Mr Loh Khum Yean

Chief Executive
SPRING Singapore

Topic Synopsis

From SME To The Next Big Thing

The SME sector is important not just because 90% of Singapore companies are SMEs but because the next big brand usually comes from this dynamic sector. Every big global brand that you see today was started not by a big corporation but by an innovative SME. Mr Loh will speak on how Singapore SMEs can capitalise on this special advantage that they have to become the next big thing and also on SPRING Singapore’s role in helping make this happen.

Biography

Mr Loh Khum Yean was appointed Deputy Secretary (Industry) of the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) on 1 June 2008. As DS (Industry), he is responsible for formulating and reviewing policies to facilitate the development of Singapore’s industry sectors and enterprises to ensure that they continue to create wealth and generate employment.

Prior to joining MTI, Mr Loh served for 17 years in the Singapore Civil Service in various capacities. His last appointment was as Chief Executive of SPRING Singapore, where he led the Statutory Board’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness and enabling the growth of local enterprises by building a network of valued relationships and resources that help to bring about a pro-business environment in Singapore.

Mr Loh has also served as Deputy Secretary of Services and Administration in the Ministry of Finance, where he was responsible for building a financial environment conducive to business and enterprise, and for developing policies and frameworks which enhance organizational excellence in the public sector.

Mr Loh started his career in the civil service with the Ministry of Communications, where he handled portfolios in the areas of Air & Land Transportation and Telecommunications. He subsequently took up appointments as Director of Personnel Policy in the Public Service Division at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Director of Research and Planning in MTI.
Mr Loh graduated from Hitotsubashi University, Japan with a Bachelor of Economics. He also holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University, USA. Mr Loh was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2002.