In 1997, e-Trek Solutions Pte Ltd was formed by Mr Yip Cheng Choon to create mobile computing solutions. One year later, it had developed its first generation e-insurance engine, focusing on the development of web-based applications for the insurance industry.

Development and enhancement to its e-insurance engine saw the emergence of a complete suite of underwriting and claims applications that enabled e-Trek to provide a complete range of insurance underwriting services to its customers.

With resources drawn from the insurance industry and combined with technical expertise developed over the few years, e-Trek was well-placed to meet their customers' complex business requirements. Taking it one step further, Yip formed a Panel of Consultants comprising retired senior managers of the insurance industry to add depth and breath to e-Trek's capabilities.

In 2002, e-Trek scored a significant first with a motor claims reporting system for Singapore. Every non-injury motor claim was reported through the portal that e-Trek created, which was then connected to a claimant's respective insurance companies. Just a year later, e-Trek launched the first real-time online "No Claims Bonus/Discount" processing system for motor insurance in Singapore.

Spanning Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka, e-Trek's product line now includes backend systems for insurance companies, business-to-business online systems between insurance companies and their channel partners and a solution for insurance brokers and agents.

Yip Cheng Choon, CEO of e-Trek Solutions

Yip first heard about the Infocomm Local Industry Upgrading Programme (iLIUP), by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), from their then technology partner, Microsoft. "The program provided an opportunity for small Infocomm enterprises like us to gain access to MNCs, which if left on our own, will never be possible," said Yip.

Having privileged access to Microsoft has given e-Trek the opportunity to be in touch with leading-edge technologies and skill sets. "Our partnership with our MNC partners gave us direct access to key technologies, and dedicated key personnel who were able to provide us the required information and assistance," said Yip. "One of the best things about iLIUP is the option to choose the most suitable technology and partners for our products."

Yip noted straightaway that there was strong commitment from both IDA and Microsoft to see the partnership project through, and to work towards its successful market deployment. "When we were ready to market the "No Claims Bonus/Discount" prototype to the insurance industry in Singapore, we received very strong commitment from IDA to help us strategize the marketing effort," said Yip. "The presence of IDA and our MNC partners lent strong credibility during our industry presentations and one-on-one sessions."

"Our MNC partners have assisted us greatly in extending our reach into regional markets. The iLIUP brand name, together with our association with IDA, has also given our solutions and products greater credibility, especially towards our potential customers," said Yip. "The iLIUP program also offers the added incentive of product development funding for innovative solutions that meet the needs of the increasing competitive market."

In the coming years, Yip hopes to harness iLIUP to expand his business into the regional markets.

His advice to the budding technopreneurs, hoping to create an impact in the technology world, is simple: "I would encourage them to join iLIUP for all the opportunities and benefits that i have enjoyed."