Entrepreneurship

 

Foreword Coffee: Marrying Passion and Mission
Angeline Cuifang Lim, Foo Maw Der, Heleena Panicker

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2021-007

Pub. Date: OCT-2021

Category: Entrepreneurship

Topic(s): Business & Government; Human Resource Management; Organizational Behaviour

Case Length: 12 pages​​

Abstract: This case describes the rapid growth of a social enterprise in Singapore - Foreword Coffee - that aims to empower persons with disabilities by providing them with employment in cafes. Drawing on interviews with its co-founders and published sources, the case highlights key challenges faced by the social enterprise, including sustainable growth, inclusive hiring and leadership succession. The accompanying teaching note guides educators on using the case for discussion in social entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, human resource management and leadership classes.

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    Wateroam: Social Enterprise in Singapore
    Koh Cheng Boon, Foo Maw Der

    Case Ref No.: ABCC-2021-006

    Pub. Date: SEP-2021

    Category: Entrepreneurship

    Topic(s): Non-profits, Sustainability

    Case Length: 10 pages​​

    Abstract: In 2014, three young men met at the HydroPreneur Programme, an industry-oriented entrepreneurship programme organised by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) - Singapore’s national water agency - to accelerate commercialisation of technologies and foster a new generation of water entrepreneurs. This event kickstarted the journey of Wateroam, a social enterprise founded by David Pong (“David”), Wateroam’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lim Chong Tee (“Lim”), Wateroam’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and Vincent Loka (“Loka”), Wateroam’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO). David graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Business degree, while Lim and Loka graduated from NUS with degrees in Environmental Engineering.

    Wateroam is a social enterprise that develops water filtration systems for rural and disaster-hit areas. Since 2014, Wateroam has deployed its water filtration systems to more than 30,000 people in remote villages and disaster-stricken areas across Southeast Asia through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

    2021 was a challenging year for Wateroam, and the seventh year of its operation. As its three co-founders perused a 2020 World Economic Forum report that identified Singapore as one of the five most promising start-up hubs to watch outside of Silicon Valley, they reflected on their journey and the road ahead. What additional tools and frameworks would they need to navigate changing social and economic conditions worldwide? How should they position Wateroam to succeed in Covid-stricken communities as well as post-pandemic markets?

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    Pairing the Fashion Industry with the Sharing Economy - A Case Study of How Style Theory Entered Singapore's Fashion Rental Industry

    Daniel Siew Hoi Kok, Huang Shibei, Milani Lavesh Vijay and Koh Suan Tian

    Case Ref No.: ABCC-2020-009

    Pub. Date: SEP-2020

    Category: Entrepreneurship

    Topic(s): Finance & Economics; Operations Management; Strategy; Sustainability; Technology 

    Case Length: 10 pages​​

    Abstract: Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, Style Theory has successfully paired the sharing economy with the fashion industry by improvising its business model. With the ever-changing dynamics of the global world economies, the sharing economy is incrementally being adopted by different untouched commodities and industries. Finding the gap and offering fashion on rental, Style Theory’s perfect timing in addressing the shifting consumer needs allowed its business model to effectively pair the sharing economy with the right industry. Can this business model that successfully paired the sharing economy with the industry be applied beyond the fashion industry in Singapore?

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    Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (A): The BRiSK3 ​Mind Model of Entrepreneurship

    ​Foo Maw Der, Huang Huisi, Kok Pooi San, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Twisha Sethi

    Case Ref No.: ABCC-2020-006

    Pub. Date: AUG-2020

    Category: Entrepreneurship

    Topic(s): Strategy; Human Resource Management 

    Case Length: 11 pages​​

    Abstract: This Case Study examines the key skills and factors of entrepreneurial success, and how educational courses pertaining to entrepreneurship can be designed to better contribute to the latter. These skills and factors are summarised in the BRiSK3 Mind model, which was crafted with insights gleaned from publications, media interviews, and personal interviews conducted with several entrepreneurs.

    Related:  ABCC-2020-007 (Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset [B])

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      Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (B): The Journey of Mr Neo Kah Kiat, Founder Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited

      Foo Maw Der, Huang Huisi, Kok Pooi San, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Twisha Sethi

       Case Ref No.: ABCC-2020-007

      Pub. Date: AUG-2020

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy; Human Resource Management 

      Case Length: 6 pages​​

      Abstract: Case Study B is a continuation of building the entrepreneurial mindset using the BRiSK3MIND model in Case Study A. We would be following the journey of Mr. Neo Kah Kiat, Founder, Chairman and CEO of NEO Group Limited, as he navigated through his entrepreneurial journey. We encourage readers to trace his journey using the BRiSK3MIND.

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      The Curious Tale of Singapore Startup Kaypo

       

      ​A. Lee Gilbert

       Case Ref No.: ABCC-2019-005

      Pub. Date: MAY-2019​

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Marketing; Strategy; Technology

      Case Length: 17 pages​​

      Abstract: This micro-startup, originating within a rapidly growing young Singapore-based commercial information services firm, seeks to offer individual customers and small organisations access to valid data about relationships among persons and organisations, that are relevant to well-defined specific needs and drawn from the public domain. This information will be provided at an affordable price or in some cases, in part-exchange for new data curated by the customer. Although the development team was committed to launch their mobile business intelligence application Kaypo in early 2019, they still needed insights into several key issues, including branding, the user interface for their Android app, and the evolution of their business model.

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      ​Beeplus: Insight into China's Co-working Space Industry

      ​Boh Wai Fong and Dolly Leow

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-027

      Pub. Date: AUG-2018

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Business and Government; Strategy

      Case Length: 22 pages​​

      Abstract: Beeplus, a designer and operator of co-working spaces, was founded in 2015 by a group of enterprising college students led by Robert Jia. It currently has five co-working space projects in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This case maps the journey taken by Beeplus and its management team in its foray into the highly competitive co-working space industry, and offers a greater understanding of the critical success factors for a company operating in an aggressive market in China.

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      Mighty Jaxx Rocks to an Agile Beat: Toys as Art

      ​​​A. Lee Gilbert

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-022

      Pub. Date: FEB-2018

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Human Resource Management; Operations Management; Organisational Behaviour

      Case Length: 14 pages​​

      Abstract: Mighty Jaxx was founded in 2012 as a S$20,000 Singapore start-up. By 2018, the firm worked with global brands, generating annual revenue approaching S$5 million. However, growing sales volume, the short product cycle for its limited production runs, and the young firm’s increasingly global reach had stretched its 20 staff members, organized along a traditional sales, design, production and logistics “waterfall” model, not only up to but well beyond their limits. As the December 2017 holiday season approached, Mighty Jaxx founder Jackson Aw knew his team would miss several crucial delivery promises.

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      Eatigo: Connecting Empty Dining Tables with Empty Stomachs

      ​Khoo Hong Meng and Kong Yoon Kee

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-024

      Pub. Date: SEPT-2017

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Finance and Economics; Marketing; Strategy

      Case Length: 10 pages​​

      Abstract: Eatigo is a restaurant reservation application founded in 2013 which offered an alternative way of connecting diners to restaurants. The aim was to improve restaurants’ profitability by filling up empty restaurant seats during off-peak hours, by offering time-based discounts which could range from 10 to 50 percent. This case examines the business model, competitive strategy and funding options of a platform business. It further discusses the key considerations that start-ups have to grapple with in ensuring business sustainability. In seeking funding, Eatigo had to consider investors’ demands which sometimes may lead to excessive dilution of the owner’s control.

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      KargoCard: Building a Prepaid Gift Card Business in China (A)

      ​Neo Boon Siong, Gillian Yeo, Liu Xiaoxiao and Lim Wee Kiat

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-016

      Pub. Date: FEB-2017

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy; Technology

      Case Length: 21 pages​​

      Abstract: This case features the development of KargoCard, a Shanghai-based prepaid gift card startup, from its inception in 2008 until late 2015/early 2016 when it received news of a potential buyout by a global player. It illustrates the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly management and leadership in dynamic and foreign business environments. In particular, this case highlights the considerations in pursuing different growth strategies. This case is suitable for graduate-level management, business, and executive development programmes that include entrepreneurship and/or tech innovation components. It is also targeted at similar programmes with an international, Asia Pacific, or especially a China focus.

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      KargoCard: Building a Prepaid Gift Card Business in China (A) (Chinese version)

      ​Neo Boon Siong, Gillian Yeo, Liu Xiaoxiao and Lim Wee Kiat

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-016CH

      Pub. Date: FEB-2017

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy; Technology

      Case Length: 19 pages​​

      Abstract: This case features the development of KargoCard, a Shanghai-based prepaid gift card startup, from its inception in 2008 until late 2015/early 2016 when it received news of a potential buyout by a global player. It illustrates the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly management and leadership in dynamic and foreign business environments. In particular, this case highlights the considerations in pursuing different growth strategies. This case is suitable for graduate-level management, business, and executive development programmes that include entrepreneurship and/or tech innovation components. It is also targeted at similar programmes with an international, Asia Pacific, or especially a China focus.

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      Cracking the Puzzle of Wuxi Suntech’s Bankruptcy

      ​Cao Yong

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-012

      Pub. Date: JULY-2017

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Business and Government; Finance and Economics; Strategy

      Case Length: 16 pages​​

      Abstract: Wuxi Suntech, the first private Chinese company to list on the New York Stock Exchange, was China’s largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic equipment and third-largest in the world. It was once widely recognized as a ‘perfect match’ of the promising new energy industry with the technical know-how and comparative advantage of Chinese manufactured exports as well as the financial power of global capital markets. Its bankruptcy was hence a puzzle: how did Wuxi Suntech rapidly emerge as an industry leader in the booming solar energy market and yet suddenly fail during the global financial crisis?

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      Blk71 - Growth of a Singapore Startup Ecosystem

      ​Chew Hui Min and Neo Boon Siong

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-001

      Pub. Date: JAN-2017

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Business and Government

      Case Length: 20 pages​​

      Abstract: The case charts the growth of Blk71 and related developments in Singapore’s startup scene. It explores the factors that came together to help the startup hub grow from 2011 to 2015. The focus is on how a startup ecosystem can be nurtured; in particular, why Blk71 and government schemes from the late 2000s took off when earlier schemes have met with limited success.

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      Recycling Food Waste to Energy – First-Mover Pitfalls: IUT Global Pte Ltd

      ​Wee Beng Geok, Priya Subramanian and Thiruneeran Stephanie Tan

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2015-006

      Pub. Date: AUG-2015

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Business and Government

      Case Length: 19 pages​​

      Abstract: In 2005, IUT Global was formed to set up and operate Singapore's first organic waste treatment plant. Unable to meet its production targets, and after three years of losses, in 2011, IUT entered into liquidation, and with it the closure of Singapore's first large-scale food waste-to-energy facility. 

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      AAC Technologies (B): Strategies for Development and Growth

      ​Neo Boon Siong and Zou Yu

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2014-005

      Pub. Date: MAY-2014

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy 

      Case Length: 23 pages​​

      Abstract: AAC Technologies Holdings Inc., headquartered in Shenzhen, was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2005. It was a first source supplier to many of the major global mobile phone and tablet manufacturers. Since 2002, AAC had transformed from a Chinese family business into a leading global technology enterprise. This was achieved through the implementation of several strategic thrusts.  

      Related:  ABCC-2014-004 (AAC Technologies [A])

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      AAC Technologies (B): Strategies for Development and Growth (Chinese version)

      ​Neo Boon Siong and Zou Yu

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2014-005CH

      Pub. Date: JUNE-2014

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy 

      Case Length: 20 pages​​

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      AAC Technologies (A): Entrepreneurship, Growth and Transformation

      Neo Boon Siong, Gillian Yeo and Zou Yu

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2014-004

      Pub. Date: MAY-2014

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy 

      Case Length: 12 pages​​

      Abstract: Pan Zhonglai and his son Benjamin Pan started their business in 1987. Focusing on technology development, they took an export-oriented growth path and established collaborations with a number of partners. Scoring wins in miniaturization and the mobile phone market, the pair continued to build AAC's competitive advantages in high quality and fast response products.

      Related:  ABCC-2014-005 (AAC Technologies [B])

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      AAC Technologies (A): Entrepreneurship, Growth and Transformation (Chinese version)

      ​Neo Boon Siong, Gillian Yeo and Zou Yu

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2014-004CH

      Pub. Date: JUNE-2014

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy 

      Case Length: 10 pages​​

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      Entrepreneurship in China's Private Sector: Guangxi's Elite Optical

      Chiu Shih-Chi, Fan Wei and Yvonne Chong

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2013-002

      Pub. Date: MAY-2013

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Case Length: 16 pages​​

      Abstract: Elite Optical, a family-run eyeglass business, was founded during China's economic reforms in the late 1980s. In the 2000s, Cheng Zhi, CEO and Chairman of Elite Optical, was contemplating how to respond to competitive threats and cope with the growth demand by transforming its family business into a professionally-managed firm in the near future.

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      Entrepreneurship in China's Private Sector: Guangxi's Elite Optical (Chinese version)

      ​Fan Wei, Chiu Shih-Chi and Yvonne Chong

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2013-002CH

      Pub. Date: MAY-2013

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Case Length: 15 pages​​

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      ​Jitron Singapore – Market Access through Quality Standards as a Start-up Strategy

      Wee Beng Geok and Yvonne Chong

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2012-003

      Pub. Date: JAN-2013

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Marketing 

      Case Length: 19 pages​​

      Abstract: Jitron was set up in 2007 to exploit the growing demand for medical devices across the world. As Jitron managed the challenges of gaining access into overseas markets mainly through standards certification, how should it position itself to realise the longer-term goal of developing the Jitron brand and ensure the sustainability of its business model?

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      Ezra Holdings: Entrepreneurship and Capability Building

      Wee Beng Geok, Yvonne Chong and Rajeev Batra

      Case Ref No.: ABCC-2009-007

      Pub. Date: JULY-2010​

      Category: Entrepreneurship

      Topic(s): Strategy​

      Case Length: 25 pages​​

      Abstract: This case discusses the growth path of a Singapore-based company in the marine services business. In mid-2009, Ezra's management announced the development of a Deepwater Subsea Services division as the next growth engine. However, Ezra faced new competitive challenges in this new business segment. What competencies must the company build to compete in this highly global segment of the business?

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