Question

Mr Desmond Choo: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how has the Pro-Enterprise Panel helped businesses in Singapore; and (b) what are the future plans for the panel.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. The Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP) is a private-public panel chaired by the Head of Civil Service. The PEP seeks to enable a business-friendly environment by regularly reviewing Government rules and regulations to encourage innovation, streamline processes and minimise compliance costs for businesses. Since its inception in 2000, the PEP has initiated more than 1,100 changes in rules or regulations across various industries and domains.

2. For example, PEP fostered collaborations between the private and public sectors led to the development of the Gobusiness portal, a one stop portal that allows users to gain access to over 300 Government-to-Business services, such as registering a business and applying for licences and grants.

3. The PEP also facilitated the introduction of novel business ideas like Drive lah’s peer-to-peer car sharing model, The Gym Pod, a 24/7 pay-per-use unmanned container gyms in parks and HDB Estates, and the Shipping Container Hotel, who have just launched their third venue at Gardens by the Bay.

4. We are in an era where new technologies and business models emerge constantly to disrupt traditional ones. Going forward, the PEP will focus greater attention on making our regulations more agile and smart to enable businesses to seize new opportunities while safeguarding public safety and interest.

5. Together with our PEP members, agencies, and industry partners, we will create an environment in Singapore for businesses to grow and innovate.