Monday, June 21, 2010

First-hand Perspectives on the Global Economy

First-hand Perspectives on the Global Economy

In this special report, students from the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management & International
Studies provide analysis of some of the most tantalizing economic, business and technology
developments around the world.

The articles offer new perspectives on the ever-changing global economy, including the growth of
consumer markets in Brazil, Egypt and China, and the impact of the crisis on French luxury goods. The
green economy’s growth worldwide is captured in articles on organic products in Germany, solar energy
in Senegal and Japan’s eco-tech industry. The rise of the Russian gambling industry, sustainable tourism
in Egypt and high-end gastronomy in Spain illustrate new frontiers in the leisure business. China’s
coming of age is captured in articles on the development of its venture capital and mutual fund
industries, enhanced awareness of social corporate responsibility, and the growth of second- and third tier
cities. New developments in infrastructure and financial services are reflected in pieces on the
mobile Internet in Latin America, the rise to prominence of Spanish infrastructure management
companies, and a new form of transparent, customer-driven banking.

Taken together, the 16 articles offer perspectives on a range of dynamic economies and identify existing
opportunities for conducting business within specific cultural, political and institutional contexts. The
articles are part of the Lauder Global Business Insight program.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Apologies for long delay!

Hi all, many apologies for not writing for so long as I have been buried with all the developments at hand. What have I been up to? I have finally completed the acquisition of the North Bridge Complex, started a new asset management company to manage the real estate assets under the group and I just became the Chairman of a listed company, Shun Thai in Bangkok.

All these new developments in the last 4 plus months! In the meantime, the education side is preparing for the paradigm in the education sector in Singapore. I am doing all these under the ERC lines of business. So I really, really beg for your forgiveness that I have not up to date with my postings.... more

- Andy Ong ERC

The Chinese are coming! Buy!

When I write, I write! I’m back folks. Just back from my China trip and I’m so happy to have my bak chor mee again. I guess I am just a old fashioned Singapore boy.
It was such an arduous trip with many interesting events. Our friends in China had to prohibit my female colleagues from participating in a couple of events and all I can say is I am happy to get out intact.

The Chinese are so hungry and innovative, so much so that w better be on our guard. I had always to visit Wenzhou where some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs reside. Even the famed Shanghai businessmen have to take their hats off to them. They are fearless and their camaraderie spirit is amazing....more

-Andy Ong ERC

To do or not to do!

It has been a series of firsts for me in the last few months. I recently became the Chairman of a listed firm In Bangkok and bought my first building. All these events are unfolding hard and fast.

I have always wanted to share with everyone how a turnaround of a company is executed. I have turned around quite a few firms but I have never attempted a public company. It will be interesting to see how everything develops. Shun Thai is a rubber products maker with manufacturing capabilities in Rayong. With the further development of our commodities real estate arm, getting them back on track is a logical solution. However, if I were to totally turn it around, it will mean taking time off from the existing ERC Group which has been growing by leaps and bounds.... more

- Andy Ong ERC

Don’t sweat the small things to make it in life.

I am in high spirits today! This is despite a cab driver scratching my Maserati, which was of course painful. I am think in life, we often lose focus of what is important. Sure I was very upset that my car was scratched, but what came after that made my day even more.

The first incident. I was thinking of Robin, one of my students from 3 maybe 4 years back. He emailed me to get together a couple of weeks ago but I was flying so much that I could not commit. I have a little time next week so I wanted to catch up with him. Immediately after I sent off the email, my PA gave me a package. It contained the latest issue of Prestige magazine where Robin was featured. It chronicles him as a young successful gentleman who has made his mark in the bath accessories industry at the tender age of 29.He was very kind to mention me as a source of inspiration.... more

- Andy Ong ERC

Passion is everything but maintaining it is tough!

I am on a plane writing this blog message after a tiring business trip. Sometimes, I really wonder what the heck am I doing working so hard when I can take life a little easier. This trip was a 3 city tour of duty again. I really wish ERC’s next generation of leaders can take a certain level of load off me.

It has been 6, 7 years since I decided to impart the knowledge bestowed on me by people far smarter than me. I have absorbed what they taught me and I am grateful as the knowledge has been life changing. Using that knowledge has enabled me to enrich and change my life. From starting businesses successfully to investing for maximum capital appreciation, I have benefitted tremendously.... more

- Andy Ong ERC

A Life Changing Decision!

I have decided that I need to move on. This is quite a momentous occasion for me. In the last few years, I am so happy to make quite a few friends and along the way, I have encountered unpleasant people but that is life. It can never be a bed of roses. But that is what makes life interesting as well. In the last 10 odd years, I have grown our real estate, education and other businesses into forces to be reckoned with. We have acquired land, buildings and our business plays are quite admired by our peers.

After contemplating for the last few days, I have decided to lessen my personal sharing with the general public and devote more time to the businesses I have acquired over the years. I will continue to teach at the current pace for one more year and after that, I will just share with our long term academic students. This will mean I have more time to do a lot more stuff, like actually settling down and getting married. LONG OVERDUE!...more
 
- Andy Ong ERC

I want to party!!

I feel relieved! My decision to teach just one more year has really rejuvenated me! There is light at the end of the tunnel! Just one more year of teaching to go!

Actually I quite like the teaching but it’s the previews that I hate. Lots of skeptics as there are heck a lot of other less credible players around. I don’t blame them but you only have to look at what we have built to judge us. Any other yardstick is pointless. This who can actually go and do it!....more  
 
- Andy Ong ERC

Where are the markets headed?

Hi guys! Many of you have asked me what is happening in the investment markets now. So Ihave decided to split my blog in two sections. One about starting businesses and related stuff. The other will just be pure investments focused.

The stock and property markets seems to in a limbo at the moment. Good news on the domestic front with GDP growth forecasts of 9 to 11 percent is giving cheer. But the European economies, especially Greece and the other PIIG countries, are making people worried....... more

- Andy Ong ERC

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Welcome to my kaffeeklatsch!

Webster's defines kaffeeklatsch as "an informal gathering to drink coffee and chat." It is a perfect analogy for a blog! (And you are welcome even if you don't drink coffee!)... more

Admiraling Support for Online Schools?

A former basketball player who starred at an elite academic institution in college is diving into virtual education. And it's not Arne Duncan.
David Robinson, a retired center who starred at the Naval Academy before going on to a Hall of Fame NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, is unveiling his own virtual school, which will run in conjunction with the Carver Academy, a private elementary school Robinson founded in 2001 in the Texas city where he spent his entire playing career. Unlike his brick-and-mortar venture, the David Robinson Virtual Academy will offer courses to grades K-12... more

Free Tech 4 Teachers

Schoology is a learning management system designed to look and act like a social network. Schoology allows teachers to perform routine tasks like recording attendance and grades. Schoology also provides a platform for giving tests and other assignments online. The social networking aspect of Schoology lies in the interface for posting messages to a large community (whole school), to a smaller community (an individual class), or to individual students. The Schoology interface will look very familiar to anyone that has used Facebook.....more

Online Education Blogs

AcademicInfo is an online education resource center with extensive subject guides, video courses and distance learning information. Our mission is to provide free, independent and accurate information and resources for prospective and current students (and other researchers).... more

21st Century Collaborative

21st Century Collaborative is dedicated to exploring, creating and modeling global connections as a powerful means to improving teaching and learning in the 21st Century.....more

CEO Forum – Leadership in Crisis Workshop (Incorporating Asian Titan Trends)

ERC Institute current students and graduates were invited to attend our CEO Forum on Leadership in Crisis Workshop (Incorporating Asian Titan Trends). The last CEO Forum we had was held during the month of July where we invited Mr. Ang Kong Hwa to conduct the event to share with us his experiences. 

This time, we had two experienced speakers, Mr. Andy Ong and Dr Veeda Maraj to share with us on the following five points;
1) Corporate leadership
a. How do companies emerge stronger from this crisis
2) 5 emerging economic opportunities in 2009
3) Strategies that corporate leaders should adopt
4) Personal leadership
5) How can you take change and have a concrete strategy to achieve you
personal goals

Mr Andy Ong, CEO of ERC Holdings, is well known of his enthusiasm of wealth creation and predicting trends. Dr Veeda Maraj, Academic Director of ERC Institute, is well known for her presentation skills and skills on leadership. A combination of them makes a perfect team for the workshop. 
The participants were very pleased after attending the three hours workshop. 

After the event, the participants had a time to network among themselves, sharing their thoughts and experience with each other while helping themselves with the snacks provided.

A student shared with us on his comments of this event; “Thank you for having us at the CEO forum last evening. Mr Andy and Dr. Veera are impressive.  You got me to ‘wake-up’ again and be more focus. Current financial crisis is tough but am glad to hear of your V-curve prediction. Just want to thank you and hope to see you more.”

Creative Business in the Virtual Gaming World

“Creative Business in the Virtual Gaming World” 11th December 2008, 10.00am to 11.00am, Suntec Level 4
Our ERCI Gaming students have participated in Chris Thompson of Electronic Arts speaking at ATF Keynote on 11 December on the topic of “Creative Business in the Virtual Gaming World”
“Creative Business in the Virtual Gaming World” Asia has been the growth engine for the global gaming industry which in recent years creates an unrivalled momentum which captivated the west and urges them to eye the pie. Mr. Chris Thompson, VP & GM of EA Asia, will examine the unique industry trends and the driving forces behind this global gaming phenomenon.  He will bring us back to Asia and tell how the region could ride the digital wave and become a significant industry player. He will also share his thoughts on the future trends in Asia and the business considerations for content creation and distribution.  

Who are ATF?
Asia Television Forum (ATF 2008) conducted their annual event which is the leading TV programming market in Asia where international television programme exhibitors meet with Asian buyers and partners to sell, buy and network (http://asiatvforum.com/?page=home).
They have Chris Thompson of Electronic Arts speaking at their ATF Keynote on 11 December on the topic of “Creative Business in the Virtual Gaming World” and ATF via SGGA invited ERCI students to participate. ATF provided us complimentary access to this session which held at 10 – 11 am on 11 December, at SUNTEC level 4. 

Career and Education Fair 2009

Career & Education 2009, the largest and most established Career and Education exhibition in Singapore and the region, is a much-anticipated annual event meeting Singapore’s employment and education needs. 
It also provides visitors with an overview of various courses available at leading education institutions both local and overseas, all at one comprehensive event. 
This was the fourth time that ERC Institute participated in this Career and Education Fair. ERC Institute was offering irresistible freebies and scholarships which attracted a huge crowd.
ERCI’s CEO and Academic director was also invited to give seminar talks on Friday and Saturday to benefit the crowd to understand more about what is going on in various industries and how to excel in such times of downturns. 

Macau Industry Familiarization Trip 2009

In a recent trip to Macau, our BBA and MBA students majoring in Tourism & Hospitality Management have gained lots of unforgettable & fulfilling experiences. 

ERC Institute’s students were hosted at the Grand Lisboa Casino, by Ms Serene Chia and her colleagues.  Ms Chia is the Director of Marketing at Grand Lisboa and a true-blue Singaporean, who is enjoying a very successful career in Macau’s casino industry.  The Grand Lisboa is the pride of casino mogul Dr. Stanley Ho, which with its golden lotus shape forms a not-to-be-missed landmark of Macau.

Our students acquired first-hand valuable industry knowledge on casino operations through the engaging and explorative tour and activities held onsite.

As a result of this successful study trip, some of our students have gained more confidence and now feel better equipped for the journey into Singapore’s No.1 Choice in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry!
What is ERC Executive Search?

ERC Executive Search started operation in 2007 focusing in the recruitment and placement of management, professiona land executive staff. Over the years, we have developed a strong talent bank of 20,000 senior executives of diverse industries and background.

We:
•Manage each of our client relationships with the highest degree of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, tact and urgency.

•Have a dedicated team of executive recruiters that are among the most experienced.

•Using a unique full­ service process

•Involve technology and personal service

•Attract top­ quality candidates and client opportunities that results in successful placements.

Do feel free to share with piece of good news with your family and friends. However, ERCI Students and Graduates will always be the priority when it comes to the job  placements.  Log on to http://ercjobs.webfactional.com/ to sign up TODAY!!!!!!!

Thank you.

Making it Right: ERCI to Help Affected Brookes Students

The fraudulent activities resulting in the closure of Brookes Business School has affected and impacted on not only students, but the private education industry in Singapore significantly. As a member of the Association of Private Schools & Colleges (APSC), ERC Institute endorses and supports APSC’s and the Government’s policy on maintaining/improving the professionalism, quality and ethical standards of the industry and denounces the gross misconduct of Brookes Business School to everyone, particularly the students.
ERC Institute sympathizes with the situation facing Brookes Business School students. To assist those affected students by the closure of Brookes Business School, ERC Institute, through our association with APSC, has volunteered to assist with the reallocation of Brookes Business School students, to ensure that they are still able to continue their learning journey and achieve their academic objectives. As a result of our commitment and willingness to assist, as well as being a professionally and academically rigorous SQC PEO, ERC Institute was amongst the select 5 private education institutes invited by APSC to assist affected students and deploy them to other private schools so as to enable them to continue and complete their studies.
Through our participation into this committee, ERC Institute pledges to provide the necessary equitable assistance to affected students by:

1. Evaluating and assessing their academic needs on a case-by-case basis

2. Providing affected students with the opportunity to study a first diploma/degree at ERC Institute for free.

To date, ERC Institute has assisted in the relocation of some 40 affected students to continue their education at ERC Institute for free. We believe that our assistance to these students has helped them to better cope, financially and academically with the unfortunate situation that they are in.

ERC Institute takes this opportunity to stress our commitment towards improving the private education industry in Singapore. We are advocates for professional and ethical behavior, strong corporate governance, integrity and social responsibility to be upheld by private schools & colleges in Singapore to ensure sustainable long-term growth in line with the Government’s policy to encourage Singapore in becoming an education hub. 

ERC Institute would also like to extend our assistance to any other affected students at Brookes Business School, and strongly encourage them to contact any of our consultants as soon as possible for free evaluation and placement into ERC Institute.

ERCI’s First Sports Day Event

Congratulations to all winners! 
ERC Institute has hosted its 1st Annual Sport Day event this year in September 2009 and all thanks to the gusto and engagement from all participants.

Every participant had truly enjoyed themselves to the fullest and played extremely well, exhibiting true blue sportsmanship. Students from different countries were delighted to be given this opportunity to mingle and socialize with each other while keeping fit! 

It has also provided them a chance to build rapport with their school mates out of their classrooms through these healthy team-building activities. Lending support to their favorite teams, loud cheers and whistles from the spectators gave the event a lot more vibrancy. 

The event lasted for 4 hours with beverages and light snacks for everyone. All thanks to our main sponsor Pokka Corporation (Singapore) Private Limited.  ... more
 

ERCI being award Singapore Service Class

ERC Executive SearchCareer & Investment Fair 2010

ERC Executive Search organized its inaugural Career & Investment Fair at Suntec Singapore Concourse on 30 January 2010. The event saw over 39 companies taking part as exhibitors presenting employment and investment opportunities to visitors at the fair. In addition, ERC Institute, the fair’s main sponsor, was also on hand to provide education and upgrading options to visitors. 
The event was held in the wake of the economic crisis in an effort to promote employment opportunities in Singapore’s SMEs. Visitors were encouraged to visit all the booths to find out what positions were available, and as such, potential employers were able to network and hunt for the right people to fill in the positions on offer. In addition, the event offered an interactive platform for visitors to listen to what industry experts had to say about a wide spectrum of investment avenues made available after the economic crisis. 

Career & Training 2010: Education 2010

ERC Institute participated in the recently concluded Career & Training 2010 : Education 2010 Fair held in Suntec Singapore over 4 – 7 March. This event marked the 4th time that ERCI participated in the annual event that saw more than 300 exhibitors from 12 countries, with over 900 education courses in various disciplines at all levels on offer.

ERC Iand its sister company, ERC ExecutiveSearch, teamed up during the event to offer visitors a different experience and approach towards education and career advancement. Visitors to the booth were able to enquire about the various education courses offered by ERCI, ranging from Diplomas to Masters in subjects spanning Business & Entrepreneurship to Finance and Tourism & Hospitality Management. In addition, visitors were also able to enquire about the multitudeof career options available to them through ERC Executive Search that specializes in career search and placement services. As a result, visitors experienced a holistic approach in the enhancement of their education qualifications to attain better career advancements. ...more

ERCI takes part in the Educational A’Fair @ Raffles X’change

In an effort to reach out to the masses, ERCI took part in the Educational A’Fair at Raffles X’Change located in the heart of Raffles MRT Station. The fair, a first organized by Omega Events and supported by CapitaLand and SMRT, was held over 3 – 8 May 2010, and saw 7 other private education providers taking part.

To cater to the financial services crowd, ERCI offered special promotions on its Project Management Programme and Financial Services Programmes. Students who signed up for any of the promotional courses during the fair will receive the coveted Apple iPad once it reaches Singapore’s shores.

Because of the success of the event, ERCI will be taking part in the next Educational A’Fair during 7–12 June 2010.  Look out for us at Raffles X ’ Change during then! Register with us today at www.erci.edu.sg and receive a Free iPad or iPhone! (With any sign up for a Bachelors or Masters Programme)

and receive a Free iPad or iPhone! (With any signup for a Bachelors or Masters Programme)... more

ERC Institute Registered under Enhanced Registration Framework

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