Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – Tempeh chips made by Sarimas, a small business in Tanjungpinang City, Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, have entered Singapore’s market, generating monthly sales of up to Rp32 million (about US$1,788).Owner Suratno said shipments of the local snack have grown since 2023, averaging 300 to 400 kilograms a month.“Our tempeh chips are ordered directly by a leading Singapore retail chain and distributed through its outlets,” Suratno said in Tanjungpinang on Tuesday.The packaged chips, available in original and sago-based varieties, are shipped to Singapore through Batam and priced at Rp80,000 (about US$4.47) per kilogram.Suratno said he adapted the products to local tastes to enter Singapore’s market.“Singaporean consumers like spices, so we blended our savory tempeh chips with traditional spices,” he said.Suratno also works with tour agencies to ensure foreign tourists, particularly Singaporeans, visit his outlet during trips to Tanjungpinang.He said support from the Tanjungpinang city government also helped exports by providing a production facility for snack businesses near his outlet.M Endy Febri, head of industrial affairs at Tanjungpinang’s Trade and Industry Office, said his office continues helping small businesses improve their export capacity and competitiveness.The effort is important because the Riau Islands are directly adjacent to Singapore and Malaysia, he said.Over the past two to three years, the office has regularly provided export training and invited exporters to motivate small businesses, Endy said.It also facilitates Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification and provides guidance on packaging quality under Good Manufacturing Practices.“As a result, many of our small-business products have entered international markets, supporting local economic growth and creating jobs,” Endy said.