Internet Marketing Singapore - Google to open R&D centre in Singapore!
Google will be creating waves for Internet marketing in Singapore. Just read in the Straits Times that Google is poised for a tangible presence in Asia, specifically in Singapore.
Below is the partial reproduction of the news article from the Singapore Straits Times. Certain parts have been rephrased for editorial purposes.
In the near future, the world will get to use Google products developed in Singapore as the internet giant moves to set up a Research & Development centre here. The move by the industry giant is a coup for the island republic, which is branding itself as the region’s technology hub. This news comes after Google confirmed earlier this month that they will be opening a sales office here to beef up on its local advertising services to local and regional advertisers.
The centre-Google’s first in South-east Asia, signals its foray into tailoring its search engines and advertisements for the region.
Although it is tight-lipped about details, it has already started it’s recruitment drive for engineers to start things rolling. In particular, it needs an R&D director to head its operations.
Google, which recently topped a Fortune magazine’s survey of Top 100 companies to work for in the US, does not stint when it comes to research. Last year, they reportedly spent US$1.2billion on R&D alone!
Although Google’s products range from email to online office applications, 70% of the company’s R&D efforts are directed at improving its key search product and search generated ads. For example, it is constantly trying to improve its matching of search terms to relevant advertisements.
Google currently have 8 R&D centres around the world, including 3 in Asia- China, India & Japan and these centres are typically focussed on adapting its products for those local markets. In Japan, engineers work on adapting the search algorithms for use with the Japanese language, so that the lack of spaces between words can be accomodated.
In explaining why Singapore was picked, Google’s Managing Director for Sales & Operations in South-east Asia, Mr. Richard Kimber attributed it to Singapore’s “very vibrant ICT space”(ICT= Infocommunications & Technology) which was largely due to the Singapore Government’s active promotion of technology.
Clearly, moves to protect intellectual property as well as building up Singapore’s internet infrastructure with a $100 million wireless broadband network is beginning to reap a huge harvest.
Mr. Kimber said Google sees Singapore as a key player in online advertising, and has already started establishing partnerships with companies here.
When told of the news, Ms. Fione Tan, CEO of eOneNet.com was all excited as she said, ” Already, we know that Asia is the next Europe- in that, all the vibrancy and buzz is in Asia and it only proves what I said all along in my Internet Marketing seminars to be correct- that we Asians, are in the right place and the right time to start our internet business!”
So for those of you looking for a job, if you know you have what Google is looking for, send in your resumes asap. However, do note that Google only takes in the very best. So best wishes to all hopeful applicants.
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February 27th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Yes, I read about the article on ST this morning. It\’s cool! I believe the singapore government investment in the ICT industry has attracted big players like Google.
February 27th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Looks like what was hinted during a Hong Kong Google luncheon is true. Google has been setting up local Google offices in different cities, and Singapore is their latest addition in Asia.
February 28th, 2007 at 9:43 am
It seems like Singapore government has done a great job in promoting technology here to attract google to see us as having a very vibrant ICT space.
February 28th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Google’s opening in Singapore will help raise the Internet marketing profile of Singapore, as one of Asia’s leading Internet marketing hubs. Being both Google customer and user, I do welcome this!
February 28th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
South East Asia region people will be more aware of the internet importancy with the google based in Singapore. People will be more knowledgeable in the IT and internet. I am most welcome for this and believe it is of good to everyone in future. Congrats to Singapore.
March 1st, 2007 at 9:43 am
R&D always requires alot of money. but when the R&D is successful, the result would be sweet. the amount spent on the R&D would then be seen little as compared to the profits earned after earning from the successful R&D result.
January 7th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Thanks for dropping by my blog last time.
Nice blog you have here. I always find time to check on the latest post. I happen to find this older one.
Cheers!
January 7th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Thanks Aurelius,
We’ve become so lazy after the holidays so now it’s time to start back our “engines”
I’m sure your online biz is doing well too
rgds Fione