Why is Innovation Crucial for SME Growth?

Calling all SME Business Leaders, Corporate Leaders, Engineers and Startup Founders, join us for this insightful evening of Talks discussing how Innovation is key to Business Growth and Expansion as well as plenty of Networking Opportunity!

We're privileged to have Dr Koh, an experienced corporate leader, instructor and mentor, together with Mr Andy, a serial technopreneur and Mr Paddy, a serial entrepreneur to share with you business insights and how your company can stay ahead and win in the market through innovation and practical business strategies.

Date: Tue 24 Jun 2025

Time: 5-7.30 PM

Where: Lifelong Learning Institute Level 4 - R8 Lab11 Eunos Rd 8, Singapore 408601

Map: https://g.co/kgs/poqECbB - Next to Paya Lebar MRT

Program Schedule:

1. 5 PM - Registration & Networking

2. 5.30 PM - ⁠Talk 1: Why is Innovation Crucial for SME Growth? - Dr Koh Chaik Ming

3. 5.50 PM ⁠- Talk 2: Innovation in Practice - Mr Andy Wee

4. 6.05 PM - ⁠Panel Discussion on How SMEs and Corporations can Innovate?Moderator: Mr Andy Wee / Panelists: Dr Koh Chaik Ming & Mr Paddy Tan

5. 6.30 PM - Dinner and Networking

6. 7.30 PM - End of Event

For enquiries, email accelerate@ies-inca.com for more info.

Speaker 1: Dr Koh Chaik Ming - Programme Director, NTU Entrepreneurship Academy Lead Mentor, ELT Programme - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kohchaikming/

Dr Koh Chaik Ming has been with the Board of Food Bank Singapore since 2018 and contributes his time and expertise on assisting Food Bank’s with its strategy, digitalization, supply chain and fund-raising efforts. Dr Koh used to be the CEO of a Shanghai-headquartered logistics real estate investment company, who is also the sponsor of a SGX mainboard-listed industrial REIT.

About Nanyang Technological University Entrepreneurship Academy

https://www.ntu.edu.sg/ntupreneur

NTU Entrepreneurship Academy (NTUpreneur), previously known as Nanyang Technopreneurship Center, is the focal point of entrepreneurship education within the University and the region. NTUpreneur nurtures and promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship endeavours through academic programmes such as the Minor in Entrepreneurship (MiE), Second Major in Entrepreneurship (SMiE) and Overseas Entrepreneurship Programme (OEP) for undergraduates, Master of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation (MSc TIP) for postgraduates and FlexiMasters in Technopreneurship and Innovation, as well as Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDP) for working professionals.

Speaker 2: Mr Andy Wee - General Manager, IES-INCA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyandrewwee/

With a strong engineering background, having spent 13 years in Hewlett Packard inProduct Design R&D, Andy has a keen interest in making technology work to create better life for everyone.

In 2014, Andy took time off to pursue a Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation at NTU's Nanyang Technopreneurship Centre, achieving a Director's List award for outstanding performance.Andy’s interest in technology spans from deeptech, web and mobile app, personal mobility devices, online and offline data storage backup solutions, medical health supplements, natural fertility and beyond.

Panelist: Mr Paddy Tan - Managing Partner, Blackstorm Consulting

//www.linkedin.com/in/paddytan/

Paddy advises business leaders on strategic planning, rapid scaling, growth and positioning, helping them increase profitability and pivot their businesses to gain a competitive advantage in their respective industries.He specialises in Southeast Asia, which comprises hypercomplex and complicated markets. Together with his team and its wide network of partners and affiliated companies, Paddy helps foreign companies navigate the treacherous markets using smart and innovative strategies. These includes tactics and approaches in structuring company, scaling business and selling product or service offerings.Paddy is also known in the industry as a Fixer, leading a team to solve complex challenges within a 100 days’ timeframe.

About Blackstorm Consulting - https://blackstormco.asia/

BlackStorm Consulting, a trailblazing force in business consultancy, stands at the forefront of empowering businesses across Southeast Asia, with a stronghold in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our expertise lies in corporate strategy and market entry, closing strategic gaps that impede companies from reaching their full potential. We elevate businesses by applying a multi-faceted approach across three crucial layers: people, product, and process.

About IES-INCA - https://ies-inca.com

IES-Incubator and Accelerator (IES-INCA) is a strategic initiative by The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) to support engineers in technopreneurship and new technology business ventures.

IES-INCA incubates new technology companies that are in the process of scaling up. Technopreneurs can tap upon the rich experience industry and finance experts, to build a comprehensive and sustainable business.