At least 1,000 companies will become flu pandemic prepared by the end of 2010, thanks to Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme launched today by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

This is part of the National Business Continuity Management (BCM) Programme to strengthen Singapore enterprises' resilience against the threat of business disruptions.

Under the programme, companies will have their flu pandemic preparedness verified by Quality Management System (QMS) certification bodies at a subsidised rate of $400. This represents an 80 per cent subsidy of the original cost of $2,000. Each verification takes about two man-days.

The company will be assessed, given feedback and time to address any gaps before the final verification by the certification body. Upon satisfactory report by the certification body, SBF will issue a verification certificate as proof of the company's flu pandemic preparedness.

The QMS certification bodies are accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) and appointed by SPRING Singapore.

Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Manpower, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, at the launch said: "Businesses can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, including natural and man-made calamities. The recent Influenza A H1N1 virus and the SARS we saw in 2003, represent one form of specific threat which could cause great disruptions to businesses and loss of lives. WHO has warned that a fresh round of flu pandemic could be triggered if new strains of the Influenza A H1N1 virus becomes virulent.

Our businesses should therefore be vigilant and prepare themselves for such scenarios. We hope to encourage companies to participate in the Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme, as part of a larger effort towards building resilience through Business Continuity Management practices."

SBF, with the support of SPRING Singapore, will be organising workshops for enterprises on flu pandemic preparedness. Interested companies can approach the National Business Continuity Management Centre at SBF at bcm@sbf.org.sg or call 6827 6867 or visit the SBF website at www.sbf.org.sg.