Here are some Brands made by SIngaporean companies
- Tiger Balm 🐯
- Nippon Paint
- UIC Detergent
- Osim
- Prima Taste Sauce Kit - Chilli Crab 🦀
I never knew Singapore was so independent in upbringing their own companies. What caught me off guard is Osim. I never knew this internationally well-known brand, Osim was a home brand until today.
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| Photo by OSIM |
The founder of Osim is a Singaporean named Ron Sim Chye Hock who is a businessman and investor. After an estimation of three centuries ago, the businessman saw an opportunity in the healthcare products industry in Singapore.
Here is a brief description of his background:
He comes from a destitute family which led to difficulties to pay for his tertiary studies. At the age of 8, he had to take up odd jobs such as selling prawn noodles and being a waiter to support his family. Albeit, he found out that he has a talent for doing sales.
OSIM
OSIM International Ltd was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Singapore. It offers massage chairs, foot reflexology rollers, diagnostic equipment, neck and shoulders, handheld massagers, and fitness equipment. Initially, it was named Health Check & Care in 1987. In 1994, he decided to rename the company as OSIM, a combination of his own surname, with the "O" to represent the world.
Failures & Successes
When the recession hit Singapore in 1985, it was clear to the young company that the small island nation had no economy of scale and, if the company wanted to grow, it would have to seek out new markets.
The first step overseas was to Hongkong in 1986, followed by moves into Taiwan, Malaysia and China. By the time the Asia financial crisis hit in 1997, they were not affected due to the strength of the brand which has grown to more than 590 OSIM outlets in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. However, just having more stores isn't enough. OSIM's success has attracted a range of competitors and copiers.
Not all of OSIM's moves have gone smoothly, though. During the global financial crisis of 2008, OSIM had to take a write off of " a couple hundred million dollars" for the Brookstone deal. Since then OSIM had become much more structured and systemized, and Sim has taken it upon himself to be more involved in the financial side of things.
Through this research
I am pretty ashamed as I never knew Singapore has the capability of setting up its company of its own. I feel that we should not deem ourselves even though we are just from a little red dot. This has really changed the way I think and broaden my horizon. Understanding Singapore so much more. I always think we are just a small country and is impossible to be successful in Singapore as the others might despise us too. But this has taught me that if I, a Singaporean is ashamed of myself then, of course, the others would not support me too. Most of the successful people does not come from a wealthy family and is it because of their hard work which led them to be successful. To my surprise, Singapore has many capable individuals that can be globally recognized in the future. This has proven to me that Singapore should not undermine their local talents and give them a chance by helping to develop these talents. Also, giving the proper support such as financial schemes etc. instead of looking for foreign talents. After reading up on OSIM, what astounded me was how Mr Ron give a solution to every problem he faced and had never raised the white flag. We should really learn from him for his perseverance and determination no matter what crisis he faced. Today, I am really proud to say I am a Singaporean.
If I were an inventor
I would like to invent a machine with a medical AI inside to be able to form formulae of medicine to cure any diseases such as cancer, aids or uncommon illness. For instance, if a pregnant lady found out that her fetus has development issues. There will be medicine to cure the issue. This would give a chance for the fetus to live. Every life is precious, and I perceived we should cherish and protect each an every life the best we can! Thus, I would love to create such machine to save every life. Since I am taking Food Science and Technology for my diploma, I would be learning science and I can pursue in the medical field for my degree. Maybe one day, I will be able to invent this! And I would proudly say I am a Singaporean.
Failures & Successes
When the recession hit Singapore in 1985, it was clear to the young company that the small island nation had no economy of scale and, if the company wanted to grow, it would have to seek out new markets.
The first step overseas was to Hongkong in 1986, followed by moves into Taiwan, Malaysia and China. By the time the Asia financial crisis hit in 1997, they were not affected due to the strength of the brand which has grown to more than 590 OSIM outlets in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. However, just having more stores isn't enough. OSIM's success has attracted a range of competitors and copiers.
Not all of OSIM's moves have gone smoothly, though. During the global financial crisis of 2008, OSIM had to take a write off of " a couple hundred million dollars" for the Brookstone deal. Since then OSIM had become much more structured and systemized, and Sim has taken it upon himself to be more involved in the financial side of things.
Through this research
I am pretty ashamed as I never knew Singapore has the capability of setting up its company of its own. I feel that we should not deem ourselves even though we are just from a little red dot. This has really changed the way I think and broaden my horizon. Understanding Singapore so much more. I always think we are just a small country and is impossible to be successful in Singapore as the others might despise us too. But this has taught me that if I, a Singaporean is ashamed of myself then, of course, the others would not support me too. Most of the successful people does not come from a wealthy family and is it because of their hard work which led them to be successful. To my surprise, Singapore has many capable individuals that can be globally recognized in the future. This has proven to me that Singapore should not undermine their local talents and give them a chance by helping to develop these talents. Also, giving the proper support such as financial schemes etc. instead of looking for foreign talents. After reading up on OSIM, what astounded me was how Mr Ron give a solution to every problem he faced and had never raised the white flag. We should really learn from him for his perseverance and determination no matter what crisis he faced. Today, I am really proud to say I am a Singaporean.
I would like to invent a machine with a medical AI inside to be able to form formulae of medicine to cure any diseases such as cancer, aids or uncommon illness. For instance, if a pregnant lady found out that her fetus has development issues. There will be medicine to cure the issue. This would give a chance for the fetus to live. Every life is precious, and I perceived we should cherish and protect each an every life the best we can! Thus, I would love to create such machine to save every life. Since I am taking Food Science and Technology for my diploma, I would be learning science and I can pursue in the medical field for my degree. Maybe one day, I will be able to invent this! And I would proudly say I am a Singaporean.
Reference
- URLhttp://thinkbusiness.nus.edu/article/osim/
- Website TitleThinkBusiness Zheng He Exploration and collaboration Comments
- Article TitleOSIM and the use of celebrity marketing
- Date Accessed6 May, 2018

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