The heartbeat of one of Singapore’s fastest rising small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is the simple and refreshing belief of “prospering thy neighbor” along with yourself.
On that principle, Pinnacle Motors became one of the main sponsors of the SME Fiesta. Says CEO Valerie Tan: “It is the very core of entrepreneurship that when others prosper, you prosper with them. The SME Fiesta was a dream to bring together like-minded entrepreneurs and business people to market their expertise, services and products.”
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Started with the desire to contribute to the current economy and job market, the SME Fiesta was a showcase for businesses and their products, capitalizing on the heavy human traffic thronging Singapore Expo over the Easter weekend.
The SME Fiesta is only one of Pinnacle’s contributions to society. In December 2007, the company also threw a party for a children’s home, repainting and refurbishing its premises. In 2008, it also introduced cars that ran on compressed natural gas, which reduces the carbon emission coming from vehicles on Singapore roads.
As proof of its belief that prospering others begats prosperity, Pinnacle Motors enjoyed a chain of successes in 2008, including being the first company in the region to attain the coveted ISO 9001: 2000 certification by TÜV SÜD. Pinnacle Motors is a leader in the car industry and its brand recall among Singaporeans is high, having been in the limelight often for its phenomenal success, particularly in the last year.
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| PHOTOS: Xaiver Tan |
In the midst of the moans and groans of the current bleak economy, Pinnacle Motors projects a voice of refreshing optimism. The company now has a disarmingly bold target to reach 100 countries in the next few years, from the 40 it now already reaches. Tan explains: “Even in these difficult times, there is good business to be made. The potential for the car industry is still great and we have every intention of being part of that growth. As for establishing Pinnacle International in 100 countries, we are not limiting ourselves to merely car sales; we are also involved in the export of car parts, CKD (complete knock down) cars, CNG equipment and car accessories. Our goal is to meet the car needs of our target markets.”
Her advice to companies on staying successful in the recession: “Do not be affected by the negative news you hear every day. It should not affect you if you know your destination and the routes to take. Indecisiveness is the riskiest response to the uncertainties of an economic crisis and staying focus on your course is crucial.”
Ultimately, she feels the key to success lies in one’s own self-belief. “There are two businessmen. One thinks he will succeed and the other thinks he will fail. Who do you think is right?
“Both are.”
