SINGAPORE: At the recent Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) Awards 2023, Minister of State Low Yen Lin from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth encouraged business owners in Singapore to seize the numerous opportunities available to expand their operations beyond local borders and tap into new markets for international growth. Minister Low pointed out the crucial role of FLA (Singapore) in supporting local companies and individuals as they develop their franchising expertise and embark on regional expansion.
“In the next three years, EnterpriseSG will continue to work with FLA (Singapore) on several initiatives. This includes developing partnerships with multipliers, overseas associations and in-market partners to increase FLA’s touchpoints with the industry. In addition, new WSQ courses will be launched, like those teaching how to use licensing as a business opportunity and strategy. I encourage companies to take advantage of these training resources by FLA (Singapore) to harness franchising and licensing to expand their business,” said MOS Low in her speech at the FLA Awards and gala dinner ceremony held on Nov 15 at the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.
“Another key role of FLA (Singapore) is to help Singapore internationalise. It leads Singapore businesses to overseas franchise tradeshows and conducts deep-dive workshops on various markets. This year, FLA (Singapore) led a group of companies to exhibit at franchise tradeshows in Japan and the Philippines. I encourage business owners to contact FLA (Singapore) to showcase their brand overseas and engage with potential in-market partners,” the Minister of State added.
In his address at the awards ceremony, FLA (Singapore) president Dickson Low outlined the association’s plan for the upcoming years, aiming to empower its members to capitalize on the thriving franchising landscape and effectively navigate the complexities of expanding their businesses overseas.
“Franchising and licensing are the driving forces behind accelerated business growth in today’s dynamic economic landscape. At FLA (Singapore), we proudly lead the way in recognising and celebrating excellence in this impactful industry. Our unwavering commitment to raising standards and fostering a vibrant community of franchise professionals sets the stage for Singapore to emerge as the hub of franchising and licensing in Asia,” shared FLA (Singapore) president Low.
“Supported by ESG through the LEAD (Local Enterprise and Association Development) Programme, FLA is excited to work with partners to develop and launch five new WSQ Franchise and License courses over the next three years. Some of the topics will be related to Franchise agreements & legalities, franchise lead generation, strategic engagements during tradeshows, franchisee selection criteria, understanding consumer behaviour, design and licensing strategy, etc. The association strives to equip companies to build their in-house franchise capabilities as well as to introduce licensing as an alternative business channel,” explained the FLA (Singapore) president.
Low added that FLA (Singapore) has actively spearheaded the participation of Singapore companies in international franchise tradeshows, including Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) in November 2022, Tokyo (Japan) in February 2023, FLAsia in Singapore in August 2023, and Manila (Philippines) last month. He also announced that the association will participate in FLAsia tradeshows in Malaysia and Indonesia next year.
At the ceremony, 24 awards were presented across 11 categories, with 7-Eleven Singapore as the overall winner of the prestigious ‘Franchisor of the Year’. They operate almost 500 stores across the islands, with over half being franchised, capturing a substantial 70% market share.
“From our May 2021 debut to acquiring our sixth outlet at Woodlands Circle on September 1st, 2023, we’ve been on an exhilarating journey of exponential growth. Our partnership with 7-Eleven Singapore has been an exciting ride, and this achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to expansion,” said Jaymes Lee Kim Meng from 88 Enterprises, a franchisee of 7-Eleven Singapore and the runner-up for ‘Franchisee Of The Year’.
The overall winner of the ‘International Franchisor of the Year’ is JUMBO Seafood, which serves Singapore’s award-winning Chilli Crab dish. It has a remarkable presence in the international market, with 23 outlets worldwide, comprising 11 franchised and 12 corporate-owned locations.
Below is the full list of winners from the Franchising and Licensing Association Awards 2023:
Competitive Awards
- Promising Franchisor Of The Year
Overall Winner: GOPIZZA
Runner Up: Hovi Care
- Franchisor Of The Year
Overall Winner: 7-Eleven Singapore
Runner Up (F&B): JUMBO Seafood
Runner Up (Lifestyle): Inspire Brands Asia (Anytime Fitness)
2nd Runner Up: Subway
- International Franchisor Of The Year
Overall Winner (F&B): JUMBO Seafood
Overall Winner (Lifestyle): Inspire Brands Asia (Anytime Fitness)
Runner Up: Subway
2nd Runner Up: Kopitiam Asia Pacific (OldTown)
- Promising Licensor Of The Year
Overall Winner: Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
- Franchisee Of The Year
Overall Winner: HHH Enterprise (Poke Theory), Nicole Hoang, Managing Director
Runner Up: 88 Enterprises (7-Eleven Singapore), Jaymes Lee, Franchise Owner
2nd Runner Up: Ashba Pte Ltd (Inspire Brands Asia – Anytime Fitness), Eugenio Palmieri, Co-Owner
Recognition Awards
- Innovation Business
Winner: VeganBurg
- Established Franchisor
Winner (Platinum Level) : Subway
Winner (Gold Level) : Kopitiam Asia Pacific (OldTown)
- Commendable International Franchise Partner
Winner (Thailand): C J Seafood Company Limited (JUMBO Seafood), Malida Chinsupakul (Candy), Director
Winner (Philippines): AF247 Inc. (Inspire Brands Asia – Anytime Fitness), Eugenio Palmieri, Co-Owner
- Franchise Executive
Winner: Aaron Cheng (7-Eleven Singapore): Winner
- Franchise Manager
Winner: Tan Chiah Liang (JUMBO Seafood)
Winner: Kelvin Sia (GOPIZZA)
- Franchise Leader
Winner: Ang Kiam Meng (JUMBO Seafood)
Winner: David Leong (Subway)