SINGAPORE : Nurturing a spirit of enterprise in the young and building a pro-business environment are two areas the government can work harder in to raise the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said this on Tuesday at a seminar on entrepreneurship.
He said that Singapore is still a long way from being a nation churning passionate entrepreneurs, adding that the Action Community for Entrepreneurship, or ACE, will help link students with the business community.
By coming into contact with and learning from those in the business community, it is hoped this will stroke the students' passion and open their minds to the world of entrepreneurs.
Dr Vivian said the nurturing of entrepreneurship in the young will take time, but it will be a worthwhile investment.
On building a pro-business environment, Dr Vivian, who is also Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, pointed out that even as the government monitors and reviews its policies, it can do more in transforming the mindset of civil servants and political leaders.
One key task is to understand and serve the needs of enterprises but he feels the bureaucracy now has little incentive to say 'Yes' which may mean more work and more risk.
Egging the private sector on to play a larger role, Dr Vivian said ACE will this year forge more partnerships with groups championing entrepreneurship.
It will also hold more forums and dialogues.
Promoting entrepreneurship will be an on-going effort so old ideas must be constantly challenged and fresh ideas sought.
He was speaking on the Entrepreneurial Movement and its future direction at a seminar organised by MediaCorp and Hewlett Packard. - CNA
Wonder is this true as they monopolise some sectors....