Whether embarking on international expansion or taking a first step into Asia, translating business strategies into actionable plans is seldom straightforward.

The world’s easiest place to do business¹, Singapore – situated in the heart of Southeast Asia – is a trusted partner to help companies navigate market entry strategies, compliance requirements, talent acquisition and local partnerships successfully, particularly in culturally heterogeneous economies in the region.

The Workshop, curated by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), is a one-to-one consultation platform that connects companies with credible service providers who bring proven expertise, market insights, and networks to support companies pursuing new markets.

Read how four companies in different sectors leveraged this initiative to:
 

1. Adapt global expertise to local markets

Techdivine Creative Services has built an impressive global footprint since its founding in India, now operating as a digital marketing agency across 16 countries. The company has evolved beyond traditional advertising to offer corporate services specialising in circular economy and renewable energy solutions.

Given this focus, CEO Ananth V. identified strong synergies between Techdivine's sustainability expertise and Singapore's Green Plan 2030 initiatives. The city-state's emphasis on innovation and digital transformation presented strategic opportunities for growth and integration.

However, each new market brings distinct challenges. Recognising the need for local expertise, Ananth sought expert guidance from Hawksford via The Workshop to adapt their global strategies to local market dynamics.

How The Workshop Supported Techdivine's Expansion:

• Developed actionable market entry and go-to-market strategies
• Guided compliance and regulatory alignment for regional operations
• Provided tailored insights to translate global expertise into region-specific opportunities
   

2. Access ecosystem partnerships and talent networks

Singapore's established MedTech ecosystem provides ANIVIA Medical with access to healthcare testbeds and industry partnerships that are essential for validating smart healthcare solutions. Given ANIVIA Medical's existing presence across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China, Singapore's strategic location and business environment position it as the natural hub for Asian expansion.

CEO Leroy Yau saw the potential growth but faced challenges in navigating Singapore’s MedTech landscape and identifying the right talent for regional expansion. To overcome these obstacles, Leroy reached out to Hawksford via The Workshop.

How The Workshop Supported Anivia Medical’s Expansion:

• Provided sector-specific insights on MedTech regulatory pathways
• Guided talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain regional expertise
• Facilitated access to Singapore's healthcare ecosystem and broader support networks for strategic partnerships
   

3. Focus resources for maximum impact

Muuse and NOVA CERT both operate in the sustainability space but faced a common challenge: with multiple growth opportunities available, how do you decide where to focus limited resources?

Muuse specialises in event sustainability, while NOVA CERT helps businesses meet their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. As both companies explored regional opportunities, they faced challenges in defining priorities and overcoming growth barriers.

Recognising the need for strategic clarity, both companies engaged with Asia Market Entry (AME) through The Workshop to develop focused growth strategies that would cut through the complexity.

How The Workshop Supported Muuse and NOVA CERT’s Expansion:

• Prioritised key growth activities for maximum impact
• Refined service offerings to better match regional market demands
• Streamlined planning to avoid common expansion challenges
   

Take your next step

Companies at any stage of exploring business expansion to Asia can access The Workshop's resources below:

• Explore success stories from companies that have benefitted from The Workshop
  • How The Workshop helped Coval Technologies accelerate its Asia market expansion
  • How UK venture capital firm Fuel Ventures Asia and Chinese high-tech enterprise AI Power got tips and connections for market expansion into Asia, from EDB’s network of experts
• Go further with The Workshop - a tailored, one-to-one session designed to help you refine your roadmap and accelerate expansion from Singapore. Sign up here.
  
  Or join us on our upcoming webinar - a low-commitment way to experience the insights companies have found invaluable. Sign up here.
   

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Footnote:

¹ Economist Intelligence Unit, Business Environment Rankings 2023