Biomed Diagnostics

ARMED with a degree in biotechnology from Australia's Murdoch University, Mr Gerard Chew decided to start a one-man business selling biomedical products in 1995.

Biomed Diagnostics today has nearly 100 employees in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and it is also one of the top 100 small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore, in a ranking by the Standard Chartered - Dun & Bradstreet Top 100 SMEs Award.

Clients who purchase the company's products - ranging from blood collection systems and antibodies to advanced laboratory instruments - include blood banks, hospitals and tertiary institutions.

Mr Chew considers himself lucky to enter the market at a time when life sciences was the buzzword.

'The Government emphasised biomedical sciences, and Singapore was able to utilise emerging new technologies,' he says.

He adds that the desire to succeed was great because he started and owned the business. 'We emphasise good service and the importance of following up on projects.

'Also, the staff are the greatest asset to the company.'

He reckons that like most SMEs, it is a challenge to retain good staff.

He also finds himself sometimes being 'so preoccupied with every- day activities to grow the business that I neglect to seek the opportunities that are more important for long-term viability'.

Another challenge lies in knowing and accessing the funds available to SMEs from the Government and private institutions.

Despite the challenges, Mr Chew is heartened to receive the award, which he calls an 'affirmation' of his work.

'I come from the perspective of situations, like not having a single photo of our first office or past significant events of the company,' he explains.

'The award would motivate the company, and we are proud to be part of it because being top 100 is no easy feat.'

Marc-Plan

Dressing up a living space is interior design, and a local SME has taken the art to the high seas.

Marc-Plan specialises in designing rooms for ships so that seafarers can enjoy functional, well-designed and aesthetically pleasing bedrooms, working areas, kitchens and even toilets.

Since the company was started in May 1994, it has grown globally and now has offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Abu Dhabi.

Its clients include shipbuilders and liners, such as Otto Marine, PPL Shipyard and Labroy Marine.

On its success, the company's managing director Patrick Tan says that support from its clients, taking care of its staff and being consistent in its service standards are just as important as making profits.

'The most important thing is not cash, although cash is certainly useful,' he says.

Moving ahead, the company has started using a three-dimensional interior software programme so that its clients can see accurately what the ship's rooms will finally look like before work commences.

On receiving the award, Mr Tan says: 'We are extremely elated that the company has received recognition and gained credibility in delivering value, quality and excellent service - like all other big players in the industry.'