The International Event for Entrepreneurship, Business Opportunities &

Intellectual Property Rights in Asia

31 Oct - 2 Nov 2006, Suntec Singapore

For Immediate Release 

Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLA2006) kicked off with a bang on 31 October 2006 with the Opening Ceremony officiated by Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, Republic of Singapore.

Held over three days, FLA2006 attracted a good turn-out of thousands of visitors and served as the platform 'to get acquainted with new business opportunities and acts as a launch pad for budding local and regional businesses to expand into the global market' as quoted from the Minister.

True to its purpose, business deals were concluded and exhibitors reported numerous prospective partnerships.

FLA2006 was a ''good opportunity for new investors to explore as well as for franchisors to gain connections and links to different individual companies," commented Dr. Low See Pong of Tat Seng Packaging, a visitor to FLA2006.

Also affirming the success of the show, exhibitor Mr. Stephen Kannangara of New Zealand Reload Juice and Salad Franchise said, "FLA2006 has exceeded all our expectations. We are very impressed with the well-oiled organisation of the show!"

Besides the five National Pavilions from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and USA, FLA2006 counts a total of 191 participants from 19 countries which include China, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, UK, Vietnam, etc.

The much-awaited results of the FLA Award 2006 were announced during the FLA Award Gala Dinner on 1 November. The night saw Australian coffee chain Gloria Jean's Coffees clinching the International Franchisor of the Year Award. Lingerie retail chain Blush! and local bakery fare Prima Taste took home the Singapore Franchisor of the Year Award and Promising Franchisor Award respectively.

Franchise Feast at the Singapore Pavilion

Endless flow of delectable offerings from exhibitors like Swensen's, Gloria Jean's Coffees and Tung Lok drew in the crowd at the Franchise Feast at the Singapore Pavilion.

Taste buds and business brain juices were definitely at work simultaneously at this part of the exhibition!

Franchising & Licensing Clinics

'Enlightenment' was definitely the buzzword for the Clinic sessions. With experts and consultants on-site to answer queries at the Clinic booths, visitors came out of the discussion more well-informed.

In fact, the sessions were so successful that many visitors made separate appointments with the experts outside the allocated clinic slots.

FLA2006 International Conference & Workshop

Complementing the exhibition was the FLA2006 International Conference & Workshop, a series of interesting and informative talk sessions and presentations by international speakers.

With the strong line-up of prominent industry veterans, the FLA2006 International Conference & Workshop delivered as promised. Delegates walked out of the sessions well-benefited. As summed up by Mr. Axel Tuk, Chief Operating Officer of B P de Silva Holdings, "Everyone in our group very much enjoyed the event. We all felt that the speakers were excellent and have come out of this experience with valuable information that will help us in our different businesses."

The FLA2006 International Conference & Workshop addressed issues such as the dynamics of franchising, legal issues and the different types of licensing agreements, brand development, success business strategies and overseas expansion must-knows.

From basic fundamentals to case studies and best practices, the FLA2006 International Conference & Workshop was undeniably a sound sharing and discussion of critical subjects in the franchising and licensing world.

Distinguished speakers include Mr. Ned Lyerly, Senior Vice President - Global Franchise Development, CKE Restaurants Inc; Mr. Louise Lee, Chairman of Interasia & Associates (Holdings) Co. Ltd; Mr. Marcel Portmann, Vice President of International Development, International Franchise Association; Mr. Dave LeMoine, Product Development & Licensing Director, Hallmark Cards Inc, to name a few.

Organiser & Supporting Organisations

FLA2006 is presented by the Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore) and organised by BizLink Premium Services Pte Ltd. Proudly endorsed by Economic Development Board of Singapore, International Enterprise Singapore, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, Spring Singapore, Australian Trade Commission and US Department of Commerce, it is also supported by 12 national franchising associations worldwide.

FLA2006 will return in 2007 from 19 September to 21 September at Suntec Singapore.

For more information, please contact the Organiser at T: (65) 6467 8385, F: (65) 6467 8325, Email: info@bizlink.com.sg or visit www.FranchiseLicenseAsia.com.