by Jared Heng
Most respondents to Biz Daily’s “Share a Wish” survey last month had a common hope for 2012 ‒ to see business stability despite uncertainty from the global economic gloom.
Biz Daily has compiled a list of some notable responses from our readers:
“My wish is simple ‒ that all Singapore companies will embrace the ‘Triple Bottomline Principle’ of considering financial, social and environmental issues in their decision making.” ‒ K.V. Deepthi S.
“I wish for more calm in the financial markets, and for the business to be sustained even without profits for the next two years to keep our rice-bowls. However, this wish can only be achieved with the government giving more help to SME companies, as well as lower business costs and inflation. Personally, I will look to buy some bank shares.” ‒ Cecilia Nam
“When someone loses, somebody else gains. With so much gloomy news daily over the past few years, I wish for businesses to be more tenacious and positive in 2012. Certainly, greater teamwork and greater synergy from combining strengths of people and businesses will help weather the storms. Who dares, wins.” ‒ SC Ho
“Health is indeed good wealth. This is of paramount importance apart from leading a godly life. It will be then that the good things will come to the business, and my income / investments in 2012. As for the economy, the appointed local and world politicians must be honest and capable leaders and transparent to serve the common good of the population; to overcome all the unrest that is now going on!” ‒ Chee Yan Pong
“(The Singapore government should) let the economy slide a little more in 1H2012 to stabilise and reduce inflation. (After that, allow the) economy to start climbing back at a moderate pace and (hopefully we can) have life back to normal.” ‒ Yeo Khee Teck
Some investment-focused responses include:
“I suppose the economy will not be doing too well considering the global outlook. However, I hope that Singapore will take advantage of the downturn to build for the future. With regards to investments, I’m holding on to more cash at the moment until the STI starts to test 2,500 where I will probably start to make some investments. I’m not expecting much to happen in terms of income as the business is not expected to be good next year (in 2012), but I hope that the bonus can make up for it.” ‒ Lionel Tan
“In recent times, we have seen many corporate scandals happening overseas such as the Madoff ponzi scheme and the MF Global debacle. Here in our local bourse, we witnessed many instances of accounting fraud, forgery and embezzlement among S Chip companies. All these incidents have affected investors badly. What is clearly lacking in all these cases is moral leadership in the boardrooms of these companies. My wish for the future is to see all senior management, especially in listed companies, observing high standards of integrity at all times.” ‒ Charlie Yap
“I wish for the economy to be stabilised and the stock market to be bullish again. I want my stocks to be profitable and get a huge bonus from the company.” ‒ Jessica
“I think the economy in 2012 is likely to be volatile. Yet, I wish my company’s business will be prosperous, my income will be more, and my investments will be profitable. May 2012 be a year that is full of opportunities and successes!” ‒ Yang Hongwu
Some responses from companies include:
“There are two main ways to cope with an economic downturn ‒ cut costs and increase productivity. At Sage Asia, it is our fervent wish to help more companies in the coming year to raise productivity through our broad range of end-to-end business management applications. Regardless of whether it is a global enterprise or a local SME, streamlining one’s company business process to strengthen its competitive edge could be the key to business survival and success.” ‒ Ong Chee Lee, Regional Sales Director, Sage Asia
“Walton’s wish is to offer alternatives to diversify investors’ portfolios and consider investing in mid- to long-term assets such as land investment. Companies that are global leaders in providing innovative forms of investments could be the platform for investors to grow their assets even in an ambivalent climate.” ‒ David Baukol, President, Asia, Walton International Group Inc
Other responses on a more individual level include:
“I wish to know of opportunities to make money in the coming difficult year of 2012 and to survive the economic slowdown.” ‒ Heng Mun Tham
“I wish for more economic and financial news of overseas / international markets that have an impact on Singapore’s global performance.” ‒ S K Lee
“I wish to achieve financial freedom and exit from the rat race to enjoy life.” ‒ Judy Ong
“For 2012, I wish to kick-start my own business, while still being employed in a day job, till the business is stable and growing.” ‒ Lillian Yong
“I wish that the government will do a better job regulating the transport industry and growing the economy!” ‒ Elsie Chew
Biz Daily will announce the winners of our Share a Wish survey at a later date.
