Press Releases

11th March 2009
Pursuit Debuts Their New Suite of Retail UPS Systems at the Upcoming IT Show 2009
Pursuit Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based provider of home and enterprise Uninterruptible Power Supply systems, will debut its range of premium retail range of Line Interactive UPSes - GamePRO and Propel - at the upcoming IT Show from 12 – 15 March through their official retailer, Newstead. The new range of UPSes is designed to protect PCs and peripherals of homes and small offices with GamePRO specifically built for the high performance gaming PCs...

In The News

The Business Times - 8 September 2009
Thinking leaner

“Some confectioners selling cakes and pastries are moving up the value chain by converting part of their premises into bistros. Such businesses can use IT to implement just-in-time processes so materials arrive on the day of production, freeing storage space for the bistro. They can also use IT to automate and link operational functions such as procurement, accounting and production to improve labour productivity. Excess manpower can then be redeployed to higher value-added functions such as customer service.

We see a lot of room for productivity improvement in the interfaces between suppliers, manufacturers, shippers, customers and designers. We plan to automate our supply chain system to reduce time lost through miscommunication, cost through correcting product defects, and waste through product loss/damage in transit. We believe IT is a powerful enabling technology that can help us achieve higher productivity and profitability.” - Cheryl Tong , Managing director (PowerPRO) ,Pursuit

The Business Times - 25 August 2009
Taking the Road Less Travelled

Running a business in Uganda would typically present problems far beyond the standard bureaucratic headaches one would expect elsewhere in the world.

Despite all these challenges, it has been a fruitful experience for Ms Tong. Pursuit broke even within a year and is expecting to hit $1 million in sales next year. Ms Tong intends to expand the UPS business to other parts of Africa, such as Congo and Sudan.

'Of course, this is a very tricky field to navigate, and it will be necessary to be cautious with our expansion strategy, particularly in light of the fact that we have not found a local partner we are sufficiently comfortable with for taking on additional requirements,' she says.

The Business Times - 4 August 2009
Cautious Optimism

'What's clear is that those with experience in marketing, sales, technical support and other customer-related functions will have better prospects. It is to be expected that companies will place their priorities in activities that can enable them to gain market share, increase their revenue and return to profitability. 'Pursuit has always been on the constant lookout for talents to be part of our family. In addition, we constantly want to groom committed and capable people who can manage our overseas business, especially in Africa.' - Cheryl Tong, Managing Director (PowerPRO) , Pursuit Pte Ltd

The Business Times - 28 Jul 2009
Still business as usual

“My confidence in Indonesia as an investment destination has not been shaken by the terrorist attacks.

Although it will be business as usual for us, we have put in place measures and guidelines to reduce our vulnerability to terrorism and dealing with its aftermath.

Terrorists aim to destroy, maim and damage life and properties to instill fear and confusion. We are confident that the Indonesian government is intensifying its anti-terrorism efforts, but citizens can play a part by showing they are not cowed by acts of terror. Community leaders, businesses and the public should continue with their daily activities.” - Cheryl Tong, Managing Director (PowerPRO) , Pursuit Pte Ltd

Business Times - 21 July 2009
Smooth transitions

We conduct in-house training to ensure that our staff understand them and are committed to them. A simple HR programme that includes mentoring and grooming of young executives, an open performance evaluation system and empowerment of staff to assume multiple functions. I expose my operations director to the commercial aspects of the business by involving him in negotiations, marketing and customer relations management so that he can take over in my absence.

Business Times - 14 Jul 2009
Encourage both young and old

Relevant agencies should regularly review the effectiveness of these programmes to ensure their relevance to meet the needs of Singaporeans who want to take the entrepreneurial path.

The Business Times - 07 Jul 2009
Benefiting from information technology

 “Initiatives like search engine optimisation and online digital marketing are cost effective strategies that SMEs can exploit in order to close the gap with their bigger rivals. IT also helps SMEs globalise their reach with the help of the Internet - a task which would otherwise cost millions in establishing a physical presence in overseas markets.

The Infocomm Development Authority is doing a commendable job in providing SMEs with assistance and incentives to increasingly adopt IT to expand and grow their businesses. But they should also create greater awareness of such incentives so that more SMEs can benefit from them.” - Cheryl Tong, Managing Director (PowerPRO UPS), Pursuit

The Business Times - 28 April 2009
Fresh grads: Be flexible, learn new skills

"BE more flexible and open to exploring opportunities in industries that are less affected by the downturn. Fresh graduates should try to broaden their horizon and gain experience in a range of areas, rather than one particular industry.

Pursuit welcomes fresh graduates as long as they are driven and committed to excellence in whatever they do. We love to work with them since they often bring a fresh outlook and are easy to mould and teach, free from any rigid stereotypical work styles. They are like a new sponge ready to absorb what you have to impart. They can also think and function out of the box, which is essential for us as we strive for constant growth and innovation in our business offerings.” - Cheryl Tong, Managing director (PowerPRO), Pursuit

The Business Times - 21 April 2009
Payoffs from non-traditional markets

"COMPANIES can take advantage of opportunities in the downturn by exploring markets that are less connected to the global economy and therefore less affected by the global crisis.

From my experience in Uganda, I have learned that it is vital to have a reliable local partner who can show you not only how to do business in a foreign country but also help you avoid potentially disastrous and expensive pitfalls. I also learned that you need to have a lot of patience and empathy when dealing with regulatory authorities in developing countries, and should temper your expectations with regard to the level of efficiency, transparency and service quality that are taken for granted in Singapore.” - Cheryl Tong, Managing director, Pursuit

The Business Times - 7 April 2009
Innovate to survive and grow

"As SMEs battle dynamic market conditions and other players for greater market share, the only weapons they can rely on are a unique formula to accommodate advances in product technology and services, and operational and productivity efficiency.

To establish this competitive edge, SMEs need to inculcate in their business a culture of learning and sharing, in which diversity of views and ideas is not just welcomed but encouraged. They should also have access to timely information on advances in their particular industry, so they can translate their research and development efforts and capabilities into unique products and services.” Cheryl Tong, Managing director (PowerPro), Pursuit

The Business Times - 7 April 2009
Building Bridges
"Traditionally, chambers of commerce represent the voice of industry and protect the interests of their members. However, chambers of commerce have two unique assets which they could use to create value for their members and the business community: their membership base and access to trade contacts and information.

Chambers of commerce could work with IE Singapore to assist Singapore businesses to export their products by riding on the strong Singapore brand which commands a premium in overseas markets." - Cheryl Tong, Managing Director (PowerPRO), Pursuit Pte Ltd.

The New Paper - 14 March 2009
Small Vendors Take a Licking
"...Local firm Pursuit Pte Ltd, which distributes PowerPro, its own brand of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) sets, is a newcomer to the IT Show. But its managing director, Mis Cheryl Tong, 29, has been here when she worked for another UPS company. On the first day, Pursuit sold 10 PowerPro UPS sets, with prices ranging from $68 to $438. But even if she had sold none at all, she would have been okay.
UPS sets usually don't fly off the shelves. For her, this is a chance to create brand awareness and to promote UPS in general. And she said business seemed to be picking up on the second day...."