The Knowledge to Decide

How can Singapore defend its electronics manufacturing hub position in the face of stiff regional and global competition? Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research and Consulting shared his thoughts in The Business Times – Views from the Top section on 2 October 2017 on Singapore’s evolving role in the global electronics sector. To thrive in the global electronics supply chain, Singapore should focus on raising its game in terms of engineering, data science, cultural studies and professional services. Perera opined that Singapore needs constant innovation in terms of production and design, so as to meet the needs of producing complex electronics devices with short product life cycles. Today’s electronics products contain a large element of embedded services and software, which are prone to frequent upgrades. Singapore should work on creating a conducive environment for enterprises to recruit inter-disciplinary teams that can launch breakthrough electronics products. Such tea

As ASEAN trade grows rapidly, so does its economic clout – the combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region is set to reach USD3 trillion by 2024, making it among the top ten economies in the world were it a single country. What key trends will emerge as ASEAN trade forges ahead? Leon Perera, Chief Executive Officer, of Spire Research and Consulting shared his insights in China Daily – Asia Weekly. The share of intra-ASEAN trade out of the region’s total trade has grown to over 27% in 2014 from 17% in 1990. The ASEAN region continues to be an export-oriented global manufacturing and services hub for thousands of multinationals. Economic growth has led to the rise of the upper and middle classes and an increase in the consumption of luxury goods. Perera noted that Southeast Asia still imports aircraft and industrial equipment from Europe and the U.S. Moreover, toys and consumer electronics continue to be heavily imported from China. So there is no question of ASEAN beco