Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the PrimeGlobal Collaborate – Asia Pacific event held in Hong Kong from 9th to 11th September. Over 150 participants from 66 firms across 32 countries gathered for three days of engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and powerful networking opportunities.

networking for sme growth

The Power of True Business Relationships

This event reaffirmed what I’ve long believed: in today’s digital landscape, it’s easy to undervalue the personal touch, but the power of connection remains a potent currency in business. For SMEs, networking could be a lifeline to growth, a chance to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

However, attending such events reminded me that true business relationships don’t happen overnight. It’s not about waiting for clients to come to you. Rather, you need to build a network of resources and experts behind the scenes, so when an opportunity arises, you’re ready. Cross-border opportunities, for example, often come from international firms inviting you to collaborate, and those invitations only happen when a strong relationship is already in place.

networking for sme growth

Investing in Relationship Building

Networking may seem like a simple or low-cost endeavour, but real business relationships demand sincere investment of time, money, and trust. You have to show up, consistently engage, and demonstrate your commitment to nurturing those connections. One meeting or a quick hello is never enough.

During the event, discussions ranged from market insights in Assurance, ESG, and AI to how firms in different regions are adapting to new challenges. But the real value came from the informal moments, whether it was a coffee break chat, the cocktail cruise on Victoria Harbour, or the unforgettable farewell dinner. It reinforced that building a business network is about more than transactional connections. It’s about forging meaningful relationships.

networking for sme growth

Turning Connections Into Opportunities

At Syarikat Ong, we believe in actively creating these opportunities, whether it’s through events like Collaborate AP or our own initiatives such as our annual Moving Forward Business and Tax Conference and Coffee On Zoom sessions.

While we may not be the richest firm, we’ve always been resourceful, leveraging our relationships to deliver growth for our clients. In business, it’s not just about what you know — it’s about who you know and, more importantly, who knows you. Let’s continue building these connections that drive us forward, one relationship at a time.

#SyarikatOng #PrimeGlobal #SMENetworking #GlobalLocalConnections