How The Workshop helps companies to expand in Asia
By Brandon Chia
The Workshop by the Economic Development Board empowers participants with free, customised insights from experts that help these companies on their growth journey.
The Workshop, launched by EDB, is a free, personalised consultation platform that provides one-hour, confidential sessions with expert partners who deliver customised advice on market entry, talent, incorporation, infrastructure, banking, and finance. Image: Canva.
In an uncertain global economy, Singapore remains a stable hub for companies targeting Asia and beyond.
Its strategic location, supported by 28 free trade agreements including RCEP and CPTPP, ensures smooth cross-border trade. Singapore’s vibrant innovation ecosystem-with over 4,500 startups, 400 venture capital firms, and a strong talent pool-enables businesses to build and scale effectively.
Success in Asia demands tailored strategies that address diverse markets, regulations, talent, and consumer preferences. A generic approach no longer works.
To meet this need, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) launched The Workshop in June 2023 as a free, personalised consultation platform that bridges ambition and action for companies expanding into Southeast Asia.
What The Workshop offers
The Workshop provides one-hour, confidential sessions with expert partners who deliver customised advice on market entry, talent, incorporation, infrastructure, banking, and finance. These experts tailor insights to each company’s sector and growth stage, enabling faster, informed decisions and smoother market entry.
Applying is simple: companies fill a brief online form and are matched with the right expert for a free, personalised session addressing key topics like “Banking seamlessly across SEA,” “Growing revenue in APAC,” and “Hiring made easy across borders.”
Real impact for businesses
Fuel Ventures Asia, a UK venture capital firm, used The Workshop to develop targeted hiring strategies for Singapore and the region, leveraging local talent ecosystems and cost structures.
“The Workshop clarified key operational and strategic aspects for our expansion in Asia, with Singapore as a vital hub,” said Strategy Manager Qianru Zhang.
Coval Technologies, a Singapore-based chemical manufacturer, refined its distributor strategy, pricing, and go-to-market plans across Southeast Asia through The Workshop.
CEO Mike Ellsworth highlighted how the guidance helped create a scalable roadmap leveraging Singapore’s strengths in IP protection and government support.
Expert partners and seamless access
Recognising that today’s businesses are more diverse and operate differently than before, EDB listened closely to feedback from international companies navigating Asia’s complexities.
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The Workshop connects companies to six leading partners: Acclime and Hawksford for incorporation, Asia Market Entry for market insights, G-P and Pasona for talent acquisition, and DBS for banking and finance. These partners have decades of experience supporting global businesses in Asia.
This public sector-led innovation complements EDB’s traditional engagement by providing flexible, self-service access to actionable insights. It reinforces Singapore’s role as a launchpad for companies seeking to tap ASEAN’s integrated market and Asia’s growth opportunities.
Your next step
For corporate leaders ready to understand Singapore and Asia better, The Workshop offers personalised, expert guidance to build, expand, and lead in the region. Register for your session today at this link.
The author is a Singapore-based digital marketer and product manager with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). He serves as the head of product for The Workshop.