Packaging is Paramount

In my last post, I was talking about the value-add of me when conducting business with the Caucasians and the Chinese. Since the product is from China, and the user is from US, why is there a need for me to be there? I possess the know-how of the system and understand the requirements of the customer. Although the Chinese can manufacture the thing we want, they lack the ability to provide the final touches. But I am able to deliver the product desirable to the customer. It is neither magic nor uphill tasks that I have to take. It is the simple knowledge and experience that I have gained from my work in Singapore. Packaging is so important in this modern world. You can make a very good product, but without a proper packaging, it loses its shine. I liken my service in this case as being a gift wrapper, giving the gift the final touch so appealing to the recipient. Of course the Chinese are smart and will learn the ropes very soon. So what do I do? It is the continuation of our innovation and improvement of services to the customer that keep us ahead of our suppliers or competitors.

Korean car manufacturer, Hyundai, can't make engines as good as the Japanese, but are able to keep their car sales on par with Japanese because they can continue to keep their car outlook so appealing that give their Japanese competitors a run for their money. HTC phone is considered a late comer in mobile phone market but it is making a big impact because its appealing look and feel, nevermind if it is really as good as the iPhone. The essence in making a product is not about making it so perfect. It is about making it desirable to the user. When profits start rolling in, it is when you take this money to invest in further development for the version 2, 3 onwards.

Coming back on the point about my experience and know-how that put me on the edge. As Singaporeans, we are considered the most westernized Asia. The cosmopolitan environment of Singapore gives us the exposure to the world. Also, as a first world country, our level of expertise is on par with the western world. It is not that we have to idolize the Americans or Europeans or try to be like them. As a small country like ours, we have to keep ourselves abreast with things. The only resource we have is our brains. We do not have deep oil wells like the Arabs have that can last them another 150 years. We have to capitalize on our strengths and continue to provide the services the world needs. The last thing we want to be, is to be complacent about ourselves.

MM Lee once said something which has set in my mind deeply. He said the world will continue to exist and operate even without the existence of Singapore. But the world will change if America or China ceases to exist. I would liken Singapore as a small puddle of water alongside a wide flowing river. If we do not do anything to this puddle of water, it will be stagnated and eventually be dried up by the sun. We have to deliberately create an inlet and outlet to divert some water in and flow out. Then the puddle water will not dry up and will always be kept alive by the flowing river.