Singapore Management University's Business Families Institute (BFI @ SMU) on Friday announced that it has received another research grant from Deloitte Southeast Asia, a provider of audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services. This is the second research grant BFI @ SMU has received from Deloitte. The previous grant supported the launch of an inaugural research survey report on "Asian Business Families - Going the Distance with the Next Generation" late last year. 

The survey, which was the first of its kind in the region, has since been widely quoted by the international media. Tam Chee Chong, Deloitte's regional managing partner of financial adviosry services , said of Deloitte's continued support: "Business familines has been a core practice area for Deloitte and make up the majority of our clients. Deloitte is therefore committed to helping these families build strong foundations in their business and family values as well as in the area of governance."

BFI @ SMU, which also celebrated its second anniversary on Friday, will channel the funds from this research grant into a Business Family Research Programme over three years beginning its 2014 academic year. 

The programme will kick off with a research study on the best business family governance practices among such families in Asia, which will cover family goverance strategies, platforms and structures. 

Speaking at a research donation signing ceremony on Friday, SMU President Arnoud De Meyer said of BFI @ SMU's future direction: "There will be greater emphasis on the next generation as they would be the future stewards and thought leaders of Asian family businesses."

by Jan Lee