The 'Top Ten Internationalising SMEs' category will be a new addition to the Singapore International(SI) 100 ranking, an annual search now into its fourth year, to recognise Singapore firms which have achieved success abroad.

Among last year's top winners were Neptune Orient Lines, Jardine Cycle & Carriage, SingTel, Wilmar International and Singapore Airlines.

The decision to introduce a category for budding enterprises is a timely one to reflect the growing number of SMEs seeking growth opportunities in foreign markets, said DP Information's managing director Chen Yew Nah, a member of the organising committee.

Deputy chief executive officer of Internaional Enterprise Singapore Ted Tan, who is also chairman of this year's steering committee, said a high level of recognition can help companies build their credibiltiy and reputation for their overseas business ventures.

'Even small companies today, internationalisation is important for them because if they are looking for sustainable growth, they have to look beyond our shores,' he said on Tuesday.

SI100 ranks Singapore's top 100 companies based on highest overseas revenue and performance in nine key markets, including China, Europe, India, the Middle East and North Africa.

To qualify, companies must be in operation for at least two years, and profitable for the financial year 2007. They will then be ranked on their audited sales revenue from overseas markets for the financial year 2007.