GE on show for a day

General Electric chose October 1 to the launch the very first “GE Day” in Singapore. For the industrial conglomerate, it was an opportunity to showcase the diversity of its products and services as well as some cutting-edge innovations. All six of its main businesses were represented: GE Infrastructure, GE Industrial, GE Healthcare, GE Commercial Finance, GE Money, and NBC Universal.

Guest of honor, Lim Hng Kiang, Minister of Trade and Industry, inaugurated the event in front of more than 1000 customers, partners, government officials, and company employees. Exhibit highlights included advanced ultrasound equipment, passenger scanning and detection systems, and wind generators; the latter being an example of GE’s “ecoimagination” initiative.

For GE, senior executive Ferdinando Beccalli-Falco, President and CEO, GE International, who flew in to be at the event, said: “The Singapore government has always had the vision to invest in the future, keeping infrastructure up-to-date and pertinent to industry needs.

“As Singapore continues to remake herself into a city of possibilities for her people, businesses and talents, GE is here to help our Singapore friends realize this.”

GE’s presence in Singapore dates back to 1969 when it opened up a number of electronics manufacturing plants. This was followed by aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities serving clients throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Today, led by Colin Low, President, GE Singapore, GE employs almost 2,500 people in the city-state, working closely with local partners on key infrastructure projects in the energy, transportation and health sectors.

In 2006, the company’s revenue in Singapore hit US$727 million, a 37 percent year-on-year increase. Recent major investments include an $80 million Global R&D Center for water technologies, and a Customer Application Center for the GE Energy business.