Business boffins at the University of Bradford are being lined up to help put new life into the Tiger economy of Singapore.

The Singapore Government has turned to the European Centre for Total Quality Management to see where it can improve its operations.

ECTQM, based at the University, has a track record in researching management practices for blue chip companies. As well as working with international giants such as Malaysian Airlines, Ford, IBM, BP and Shell, it deals with local firms including Leeds-based Arla Foods and the bakers chain Greggs.

Professor Mohamed Zairi, ECTQM head, said that the link would help put Bradford on the international business map: "This agreement will give us a big boost as our core expertise will be recognised more and more in that part of the world, which leads to greater exposure and a lot of respect."

Researchers will be working with members of the Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB) to look at key areas of business practise including customer relations management and the booming industry of e-commerce.

Singapore is a leader in e-commerce and it is hoped that the skills and experience gained from studying its economy can be translated into success for Bradford businesses.

The first stage of the research will be to gain an understanding into current business practices in Singapore and then look at areas where improvements can be made and to monitor developments over a three-year period.