SME100® CEO Academy

The SME100 CEO Academy is an initiative of SME100® as a growth partner to promote even greater acceleration for SMEs. To enable SME100® Winners to compete regionally and beyond entrepreneurial instincts, the Academy is a learning programme specially curated to enhance various aspects of business operations and growth.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
~Benjamin Franklin (Founding father of the United States)

2024 Program

The 2024 SME100® CEO Academy features a 6-course programme aptly titled *The Ultimate Blueprint to Success for SMEs. Each course will focus on a different aspect of entrepreneurial needs, such as attracting and developing top talent, improving processes across the value stream, driving AI integration, planning strategically for brand expansion, preparing for IPO readiness, and aligning with sustainability goals.

Below are the information for each Module



Financial Strategic Management

Date: 9th September 2024
Time: 9 AM
Facilitator: Dr Steven Liew

Course Synopsis

This course will guide you step by step using simulation approach to managing profit & cash flow, investment, budgeting processes & read financial statements & taxation issues. The participants will also be guided through the practical steps that should be taken from the start of business, and how to respond should they come under Audit or Investigation. Free practical well evaluated excel templates are provided.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to (practical hands-on experience)
  • How to manage your profit & loss & cash flow position
  • How to design your working capital requirement
  • How to plan your budgets
  • Using goal seek to hit management expectations on sales, profit & cash flow.
  • Updates on tax deductions (allowance vs non-allowance expenses)
  • Understand the principles in computation of corporate tax.


Building an Award Winning Team

Date: 27th September 2024
Time: 9 AM
Facilitator: Maresa Ng

Course Synopsis

This course will equip you with essential tools and strategies to create a highly motivated and engaged team. You'll dive into practical techniques for motivating and driving change within your organisation.

Additionally, you'll gain insights into effective coaching methodologies, both for your team members and for developing coaching capabilities within your leadership team. By the end of the session, you'll be equipped to foster a more accountable and engaged team environment through the power of effective coaching.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to (practical hands-on experience)
  • Learn how to Motivate and Create Change in your Team & Organization
  • Discover how to Coach your Team, and how to Create the Coaching in your Leadership Teams
  • Learn how to Increase the Team's Engagement through better Accountability and Effective Coaching


Becoming an ESG Ready Company

Date: 10th October 2024
Time: 9 AM
Facilitator: Kavita Naidu

Course Synopsis

This course deliberates the importance of ESG and Sustainability and Climate Change in relation to businesses and organisations. It aims for the learner to have a look at the importance of natural resources, the challenges caused by the lack of them and the impact it has on the community, country and the planet and how businesses play an important role in the ecosystem.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to (practical hands-on experience)
  • Understand the principles of sustainability and their importance for future business resilience.
  • Implement sustainable practices in daily business operations.
  • Develop strategies to reduce environmental impact.
  • Engage in community and social initiatives to enhance business reputation.
  • Ensure ethical and responsible business operations.
  • Align business goals with long-term sustainability objectives to ensure future growth and stability.


Building a World Class Corporate Brand

Date: 16th October 2024
Time: 9 AM
Facilitator: Casey Tee

Course Synopsis

The Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history around 220 A.D offers profound lessons in leadership, strategy, and governance. The legendary figures from this period—Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, Guan Yu and Sun Quan—provide timeless insights that can be applied to modern corporate branding. This course will explore how the strategies and principles used by these historical figures can help businesses create and sustain a world-class corporate brand.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to (practical hands-on experience)
  • Understand the core principles of branding and how they align with strategies from the Three Kingdoms era.
  • Learn how to apply the lessons from Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, and Guan Yu to corporate branding.
  • Develop practical strategies for building and sustaining a strong corporate brand.
  • Explore real-world examples of successful branding inspired by these historical figures.


Leveraging AI for Business Productivity

Date: 12th November 2024
Time: 9 AM
Facilitator: Charles Gregory

Course Synopsis

This course focuses on how SMEs can leverage modern technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Participants will learn about key digital tools, automation, AI applications, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to (practical hands-on experience)
  • Understand the importance of digital transformation for SMEs.
  • Identify and implement essential digital tools and technologies.
  • Learn the basics of automation and AI for business processes.
  • Develop strategies for robust cybersecurity.
  • Utilise data analytics for informed decision-making.


Financial Management & IPO Readiness

Date: 22th November 2024
Time: 9 AM
Facilitator: Leong Huey Miin

Course Synopsis

This course covers the fundamentals of financial management with a focus on the benefits being an Initial Public Offering (IPO) ready company. Participants will learn about maintaining financial health, effective budgeting, forecasting, managing cash flow, and the critical steps needed to ensure IPO readiness.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to (practical hands-on experience)
  • Maintain strong financial health and stability.
  • Develop effective budgeting and forecasting skills.
  • Manage cash flow efficiently.
  • Understand the IPO process and requirements.
  • Prepare financial statements and documentation for IPO readiness.
  • Build financial resilience to attract investors and navigate the public market.

Our Education Partner – HELP University ELM Graduate School

HELP University ELM Graduate School is a wholly owned division of HELP that focuses on graduate studies and executive education. ELM offers a number of courses for both adult learners and graduates. ELM Graduate School is also equipped with the facilities and know-how to deliver on the education component of the SME100® CEO Academy.

One's character is an accumulation of habits the way we think, act and conduct ourselves. ~Datuk Dr Paul Chan (HELP University president and vice-chancellor)

*More about HELP University ELM Graduate School

More Info

Who Can Enrol?

The Academy is an initiative uniquely designed for SME100® Awards winners. All participants of the program will be the respective business owners of the award recipient or assigned team members. The program is not opened to the general public.

Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. Kofi Annan (Ex-Secretary-General of the United Nations)


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