneurs also generously volunteered their expertise and experience as mentors under our programme. They will work with NP lecturers to guide aspiring student entrepreneurs to add polish to their elevator pitch and business plans.