Excellence in Adversity
The Singapore economy is expected to show slow recovery of 3.5 to 4 per cent in 2013. The same modest growth of 2 to 4 per cent is also to be expected in 2014. A certain degree of volatility still shrouds the Singapore economy with the eventual tapering of QE3 and the debt ceiling issue in the US; the possible recurrence of sovereign debt crises in Europe’s peripheral economies; and China’s policy adjustments to rebalance the economy.
Amidst the uncertainties and slow growth that shrouded 2013, Singapore continues to take the top spot in The World Bank’s Doing Business 2014 report. A high ranking on the ease of doing business index denotes that the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm. The aggregate ranking on the ease of doing business is based on the following indicators: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.
Singapore is also ranked as the second most competitive economy in the world on The Global Competitiveness Index 2013–2014 rankings, scoring high in the areas of economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
Global Yellow Pages Limited (GYP) believes that despite the modest global economic advancement, we can still push forward and unearth opportunities within Singapore. A leading publisher of consumer, business and trade directories, GYP takes pride in helping the Singapore economy via its Singapore Information Services Pte Ltd (INSIS) trade directories.
Architecture Real Estate Construction Design (ARCd) is one such INSIS directory and its goal is aligned with the Singapore government’s vision of enhancing trade growth between Singapore and the world. We are pleased to present the 2014 edition for local and foreign corporations and entrepreneurs.
In this edition, you will find comprehensive listings of Singapore-based architectural, construction, loans no check, real estate and design companies looking to expand their footprint in the overseas markets. This edition also contains vital contact information for embassies, foreign trade promotion agencies and foreign business associations based in Singapore.
We have also amplified ARCd’s value for its users by expanding the Industry Awards section this year. Apart from Singapore winners at the World Architecture Festival, we also feature the winners of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Awards; Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Architectural Design Awards; the inaugural SIA-Rigel Bathroom Design Awards; the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Champions; BCA Universal Design Awards; and BCA Construction Excellence Awards. We also have the winners of NPark’s Skyrise Greenery Awards, and developments that have been LEAF (Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework) certified.
This edition also features a select few companies in the new Featured Companies section. Our website, INSIS.com, has been up and functional since its launch in 2012, connecting Singapore businesses to the rest of the world online, 24/7. You can find a sample e-book on our website too.
Singapore’s continued impressive performance in The World Bank’s Doing Business report and The Global Competitiveness Report despite the gloomy economic outlook motivates GYP to further purse higher standards as part of the national effort to promote Singapore business interests worldwide as well as building bridges with foreign companies who wish to engage Singapore businesses.
We hope that you will find the expanded ARCd 2014 more useful and valuable than ever before, and trust that it will continue to open doors of opportunities to those who use it.
Freddie Tan
Publishing Director
Global Yellow Pages Limited