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Apr 6, 2010
Don't let ornamental fish trade die out
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I REFER to last Saturday's report, 'Ornamental fish trade in danger of drying up'. It struck an emotional chord in me as I felt I was about to witness the gradual but sure extermination of a 'made-in-Singapore' international product.
Even though the ornamental fish industry is worth a lot and businesses are apparently thriving, the actions of the Government seem to indicate reluctance to support this industry further. The short land lease coupled with a serious shortfall in land allocation to compensate them for their eviction will surely drive them to extinction.
Perhaps the Government prefers to focus on knowledge-based industries it deems have better prospects or are more prestigious such as biomedicine. However, instead of sidelining other industries deemed less favourable, it should actively nurture growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have a more balanced mix.
Moreover, the ornamental fish industry in Singapore has already created a niche - which is growing - in the world market, and has positioned itself as part of a globally prestigious Singapore brand which offers variety, quantity and quality of goods. It would be a shame if this branded 'made-in-Singapore' product was no longer offered in the international market.
Furthermore, supportive government intervention will send a positive signal to a potentially huge pool of entrepreneurs eager to try their hand in a different industry. More would be inclined to venture out, knowing the Government is fully supportive of its people and their businesses.
Cheryl Chen (Ms)
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Don't let ornamental fish trade die out
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
I REFER to last Saturday's report, 'Ornamental fish trade in danger of drying up'. It struck an emotional chord in me as I felt I was about to witness the gradual but sure extermination of a 'made-in-Singapore' international product.
Even though the ornamental fish industry is worth a lot and businesses are apparently thriving, the actions of the Government seem to indicate reluctance to support this industry further. The short land lease coupled with a serious shortfall in land allocation to compensate them for their eviction will surely drive them to extinction.
Perhaps the Government prefers to focus on knowledge-based industries it deems have better prospects or are more prestigious such as biomedicine. However, instead of sidelining other industries deemed less favourable, it should actively nurture growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have a more balanced mix.
Moreover, the ornamental fish industry in Singapore has already created a niche - which is growing - in the world market, and has positioned itself as part of a globally prestigious Singapore brand which offers variety, quantity and quality of goods. It would be a shame if this branded 'made-in-Singapore' product was no longer offered in the international market.
Furthermore, supportive government intervention will send a positive signal to a potentially huge pool of entrepreneurs eager to try their hand in a different industry. More would be inclined to venture out, knowing the Government is fully supportive of its people and their businesses.
Cheryl Chen (Ms)
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