In Q2 2018, IE Singapore and SPRING Singapore will merge to form Enterprise Singapore. Enterprise Singapore will enable the growth of Singapore companies through an integrated support network to build business capabilities and access overseas markets.

As an enterprise development agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, SPRING Singapore works closely with SMEs to help them build and strengthen business capabilities, drive industry growth and create opportunities for businesses to collaborate for sustainable growth. Neha Gandhi, recipient of the SPRING Executive Development Scholarship (EDS), discusses her role in the organisation in helping businesses pave the way to success. 

A PASSION FOR BUSINESS

Joining SPRING Singapore appealed to Neha because of the nature of its work that deals with businesses and entrepreneurs. In the longer term, Neha aspires to either start or lead a business entity and she was on the lookout for learning opportunities that would equip her with the necessary business acumen skills. 

As manager of SPRING Singapore’s Enterprise Services and Partnership Team, her primary goal is to identify potential obstacles which may impede SMEs’ success, and to develop the necessary solutions to help overcome those hurdles. Part of her job entails structuring and nurturing partnerships with multiple parties, which include SMEs, trade associations and chambers, centres for innovation and financial institutions. 

BRIDGING STUDY AND WORK LIFE
Neha believes the EDS scholarship was crucial in equipping her with the skills needed to transit from student to working life. During her undergraduate days, she interned with SPRING Singapore’s Quality and Excellence Group, in one of the teams that look into the Business and Service Excellence. This gave Neha the opportunity to not just learn about exemplary business practices, but to also meet and hear from the business leaders of various organisations. 

Under the scholarship, Neha also spent a semester at Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics in the Netherlands. It was truly a unique experience for her as unlike the seminar styled education in Singapore, the university adopted a student-led approach. 

AN ATTITUDE FOR EXCELLENCE

Training aside, Neha’s can-do spirit, openness and proactiveness helps her make the best of her experiences at work. She admits that at times, it can be difficult to balance the interests of SPRING with that of the partners she supports. However, she believes this can be overcome by consciously taking the perspective of the different stakeholders into consideration objectively, and making the effort to gain their trust. 

Beyond work, Neha is also a member of the yoga and running interest groups in SPRING. Additionally, as a member of the SPRINGCares Green committee, she helps the company organise nature walks, recycling and up-cycling initiatives as well as quizzes for the entire organisation. 

When asked about the future, she says, “The work of SPRING is very diverse, spanning across industries, capability areas and growth stages of enterprises. I look forward to exploring various other areas within SPRING, and further honing my collaborative project management skills. 

View SPRING Singapore scholarships here.