By MICHELLE YEO

YOUNG Business Leaders (YBL), a network of Singapore business leaders and entrepreneurs, yesterday launched 'Beat the Recession' - a pro bono initiative led collectively by the private sector to help local businesses ride out the downturn.

The aim is to encourage people to act positively during the economic crisis.

YBL is an initiative of the Youth Network Committee under the National Youth Council (NYC) to engage rising entrepreneurs and business and corporate leaders.

YBL aims to support collaboration and sharing through networking sessions, exchange best practices and promote entrepreneurship and corporate leadership.

At the pledging ceremony yesterday, Teo Ser Luck, adviser to YBL, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Ministry of Transport and chairman of NYC, said: 'Together we can adapt to the situation and overcome the obstacles. We have to rally together to believe we can beat the recession and lead by example for other Singaporeans out there.'

Representatives from pledging organisations such as the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) were present to pledge their support.

Bryan Teh, executive director of ASME, said: 'This is a centralised platform to get assistance. This initiative will be a strong catalyst to nurse our economy to good health.'

There are 19 companies in the YBL network, including ThaiExpress Concepts, whose CEO Ivan Lee pledged to 'enhance and empower our staff'.

'I told my staff that I need good ideas and a good attitude to retain customers,' he said.

He has not implemented any pay cut for anyone since the start of the recession.

Mr Lee told BT: 'The YBL initiative is unique as it is the first private sector-driven national campaign in Singapore. Having this will make people cheerful and positive, and the best ideas and opportunities can come simply from being cheerful.'

YBL has also created a website to provide advice to businesses and individuals - www.itstartstoday. com.sg.

Sam Yap, executive chairman of Cherie Hearts, told BT: 'This is a noble initiative and synergises the skills that each company possesses. As chairman of the Association of Private Childcare Organisation, consisting of 200 members, I can use this platform to spread the message to them if they need help or advice. The key word here is network, and YBL provides that.'

This article was first published in The Business Times.