In some circles 2020 became the year of the second passport. St. Kitts and Nevis slashed the cost of its golden visa by $45,000 and Russia, a latecomer to the golden visa world, reportedly will soon open to investors looking for a second home. Applicants must prove they are genuine: A language test may be … Continue reading Golden visa boom 2021
Category Archives: Blog
BUDGET 2021
Jobs Support The job support scheme (JSS) was first introduced to Singapore in February 2020 to provide wage support for employers to retain their employees. Under the JSS, the Government co-funds the employee’s wages (for up to $4,600), and this was to last until March 2021. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced that the … Continue reading BUDGET 2021
Singapore unveils the Tech.Pass
Singapore is in a race to attract top foreign tech talent and in its pursuit, launched a new work pass called Tech.Pass in January 2021. This work pass will be valid for two years and is renewable for another two years. Tech.Pass holders will be able to open and operate a business and be appointed … Continue reading Singapore unveils the Tech.Pass
Singapore’s courtship of billionaires paying off
Google co-founder Sergey Brin will be setting up a family office in Singapore, joining a sizeable pool of billionaires that have done the same. Singapore is now home to more than 200 family offices and around US$20 billion assets under management. It is no coincidence that many wealthy individuals have chosen to manage their assets … Continue reading Singapore’s courtship of billionaires paying off
Quarantine-free business travel
Singapore was meant to roll out a pilot programme for short term business travelers to stay here without quarantine. However, this has been delayed till the end of February. This unique travel lane called Connect@Singapore was supposed to be introduced in late January. Currently, the facilities earmarked for this scheme called Connect@Changi, namely the Singapore … Continue reading Quarantine-free business travel
Hybrid AGM Meetings will become the new normal
Annual General Meetings had to be conducted virtually as a part of the Covid-19 preventive measures. This resulted in a decrease in attendance for Singapore listcos by 70% compared to 2019. There are a number of factors that could have contributed to this. Some of the shareholders may not be digitally savvy. In addition to … Continue reading Hybrid AGM Meetings will become the new normal
Singapore brand mark will distinguish local products
A Singapore brand mark was introduced in November last year. Then brand mark’s aim is to provide assurance to overseas buyers of quality and will help command premium pricing. The introduction started with food and beverage (F&B) products, beauty and wellness, fashion and accessories, as well as homeware and décor. The focus on quality will … Continue reading Singapore brand mark will distinguish local products
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’s impact on Singapore
The world’s largest trade pact, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), was penned on 15 November 2020. It involves all ten ASEAN members (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The trade pact brings about many benefits for Singapore and businesses that are established … Continue reading The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’s impact on Singapore
The Re-Align Framework
Pursuant to the Covid-19 (temporary measures) (Amendment No. 3) Bill which was tabled in Parliament on 2 November 2020, the Ministry of Law is intending to introduce the Re-Align Framework. The Re-Align Framework focuses on helping businesses which are affected by Covid-19, to ease the burden of certain contractual obligations. It provides for renegotiation and/or … Continue reading The Re-Align Framework
The enterprise leadership for transformation
The enterprise leadership for transformation programme was announced at Budget 2020 and launched in end October. 60 participants from 38 SMEs will undergo a one year curriculum which will address knowledge gaps in leadership and business fundamentals. The programme will provide specific guidance in drawing execution road maps. The businesses will be able to view … Continue reading The enterprise leadership for transformation