SBF Research & Reports
Building Deep Insights for Tomorrow’s Actions
Curating business sentiments, market trends, best practices, and experiences from successful companies that will inspire insights in driving your business. Discover new perspectives as you put SBF research and data behind your plans.
For queries and more information, please email .
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National Business Survey
The National Business Survey is one of the key surveys conducted by SBF. It seeks to identify the needs, concerns and future plans of SBF members.
The survey covers the following areas:
- Sentiments on Singapore and the global economy
- Concerns and issues faced by members locally and abroad
- Insights into members’ business strategies
- Feedback on the Singapore Budget measures
- Feedback on economic restructuring
- Areas of assistance required by members and the business community
The results of the survey are shared with the Singapore Government as input for the Singapore Budget. With the results of the survey, SBF is also better able to understand the needs of the Singapore business community to address them effectively.Latest Survey
2021/22 Survey Deck, Infographics & Summary Report. Click here to view the National Business Survey 2021/22 video.
Past Surveys
2020/21 Summary Report & Infographics. The detailed report can be purchased here. Click here to view the National Business Survey 2020/21 video.
2019/20 Summary Report, Infographics & Web Infographics The detailed report can be purchased here. (Click here to view the National Business Survey 2019/20 video.)
2018/19 Summary Report & Infographics. The detailed report can be purchased here. (Click here to view the National Business Survey 2018/19 video.)
2017/18 Summary Report & Infographics. The detailed report can be purchased here.
2016/17 Summary Report & Infographics. The detailed report can be purchased here.
2015/16
2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
2011/12
2010/11 -
Business Sentiment Indices
SBF SME Internationalisation Index
A handy reference for companies who want to expand to international markets. This bi-annual, six-month forward-looking international business indicator identifies SME sentiments towards overseas markets with an easy-to-digest review of overseas market opportunities, challenges, and best practices.
Latest Survey2022: Q2 Video 2021: Q4 SBF-Experian SME Index Survey
The SBF-Experian SME Index is a six-month forward-looking Index which measures the sentiments of SMEs in the areas of turnover, profitability and capacity utilisation. This index is based on some 3,000 interviews with SME owners and managers, and the financial performance of SMEs over the five industry sectors: Business Services, Commerce/Trading, Construction/Engineering, Manufacturing, and Transport/Storage. Launched in 2009, the SBF-Experian SME Index is a joint initiative by Experian and SBF.
Latest Survey2021: Q1 Past Surveys
2020: Q1 Q3 Q4 2019: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2018: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2016: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2014: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 The survey is conducted immediately after the Singapore Budget measures are announced. It covers:
- Business sentiments;
- Views on the usefulness of the Budget measures;
- Feedback on what more could have been done;
- Further areas of assistance required by businesses.
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Post-Budget Business Surveys/Polls
Post-Budget Survey
SBF conducts a post-budget survey immediately after the Singapore Budget measures are announced every year to obtain feedback. We do this as part of our ongoing role as the bridge between businesses and the Government to create and enhance a conducive business environment.
The survey covers the following areas:
- Business sentiments
- Views on the usefulness of the Budget measures
- Feedback on what more could have been done
- Further areas of assistance required by businesses
The results of the survey are shared with the Government.
Latest Survey
2022
6 April – 22 April 2022 SBF Survey on Impact of Ukraine-Russia Conflict on Singapore Businesses 22 Feb – 6 Mar 2022 SBF Survey on Budget 2022 Measures
Past Survey
2021
9 Mar 2021 SBF Webinar Poll on Budget 2021 17 Feb – 12 Mar 2021 SBF Survey on Budget 2021 Measures 17 May – 21 May 2021 Survey on Impact of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) Measures on Businesses 28 June – 14 July 2021 SBF Survey on Manpower and Wages
Past Survey
2020
2019 Report & Infographics
2018
2017
2016
SBF’s Future Economy Conference and Exhibition 2018 Poll Report
SBF conducted an electronic poll during the SBF’s Future Economy Conference and Exhibition 2018 to capture the views of the attendees on the challenges and assistance required for transformation. The report of the poll results is available here.
For queries and more information on these surveys, please email . -
Market Reports
SBF Market Report
The SBF Market Report addresses specific industry concerns, seeks to uncover pain points concerning internationalisation, and identifies some of the best practices that SMEs can adopt when entering a specific country. The Report dives deep into the subject matter and complements findings from secondary research with primary information curated through a variety of approaches, such as focus group discussions and/or polls, etc. Industry relevant lessons and best practices are then drawn, and broad perspectives formed.
Download the latest report:
Jan 2022 Succeeding in Vietnam. Click here to view the infographics.
The newly published SBF Market Report on Vietnam is the first of a series of Market Reports. As part of SBF’s ongoing efforts in assisting local businesses in expanding abroad, this inaugural issue on ‘Succeeding in Vietnam – Understanding the Market and Achieving Business Goals’ provides an overview of prevailing market and business outlook that companies can expect to face when entering the region. PESTLE and SWOT analyses are used to identify key leadership actions and useful business practices.
SBF Topical Research Report
The SBF Topical Research Report seeks to uncover insights and shed light on topical issues of business interest, by diving deep into the subject matter in question and complementing findings from secondary research with primary information curated through a variety of approaches, for instance via focus group discussions and/or polls. Industry relevant lessons and implications are then drawn, and broad perspectives formed.
Download the latest report:Topic 1 The Competitive Landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa
As part of SBF’s ongoing efforts in assisting local businesses in expanding abroad, this inaugural issue on ‘The Competitive Landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa’ provides an overview of prevailing market conditions that companies may expect to face when operating within the region, by identifying key opportunities and challenges, business practices and collaborative arrangements, as well as how governmental grants can facilitate such offshore ventures, among others.Topic 2 Digitalisation: Driving Force of SME Internationalisation
Companies are increasingly relying on their digitalised systems to expand into new frontiers to help grow sales and market presence while lowering production and operational costs. In this issue, we look at how digitalisation can strengthen companies’ internationalisation strategies and help them transition to become more digitally ready.
SBF Country Infographics
The SBF Country Infographics seeks to provide businesses with updates on prevailing stylised facts, selected sector highlights and business opportunities for markets in ASEAN and beyond. Businesses can obtain concise information on a country's economic and social outlook, as well as information on setting up a business in the country.
Download the latest report:Issue 1 Cambodia -
Economic Indicators Reports
On October 2019, SBF launched the quarterly SBF Economic Indicators Report (Singapore), prepared by the SBF SME Committee Research Sub-Committee. The report features a series of selected charts depicting important economic indicators, along with brief commentaries.
The purpose of this report is to provide our business community with timely and relevant updates regarding key economic developments and trends in Singapore.
Download the latest report:
Q2 2022
Q1 2022
Q4 2021
Q3 2021
Q2 2021
Q1 2021
Q4 2020
Q3 2020
Q2 2020
Q1 2020
Q4 2019
Q3 2019
You can also email to join the mailing list and receive the latest report every quarter. -
Company Case Study/Video Series
The objective of the SBF Company Case Study / Video Series is to share translatable key lessons and industry practices for local companies looking to internationalise. Through the use of these case studies / videos, SBF also hopes to provide a platform that can help foster and promote timely discussions amongst business leaders on issues related to internationalisation and transformation.
We welcome you to download and disseminate our case studies / videos.
Read the various case studies here:
Issue 1 (May 2020) Top International Holding: Next-Generation Entrepreneurship as Symbolic Succession Issue 2 (Aug 2020) Yang Kee Logistics: Overcoming Constraints by Moving Together Issue 3 (Sep 2020) Holistics Software: Bootstrapping a Start-up Issue 4 (Dec 2020) SmartClean Technology: Disrupting the Cleaning Market of Today Issue 5 (Feb 2021) Q Industries: Re-strategising a Family Business Issue 6 (Jun 2021) Building Strategic Foundations for Internationalisation: Lessons from Koda Limited Issue 7 (Aug 2021) Yappy Pets: Growing International Presence by Staying Ahead of the Digital Curve Issue 8 (Dec 2021) OPSolutions: International Expansion In The Face Of A Pandemic Issue 9 (Feb 2022) Mlion Corporation: Sell Innovative Solutions, Not Products Issue 10 (Jun 2022) Hong Guan (Tackle): Focus on your competitive advantage
Watch the latest video here:
Episode 1
(Oct 2020)SmartClean Technologies Episode 2
(Jan 2021)Hong Guan (Tackle) Episode 3
(May 2021)OPSolutions Episode 4
(Nov 2021)Yappy Pets Episode 5
(Mar 2022)Koda Limited Episode 6
(Apr 2022)Mlion Corporation
