Address by Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Manpower at the Launch of the Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme on 6 October 2009 (Tuesday) at 3:00pm at the DBS Auditorium

Mr Chua Thian Poh

Vice Chairman, Singapore Business Federation

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon

Introduction

I am pleased to be here today for the launch of the Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme. This programme will help companies put in place business continuity management systems to ensure that their operations remain undisrupted in times of a possible flu pandemic.

In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Influenza A H1N1 the dominant influenza in most parts of the world. Fortunately, the current strain of the H1N1 virus has been relatively mild, with a low percentage of fatalities both in Singapore and around the world.

Second Wave of the Influenza A H1N1

While the virus has remained stable genetically and vaccine development is progressing on track, we should not let our guard down. The second wave of flu which has hit the US and Mexico, is expected to be even more widespread. Last week, WHO reported that more than 300,000 cases of H1N1 have been reported throughout the world, and close to 4,000 people have died from the virus. Australia with more than 30,000 cases, announced last month that it would be vaccinating the priority groups who are most vulnerable to the virus.

Strengthening Corporate Resilience

It can be very costly for companies when a flu pandemic strikes. Supplies may be disrupted and critical employees may be affected. Without adequate preparation, business operations may be forced to a standstill. Customers may also inadvertently stay away and it would take some time for businesses to resume their normal operations. The Butter Factory, a popular nightspot at One Fullerton, is an example of a business that has survived the recent flu pandemic as a result of its preparedness.

Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme

Therefore, to help businesses prepare for the flu pandemic, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme by the Singapore Business Federation today. I am also glad to know that Butter Factory is one of the first companies to embark on this programme.

Supported by SPRING Singapore, the Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme targets to assist 1,000 organizations over the course of one year. As part of the $30-million National Business Continuity Management Programme announced last year, it will also serve as a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive BCM implementation that would address other disruptions to the operations of an organization, including terrorism, natural disasters or even an IT network disruption.

The programme ensures that the business continuity measures which participating companies have put in place are comprehensive and effective. This is done through third party verification, by certification bodies accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council and appointed by SPRING Singapore.

Companies can refer to SPRING’s Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Guide: 2009 to prepare for the verification. The guide can be downloaded from both the SBF and SPRING websites. Training workshops will also be conducted by SBF and SPRING to raise companies’ awareness of the Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme.

Conclusion

The Flu Pandemic Business Continuity Programme is based on the principles of the Singapore Standard SS 540 for Business Continuity Management. Once your company is verified under this programme, you would have made the first step towards full BCM adoption. I strongly encourage all companies to take this first step.

On this note, I wish you a very fruitful and successful seminar this afternoon.

Thank you.