SIX more corporations have joined Sport Singapore's Sports Excellence (Spex) Business Network, putting their weight behind local athletes to help provide them with a smooth transition from their athletic to their professional careers.

Amore Fitness, Borneo Motors Singapore, DBS Bank, Deloitte Singapore, DHL Supply Chain and Sakae Holdings were announced on Thursday to be the latest partners on the network, bringing the total number of companies on the scheme since it was launched last year to 13. The network helps drive the spexCareer scheme and provides support in the form of internships, apprenticeships, job placements and flexible workplace practices for athletes.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, who chairs the High Performance Sports Selection and Performance sub-committee, also named seven industry leaders who formed the inaugural spexBusiness Advisory Panel. The panel, appointed on a two-year term, will be headed by SAS Institute's regional vice-president and managing director for Asia Pacific (South) Tan Yen Yen.

The panel will help ensure the successful implementation of the spexBusiness network. Said Ms Tan: "It's my pleasure to work with business leaders who believe in supporting our athletes who have put in plenty of sacrifices and dedication to bring glory to our country. Collectively, we (the panel) bring to the table a wealth of experience and connections and we are confident that we can contribute positively as part of Team Singapore."