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BT PODCASTS
Published: JUL 24, 2024
Xero invests in your growth
This episode was brought to you by
Koren Wines
managing director for Asia at Xero
In this episode of BT Podcasts, hosted by Howie Lim, the focus is on the challenges and solutions for small-and medium-sized enterprises amid economic and environmental crises, and features an insightful conversation with Koren Wines, Managing Director for Asia at Xero.
Koren discusses the financial struggles faced by SMEs, particularly cash flow issues, and how these impact growth and sustainability efforts. She highlights the increasing pressure on SMEs to balance financial stability with environmental responsibility, alongside the rising costs of raw materials and energy bills. The conversation delves into the competitive market conditions in Singapore, where SMEs struggle against larger corporations due to limited resources.
Koren emphasises the importance of adopting digital tools and A.I. technologies to improve efficiencies and maintain competitiveness.
Highlights
01:21 03:39 06:19 09:24
12:01 13:12
Perennial challenges SMEs face
Cash is still king; combatting cash flow issues
How to overcome resistance to tech adoption
Solutions SMEs should utilise
Imperative SMEs become independent
Xero’s Beautiful Business Fund
Produced by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg), Claressa Monteiro & Lee Kim Siang Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro
btvisual: CHARMAINE MARTIN
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She acknowledges the psychological and financial barriers to tech adoption and praises Singapore's government initiatives that support SMEs through grants and training programmes. Additionally, Koren introduces Xero's initiatives like the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, supporting SMEs with resources to adopt new technologies and develop skills.
The episode underscores the critical role of SMEs in the global economy and the need for continued support to help them thrive in challenging times, highlighting Xero's commitment to making life better for people in business.
(Ep 40)
More about: Private assets – the opportunity to uncover gems in an uncertain world
Beautiful Business Fund | Sign-up | Judges
Produced by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg), Claressa Monteiro & Lee Kim Siang Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro
btvisual: JOANNA LUM
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