BALANCING ACT: Watching Murata Boy traverse a narrow beam at the opening of Enterprise Exchange are Mr Lim (second from right) and other officials. The robot has a gyro sensor below his bicycle seat that detects slants and turning movements while helping to maintain balance. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

These were just a couple of the more eye-catching innovations and products being showcased at this year's Global Entrepolis @ Singapore (GES) extravaganza.

The exhibition, known as the Enterprise Exchange, is an international affair, with 350 firms from more than 30 countries, including China, India, Israel and even as far afield as Ukraine.

'It is a highlight event that allows any company to reach a large audience of enterprises and investors from all over the world,' said Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang, who was guest of honour at the exhibition's opening yesterday.

Entrepreneurs, small businesses, as well as big corporations, are using the chance to showcase their innovations, products and services, with the aim of forging partnerships and attracting investments.

Japanese electronics components maker Murata Electronics impressed delegates with Murata Boy, a bicycle-riding robot capable of stunts such as manoeuvring meandering courses, balancing on a beam and even reverse parking.

Home-grown firms also caught the eye of delegates.

BIG Interactive is patenting a technology with a complicated name: steganographic embedded non-invasive advertising.

Put simply, it allows advertisers to embed hidden cryptographic code behind movie or video images. When viewers see something they like in a movie, for example, James Bond's tie, they can click on the tie, where a code has been embedded. It then transmits information, such as where the product can be bought, to the viewer's e-mail address or mobile phone.

Another local start-up, Agro Genesis, makes organic plant nutrients that are safe enough to be consumed by people. It is looking for business partners to expand in growth markets.

Mr Lim said the number of start-ups formed in Singapore has soared by 40 per cent annually over the past five years to 45,600 last year.

Businesses are also able to tap into $19 billion worth of funds provided by more than 175 venture capital firms in Singapore, he said.

The exhibition featured several exciting debuts. There was the launch of the Dubai Entrepreneur Business Village, an initiative of the Dubai government to attract and develop small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses seeking to expand in the Middle East.

The one million sq ft development, costing 480 million UAE dirhams (S$190 million), will be completed next year. It will provide a suite of accounting, financial, legal and other support services all in the same location.

'Our focus is to eliminate the complexities inherent in finding, setting up and operating a business in Dubai,' said project director Muneeb Abdulrazzaq Kazim, adding that GES is a good platform to attract not only Singapore firms but also those in the Asean region and China.

Also making its debut at the event was the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham), to further strengthen trade relations with Singapore and the Asean region in general.

'Our target is to attract new businesses, especially in the sustainable energy, solar energy and clean renewable energy sector,' said Ms Jutta de Petrini, executive director of EuroCham Singapore. 'This is certainly where we think Europe and Singapore have a big interest in cooperating.'

The biggest booth is Vietnam's, led by Ho Chi Minh City's Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, to attract foreign investment.

yanhw@sph.com.sg

MAKING IT SIMPLE

'Our focus is to eliminate the complexities inherent in finding, setting up and operating a business in Dubai.'

MR KAZIM, project director of Dubai Entrepreneur Business Village, which will provide a suite of accounting, financial, legal and other support services to firms

MAKING IT ATTRACTIVE

'Our target is to attract new businesses, especially in the sustainable energy, solar energy and clean renewable energy sector.'

MS DE PETRINI, executive director of EuroCham Singapore