Is Singapore’s rapid economic growth likely to be sustained, or is it temporary? From your own business perspective, what are its implications – both positive and negative?

Ross Hammond
Managing Director
Emerson Network Power (S) Pte Ltd

THIS ‘rapid economic growth’ is merely a return to pre-financial crisis market conditions. Still, the growth will be positive for us overall, with more money to be made. We’re seeing an increase in consumer spending and the size of businesses growing both in terms of profitability and people. We are looking forward to seeing positive results by the close of FY10, almost matching FY08 results. Our inquiry levels are improving across the spectrum and we are in the midst of long-term planning exercises with our customers, indicating that this is not just a flash in the pan.

In response to the rising demand, an issue is factory capacity. We need to ramp up production capacity to previous levels, which would require additional people. We are also expecting to feel some pressure to improve employee remuneration overall as competitors look to increase their staff. Hopefully, our integrity as an employer during the tough times will be rewarded and our people will continue to regard us as a long-term prospect for career development.

CommunicAsia 2010 has finally come to a close and it was a busy but interesting week for the Rice team. Despite the absence of some regular exhibitors, and some companies’ scaled-down presence, CommunicAsia 2010 still delivered its best.  Five of our clients were involved in the show this year – from the easy file-sharing enabled by iTwin to an interactive forum hosted by Emerson Network Power for telecom operators, our clients garnered the interest of potential customers, investors and the media.

Emerson Network Power hosted CommsConnect, an interactive forum that provides telecom operators with integrated solutions that focuses on the deployment of high-performance networks. It aims primarily to address the complexities of owning and maintaining telecom networks, and challenges related to cost and energy usage. There was a good turnout and a group media briefing was organised on Day 1.

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) a global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers, hosted its annual “Hughes Breakfast Seminar” with great success. This year’s event had the best turnout compared to other events that were organised in Singapore.

Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT), a veteran participant at the annual show launched its first global satellite handheld, the IsatPhone Pro. The launch garnered media’s interest from the UK, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. It was a great success for Inmarsat as they were ranked fifth among the top 10 hot gadgets premiered at the show this year.

iTwin made its CommunicAsia debut with the introduction of its remote data access device. The iTwin was one of the hottest gadgets displayed at the show this year. The product, targeted to the mass market, consists of two devices that can be plugged together which act as physical “keys” to enable two computers to share files over the Internet. Throughout the four days, iTwin’s demo attracted 2,000 visitors including bloggers, member of the press and consumers to its booth.

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) held a one-day seminar programme on Mobile Marketing and Advertising as part of the CommunicAsia Summit 2010. The seminar attracted a great many participants who were eager to hear from speakers from MMA-member organisations including AdMob, Unilever, Yahoo! Navteq Media, Motorola and Pudding Media who provided valuable insights into the industry. A joint media roundtable was also organised for MMA and Admob – the session explored the deeper perspectives and future trends of mobile marketing in Asia and U.S.

Overall it was an exciting and fruitful four days and as we look forward to the next CommunicAsia, the team has started making preparation for other upcoming events, including Mobile Asia Congress 2010 that will take place in Hong Kong in November.

In Dec 2009, Rice Communications was appointed the new Public Relations agency for Emerson Network Power in Southeast Asia.

Led by Sonya Madeira Stamp, Managing Partner of the agency, a team from Rice Communications will work hand-in-hand with the company’s Asia Pacific marketing team to strengthen their communication efforts in six key markets in the region, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Read more about the appointment at Marketing-Interactive.com, PC World Philippines, and HardwareZone Philippines.

SINGAPORE [December 15, 2009] – Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR) and the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™, has engaged Rice Communications as its PR agency for Southeast Asia (SEA).

Rice will work with Emerson to raise awareness of their latest IT infrastructure and telecom technologies that enable efficiency without compromising availability. Part of their role includes strengthening the company’s profile in key market segments in IT and telecommunications as well as emerging audience groups.

“Rice comes with extensive knowledge of the ICT market and by working with them we can effectively communicate our solutions and services to our market. Aside from their capabilities, we look forward to leveraging their understanding of Emerson’s business and goals,” said Katrina Tirante, SEA marketing manager, Emerson Network Power.

Rice Communications will work with the company’s Asia Pacific marketing team in six key markets in the region, namely: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

“As a full-service consultancy, we have been proving strategic, insightful and customized professional communications services to our clients, both on a global and regional scale. We accomplish this through a combination of professional skills and extensive knowledge in the ICT industry, “said Sonya Madeira Stamp, managing partner, Rice Communications. “With Emerson, we intend to work hand-in-hand in strengthening their communications efforts and support them on various in-market initiatives they will be rolling out over the coming months.”

Based in Singapore, Rice was established in January 2009 and is headed by Sonya Madeira Stamp, who has over 15 years of experience in communications.

About Emerson Network Power

Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), is the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™ from grid to chip for telecommunication networks, data centres, health care and industrial facilities. Emerson Network Power provides innovative solutions and expertise in areas including AC and DC power and precision cooling systems, embedded computing and power, integrated racks and enclosures, power switching and controls, monitoring, and connectivity. All solutions are supported globally by local Emerson Network Power service technicians. Learn more about Emerson Network Power products and services globally at www.emersonnetworkpower.com

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses.  Emerson’s sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion.  The company is ranked 94th on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com

Contact

Joy Huang
Events & PR Manager
AP Marketing
620-3600 ext 7655

Katrina Tirante
SEA Marketing Manager
AP Marketing
620-3600 ext 7666

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