Globalization and the Rise of China: Their Impact on Ethnic Chinese Business in Singapore

The purpose of this paper is to make attempt to assess the impact of globalization and the rise of China on ethnic Chinese business in Singapore. Globalization poses both threats and opportunities to all businesses. The major threats are the financial crisis and the severe competition on a global scale. The opportunities, among others include a much larger international market which allows the enjoyment of economies of scale and specialization. The existence of a virtual market on global scale also provides ample opportunities for ethnic Chinese business to exploit for their economic gains. Ethnic Chinese businesses in Singapore, despite their structural weaknesses, were able to weather the storm of the Asian Financial Crisis with government assistance. The rise of China with its open door policy also provides ample opportunities for these businesses to exploit their ethnic advantage in their investment in China. Nevertheless, the ventures also brought about painful experience, arising from cultural differences. Of significance is the stiff competition provided by mainland Chinese businesses in the third country’s markets, not to mention the issues of hollowing-out effect and offshore outsourcing. In the face of globalization and the rise of China, the focus of the Singapore government policy is to enhance these ethnic Chinese businesses’ capabilities so that they can be effective partners in a tripartite alliance among government-linked corporations, multinational corporations and SMEs in their venturing abroad, especially investment in China.