In an interview, SMU Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources, and Academic Director of the Master of Science in Innovation Programme Thomas Menkhoff said that the key in establishing a small and medium enterprise (SME) centred on learning and innovation lies in the following three aspects: the practical knowledge in leadership ability; absorbing capacity; as well as fostering a learning culture for experiments and their groups. If the initiatives for learning and innovation are in place, local SMEs are able to survive and continue growing. Prof Menkoff also said that like other leaders, SME employers hope for excellent operations, fair treatment and the most efficient methods of managing their staff.