Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment 

Thursday, 25 July 2024 [Singapore] – The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) announced plans to set up a Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment (CFOTI) as a public-private partnership to build a vibrant regional community of trade and investment practitioners, thought leaders, and government officials working together to advance global trade that is inclusive, sustainable and future-ready.  

2 As a regional centre of excellence for trade and investment, CFOTI will build capability among Singapore and regional businesses to engage in and maximise the benefits of global cross-border trade and investment, develop the capacity of the private sector to engage in advocacy and thought leadership, and grow a vibrant community of next-generation trade leaders to co-create future-ready solutions. 

End of Business as Usual – Global Trade at a Crossroads 

3 Trade flows and business models are disrupted at an increasingly rapid rate as a result of a number of factors – a burgeoning digital economy powered by the advent of technology and internet prevalence resulting in new consumer behaviour and innovative business models; the increased importance of environmental sustainability to consumers, investors, financing, businesses, and governments increasingly aware of the dangers posed by climate change; and a global drift towards interventionist industrial policies especially in the major economies, fuelled by security and geopolitical, rather than economic interests, leading to the weakening in the global economic order.   

4 Trade is vital to Singapore as a small city-state with no natural resources. Our trade to GDP ratio of more than 300%, among the highest in the world, is evidence of the importance of trade to our economy and business community. A predictable, open, and rules-based multilateral trading system and trade agreements that level the playing field for our businesses are critical for them to grow beyond the constraints of our small domestic market. However, a stable and open business environment cannot be taken for granted given an increasingly volatile trade and regulatory environment. A coordinated response from stakeholders in Singapore and the broader region is required for businesses to anticipate the opportunities and overcome the challenges of trade and investment trends and remain globally competitive. 

Deepen Capabilities, Expand Capacities, Build Communities 

5 Building on SBF’s existing initiatives in helping businesses internationalise through GlobalConnect@SBF, FTA Education and Outreach programme and business representations in multilateral fora, the CFOTI will be a new public-private initiative supported by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) as well as businesses, foundations, and other like-minded partners.  

6 As a Centre of Excellence to advance global trade, CFOTI will: 

a. Deepen capabilities of businesses to engage in cross-border trade and investment by building up a pool of industry practitioners skilled in trade and investment issues through development of a competency framework and related courses that are industry-validated and practice-oriented.  

b. Expand the capacity of businesses to benefit from trade and investment agreements through the provision of bespoke advisories from a team of in-house experts and panel of industry specialists via 1-1 clinics, masterclass workshops and thematic seminars.  

c. Build a vibrant trade and investment community by facilitating regular dialogues between the public and private sectors, demonstrating thought leadership on trade and investment issues and engaging in advocacy at international forums with perspectives grounded in business experiences.  

Invitation to Shape the Future of Trade & Investment 

7 A pro-tempore committee led by Mr Gan Seow Kee, former Vice Chairman of SBF and former Chairman and MD of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific has been formed to steer the formation of the CFOTI.1  We invite businesses and stakeholders with an interest in strengthening and shaping the future of trade and investment to join in this public-private initiative to advance global trade that is inclusive, sustainable and future-ready. 

– End – 

For enquiries on partnerships from corporates and other stakeholders, please contact: 

For media queries, please contact: 

About Singapore Business Federation 

As the apex business chamber, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) champions the interests of the business community in Singapore in trade, investment and industrial relations. Nationally, SBF acts as the bridge between the government and businesses in Singapore to create a conducive business environment. Internationally, SBF represents the business community in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora for the purpose of trade expansion and business networking. 

For more information, please visit: www.sbf.org.sg 

24 July 2024

• Signed MOU at the Singapore Apex Business Summit 2024 to help local companies leverage HSBC’s global network and expertise in sustainable transition to tap on opportunities for their businesses. 

• Launched HSBC Business Guide to ASEAN and Beyond, which provides local businesses with insights on doing business in key trade corridors – Greater Bay Area, India & the Middle East.    

HSBC and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at the Singapore Apex Business Summit 2024 to help Singapore businesses seize new growth opportunities in key trade corridors – Greater Bay Area (GBA), India and the Middle East. In addition, HSBC will leverage its global expertise and range of solutions to help Singapore businesses deepen their knowledge in sustainability and support their net-zero transition needs.  

HSBC is the first global bank in Singapore to sign a MOU with SBF, focusing on support for local businesses’ overseas expansion and transition needs. To mark the occasion, HSBC has launched the Business Guide to ASEAN and Beyond (HSBC Business Guide) which provides insights on six major markets within ASEAN as well as its key trade corridors – GBA, India and the Middle East. The HSBC Business Guide draws on the Bank’s product capability, in-market expertise across the region, and global connectivity to help local businesses make the first step in exploring new opportunities overseas. 

Mr Wong Kee Joo, CEO, HSBC Singapore, said: “Local businesses form the bedrock of the Singapore economy. For these businesses to thrive, it’s important that they are plugged in early to the global trade flows that we see emerging from under-tapped markets especially in India and the Middle East. Singapore is also an important gateway for global businesses to capture opportunities within ASEAN. The HSBC Business Guide to ASEAN and Beyond was developed with both local and global businesses in mind. Specifically, to help them seize growing trade corridor opportunities by sharing market insights and key data to expand successfully.  

SBF’s long history in promoting and supporting businesses here makes them an ideal partner for us to be immersed within the ecosystem and deepen our support for businesses taking the first step in growing beyond Singapore.” 

Mr Kok Ping Soon, CEO, Singapore Business Federation, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with HSBC to help more Singapore companies scale their business into India and the Middle East.  Both markets present growth opportunities – such as components manufacturing, semiconductor, automobile manufacturing in particular electric vehicle solutions, and clean energy for India, and urban infrastructure solutions, energy and renewables, and FinTech for Middle East.  By leveraging our combined resources and expertise in organising market-specific seminars and mission trips, we will be able to arm our businesses with necessary insights, data and networks needed to tap these growth markets.” 

Aligns with Singapore’s ambition for local businesses to grow beyond borders 

The MOU further complements Singapore’s key initiatives and support measures to help businesses enhance their capabilities and seize new growth opportunities, as well as expand their regional and international connectivity.  

 The MOU aims to promote: 

1. Internationalism: Encourage and facilitate the internationalisation of Singapore-based businesses in the emerging markets of GBA, India, and the Middle East, by bringing together SBF’s local network and HSBC’s global connections, with a focus on tapping into trade and business opportunities.
    
2. Knowledge Sharing: Provide Singapore-based business leaders with access to HSBC in-market knowledge on overseas business expansion and knowledge on sustainable finance, to support their expansion and net-zero transition needs.  
3. Local-Global Connectivity: Widen reach to local businesses through SBF’s community to better support their international growth and transition ambitions. 

Alongside the MOU, HSBC is a Gold partner at the Singapore Apex Business Summit 2024 where Kelvin Tan, Head of Sustainable Finance & Investments, ASEAN, will be sharing insights and best practices on sustainability and businesses’ transition to net zero. HSBC and SBF will also be organising a series of seminars on doing business in key trade corridor markets and mission trips to India and the Middle East.  

Download the HSBC Business Guide to ASEAN and Beyond here. 

Other highlights from the first day of the Summit include President Tharman Shanmugaratnam launching the Community Marketplace, and Chairman of Singapore Business Federation Lim Ming Yan, announcing the Future-Ready Businesses Spotlights Series 

 SINGAPORE, 23 July 2024 — The 2nd Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) was launched this morning at Sands Expo and Convention Center.  Themed “End of Business as Usual: Shaping the Future of Business”, this year’s event puts a spotlight on the tumultuous changes impacting businesses arising from the external uncertainties, the need to keep up with the accelerated pace of technological changes and net-zero transition.   

 The three-day summit from 23 to 25 July commenced with the Future Economy Conference (FEC) which was held for the first time in conjunction with Company of Good (COG) Conference, co-hosted by SBF and the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre.  The partnership reflects the dual emphasis on businesses to do well and do good simultaneously and be future-ready.   

More than 1,000 business leaders, senior government officials attended the conference themed ‘End of Business as Usual: Smart Technology and the Future of Work’, demonstrating the strong interest from the business community in this flagship business event, which aims to empower Singapore businesses on innovation, sustainability, human capital development and social responsibility.  

The opening speech was delivered by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, who announced the launch of the ‘Transforming the Singapore Economy Report’. The report reflected on Singapore’s economic transformation journey and celebrated the contributions of the relevant stakeholders who have enabled this journey.  

This year marks the debut of Community Marketplace at SABS®, an initiative by the SBF Foundation that bridges business with social impact. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Patron of SBF Foundation, launched the event and engaged with corporates who have collaborated with community partners, showcasing the value of social impact programmes for businesses, communities, and the economy. 

Mr Lim Ming Yan, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, in this morning’s welcome address, launched the ‘Future-Ready Businesses (FRB) Spotlights’, a new SBF initiative that brings the business community on experiential visits to organisations that are leading the charge in harnessing future economy opportunities in innovation and sustainability.  

Participants would visit Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, PSA Innovation Centre and Mastercard Experience Center during SABS®.  A series of other FRB Spotlights in partnership with similar future-ready businesses are already scheduled over the next few months.   

Mr Lim said: “Spotlight visits are designed to offer businesses unique learning opportunities to pioneering organisations that are adopting innovative strategies and cutting-edge solutions to future-proof their operations. We hope these interactions will ignite their innovation journey, empowering them to explore solutions that align with their business needs.” 

Today’s event specifically highlighted thought leaders from various sectors who addressed how businesses can drive positive change by cultivating a purpose-driven culture, embracing sustainability and technology and building strategic partnerships in this ever-changing business landscape. Discussions revolved around digital transformation, fostering a new, connected workplace culture, integrating sustainability principles across industries, and building a future of work that prioritises not just environmental responsibility, but also social impact. 

Influential business leaders also gathered at the United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) CEO Roundtable 2024 at SABS® today to drive progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Themed “Forward Faster – Guiding Companies Towards Decisive Action for 2030”, the Forward Faster Initiative sparked robust discussions and inspired leaders to commit and work towards meeting SGDs.  

SABS® will see two more events taking place over the next two days, the Singapore Regional Business Forum (SRBF®) which will explore transformative discussions including shaping the sustainable future of Asia and the Future of Trade Forum (FOTF), which will address trade issues arising from an increasingly challenging global business environment.  

Other Guests-of-Honour at SABS® 2024 events over the next 2 days include Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development & Second Minister for Health at the Singapore Regional Business Forum (SRBF®) on 24 July; Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry at the Future-Ready Networking Night on 24 July, and Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry at the Future of Trade Forum (FOTF) on 25 July.  

The prestigious summit boasts over 100 speakers across three days, including prominent industry leaders like Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Executive Director & CEO of Temasek Holdings, Mr John Denton, Secretary-General of International Chamber of Commerce and Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings.  

Over both days, more announcements will be made on new partnerships to help businesses in their overseas expansions, to advance global trade that is inclusive, sustainable and future-ready and a framework designed to help companies measure their social impact.   

A full overview of today’s agenda and information on what’s to come for the next two days can be found here: SABS® programme.   

Key themes addressed include the impetus for globalisation, how businesses can foster diversity and the importance of technology as a business driver  SINGAPORE, 10 July 2024 — The Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) today held a preview event in the build-up to the Summit which will take place between 23 and 25 July 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. The event brought together business leaders who shared their perspectives on pertinent challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region.Hosted by Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Singapore, key themes addressed included the pivotal role of technology, sustainability, and the role of trade partnerships in shaping the future of business in Singapore and globally. Further discussion focused on why engendering a corporate purpose is central to business competitiveness and how it can be embodied within organisations and through philanthropic practices.According to SBF’s National Business Survey 2023/2024, 9 in 10 businesses acknowledge the importance of business transformation but require support with digitalisation, internationalisation and sustainability challenges. The upcoming SABS® will equip business leaders and decision makers with the knowledge they need to tackle these challenges head on, while equipping attendees with actionable strategies that can be implemented to deliver positive impact in these key areas.

Joining Mr Kok and Mr Ng at the media conference to share their insights on key topics include:

• Tony Soh, Chief Executive Officer, NVPC, shared insights on the linkages between corporate purpose and business competitiveness
• Liew Nam Soon, EY Asean Regional Managing Partner; EY Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, provided a sneak peek into the upcoming future economy conference
• Pamela Chng, Founder, Bettr Group, shared her perspectives on demographic challenges and how businesses can foster diversity
• Kelvin Tan, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Finance and Investments, ASEAN, HSBC, discussed Asia’s transition to net zero, its challenges and opportunities from a regional perspective
• Tan Li-San, Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Social Service (NCSS), introduced the framework on sustainable philanthropy
• Yap Chuin Wei, Program Director, International Trade Research, Hinrich Foundation, provided insights on how engaging with international partners can foster knowledge sharing and provide exposure to new technologies and business practices.
• Hafimi Abdul Haadii, Executive Director, LVK Group of Companies, wrapped up the discussion by giving the audience an ASEAN perspective on the issues discussed

Commenting on the upcoming SABS®, Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation, said: “While global uncertainties and internal constraints have affected how local businesses operate, SBF recognises the need for Singapore businesses to adapt to changes and strengthen their core competencies. The upcoming Singapore Apex Business Summit presents a timely opportunity for representatives of businesses of all sizes to come together to glean insights and learn from the experience of leaders and subject matter experts.”

With more than 2,000 participants anticipated at this year’s SABS®, the summit will bring together six political office holders and over 100 speakers across 20 plenary sessions. Each of the three days is themed around a premier business and networking event:

• Day 1: Future Economy Conference (FEC) in conjunction with Company of Good Conference (COGC) themed “End of Business as Usual: Smart Technology and the Future of Work”, and SABS® Welcome Dinner
• Day 2: Singapore Regional Business Forum® (SRBF®) themed “End of Business as Usual: Transforming Regional Collaborations towards a Sustainable Future”, and Future-Ready Networking Dinner
• Day 3: Future of Trade Forum (FOTF) themed “End of Business as Usual: Global Trade at a Crossroads”

Key highlights include:

• Community Marketplace: The Community Marketplace features various social impact enablers and their corporate partners, as they share insights on their corporate purpose journey, delivering meaningful change. Participants would learn more about corporate philanthropy and volunteerism, discover how to promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce, and support community development initiatives. There would be 1-to-1 consultations with community partners on how to embark on or expand one’s social impact journey.
• Future-Ready Businesses (FRB) Spotlights: A series of curated visits to leading companies’ operations that showcases future-ready practices and operations to equip business leaders with strategies and practical tools for navigating an ever-changing landscape. Participants will visit Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, PSA Innovation Centre and Mastercard Experience Center.
• GCNS CEO Roundtable: The United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) 9th CEO Roundtable is a pivotal gathering of influential business leaders aimed at fostering discussions, commitments, and actions around the Forward Faster Initiative. This initiative, encapsulated in the theme “Forward Faster – Guiding Companies Towards Decisive Action for 2030” seeks to accelerate corporate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.
• Exclusive Welcome Dinner/One-to-One Business Matching: A carefully curated series of business networking and business matching activities to offer high-net-worth business leaders and senior government officials the exclusive opportunities to connect. These tailored networking events will enable participants from Singapore and the region to forge meaningful partnerships.
• Partners Showcase: An exhibition consisting of 25 of booths from 12 leading companies, offering cutting-edge solutions that address today’s business growth challenges to propel enterprises forward.

SBF is grateful to the sponsors and knowledge partners of SABS® 2024 for joining us in helping our businesses be future-ready in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.  SBF is also grateful to the Special Supporting Organisations, Supporting Organisations and Supporting Associations, for their support in amplifying outreach to their networks.

For more information and to register to attend the Summit, please visit www.singaporeapexbusinesssummit.com.

• During the three-day event, senior Government officials and business leaders will share insights and strategies on the key themes that will shape the future of businesses for years to come

SINGAPORE, 27 May 2024 — Following its successful inaugural edition in 2022, the Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) will return in 2024. Presented by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and MP Singapore, this three-day event will bring together influential business and thought leaders to share their knowledge with attendees from around the world, arming them with the tools to thrive now, and in the future.Themed “End of Business as Usual: Shaping the Future of Business”, SABS® 2024 will gather top-level representatives from industry, government and business sectors to address emerging trends and explore regional and local business opportunities. Over three days, the event will host the Future Economy Conference (FEC) in conjunction with the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s (NVPC) Company of Good Conference (COGC), the Singapore Regional Business Forum® (SRBF®) and the Future of Trade Forum (FOTF), with each day graced by a Government Minister as Guest of Honour.This year marks the debut of Community Marketplace at SABS, an initiative by the SBF Foundation that bridges business with social impact. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Patron of SBF Foundation, will launch the event and engage with corporates who have collaborated with community partners, showcasing the value of social impact programmes for businesses, communities, and the economy.Through in-depth discussion and exploration, the event will address the challenges posed by an increasingly complex global business environment, characterised by disruptions to the multilateral trading system, heightened use of border measures and intricate regulations. It will also host transformative discussions on shaping the sustainable future of Asia with advice on how businesses can integrate innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility into their operations.

“The post-pandemic operating climate is markedly different from before and businesses need to embrace a transformational mindset to stay competitive and thrive. As SABS® returns for a second time, it will provide a cutting-edge platform for the global business community to connect, engage and collaborate, generating fresh insights and creating new opportunities for mutual growth amid global challenges in an evolving business landscape,” said Mr Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation.

“With end of business as usual, business leaders today are having to make decisions amid greater uncertainties. Bringing these leaders together to share their insights at the Singapore APEX Business Summit will help shape better decisions for the future. We are glad to once again partner the Singapore Business Federation to co-organise the Summit and establish an important platform that can empower business leaders to nurture partnerships for the future, ” said Mr Jason Ng, Executive Director, MP Singapore Pte Ltd.

Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister, will deliver an opening keynote at the opening of SABS®. Other Guests-of-Honour at SABS® 2024 events include Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development & Second Minister for Health, and Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry.

Event details:

The summit will be held from 23 to 25 July 2024 at Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. The three days will include the following events:

• Day 1: Future Economy Conference (FEC) in conjunction with Company of Good Conference (COGC)
• Day 2: Singapore Regional Business Forum® (SRBF®)
• Day 3: Future of Trade Forum (FOTF)

Key highlights include:

• Partners Showcase: To foster collaboration and innovation, key partners will showcase their latest products and services to summit participants at their booths.
• Exclusive Welcome Dinner / One-to-One Business Matching: A carefully curated series of business networking and business matching activities to offer high-net-worth business leaders and senior government officials the exclusive opportunities to connect. These tailored networking events will enable participants from Singapore and the region to forge meaningful partnerships.
• Future-Ready Businesses (FRB) Spotlights: A new concept under SBF’s “Future-Ready Businesses” series to equip business leaders with strategies and practical tools for navigating an ever-changing landscape through a series of company visits.

For more information and registration details, visit www.singaporeapexbusinesssummit.com.

List of Partners’ Quotes

Quote by the Purpose Impact Partner, SABS® 2024

 “At this year’s Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS), we are embracing the theme of sustainability not just as a trend, but as an essential practice that aligns closely with NVPC’s vision of a City of Good. Through our Company of Good strategy, we enable businesses to align their Corporate Purpose with broader societal needs, fostering a culture where every organisation can contribute to sustainable development while driving innovation, staff engagement and business value creation. NVPC is proud to participate as a partner for the Summit, and will continue to work closely with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to drive Corporate Purpose adoption among SBF members for long-term, impactful change where businesses see themselves as a force for good in society.”
 – Mr Tony Soh, CEO of National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre

Quote by Knowledge Partner for the Future Economy Conference, SABS® 2024

 “This strategic collaboration with the SBF is driven by a strong alignment of interest in supporting the business community on their growth and transformation journeys. Drawing on our thought leadership and extensive experience in helping companies across industries to navigate the disruptive business landscape, we are shaping this year’s conference agenda around the themes of digital resilience, sustainability and the future-ready workforce. These are imperatives that enterprises must embrace and develop the necessary critical capabilities, so as to be agile and competitive in seizing opportunities in regional and global business value chains.”
– Mr Liew Nam Soon, EY Singapore and Asean Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP

Quote by Knowledge Partner for the Future of Trade Forum, SABS® 2024

 “Global trade is at a critical inflection point. An intensifying geopolitical competition among the world’s largest economies, macroeconomic instability, and war in Europe and the Middle East are among the headwinds that are driving fundamental shifts in supply chains, trade policy, and corporate decisions-making. Multilateralism is on its back foot and the growing global bifurcation is vexing long-held climate goals. There is no time more important than now for Singapore to engage with the region and the world on the many urgent issues that are facing the future of trade.”
 – Mr Chuin Wei Yap, Program Director, International Trade Research, Hinrich Foundation

• More than 3,000 business leaders and senior government officials from 57 countries and economies, and more than 1,600 unique companies/ organisations have signed up to attend the Summit, either in person or online
• About two-thirds of the participants are at the C-suite / senior management level. The inaugural Summit also has the strong support of 16 sponsor partners and 54 supporting organisations, including 13 government agencies and 39 local and foreign trade associations and chambers

Tuesday, 22 March 2022 [Singapore]  – The inaugural Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS) was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Mr Heng Swee Keat this morning. Organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and MP Singapore, the Summit is a new signature platform that brings together business leaders and policy makers from around the world to discuss future trends and growth opportunities, and to build stronger businesses and economies.

The inaugural Summit brings together 5 key signature conferences in one week – the Singapore Regional Business Forum, the ASEAN Conference, the Future Economy Conference & Exhibition, the TAC Symposium and the FTA Day, under the overarching theme of “Accelerating Business Transformation in an Endemic World”. SBF will also hold its 20^th Anniversary Event on the first day of the Summit.

Over four days, the Summit will provide opportunities for businesses, SMEs and large enterprises alike, to benefit from discussions on trending business topics and to participate in business matching and networking sessions to forge collaborations. More than 3,000 business leaders and senior government officials from 57 countries and economies, and more than 1,600 unique companies/ organisations have signed up to attend the Summit, either in person or online. About two-thirds of the participants are at the C-suite / senior management level. The inaugural Summit also has the strong support of 16 sponsor partners and 54 supporting organisations, including 13 government agencies and 39 local and foreign trade associations and chambers.

The Summit started today with SBF’s flagship event, the Singapore Regional Business Forum (SRBF®). Besides the Opening Speech by DPM Heng Swee Keat, participants can also hear from Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong, as well as Mr Chun Li, CEO of Lazada Group and 25 business leaders across 5 plenary discussion sessions on topics like ‘Sustainable Supply Chain Management’, ‘Sustainable Infrastructure throughout the Value Chain’ and ‘Green Financing and the Roles of Financial Institutions’.

Later today, SBF commemorates 20 Years of Connecting Businesses at the SBF 20^th Anniversary Event with more than 500 guests, including past and present leaders of SBF, foreign dignitaries, key partners, and members. SBF is honoured to have President of the Republic of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob as the Guest-of-Honour for the event.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), we will be having the ASEAN Conference where participants can hear from Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong  and 15 speakers across 3 plenary sessions on topics like ‘How ASEAN Cities and Industries Will Look Like in 2030’, ‘ASEAN Consumers: Do you understand them?’ and ‘A Look into the Future of Jobs and Skills in ASEAN to Capture Business Opportunities’.

On Thursday morning, at the Future Economy Conference and Exhibition, participants can hear from Minister for Communications and Information Mrs Josephine Teo and 23 speakers across 5 sessions on topics like ‘Building a Data-Driven and Cyber-Resilient Business Hub’, ‘Business Transformation in an Era of Industry 4.0’ and ‘Unlocking Value for the Trade Ecosystem’.

On Thursday afternoon, leaders from Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) will gather at the TAC Symposium to discuss issues pertinent to TACs and how TACs can build stronger partnerships. Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry will take part in a fireside chat moderated by President of the Singapore Hotel Association Ms Kwee Wei-Lin. In addition, there will be 8 speakers across 3 presentations and 1 panel discussion on topics like ‘The Business Implications of the ESG Revolution’, ‘TACs as Enablers for Digital Transformation’ and ‘Cultivating Human Capital for TAC 4.0’.

On Friday, we will be having the FTA Day, where participants can hear from Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Mr S Iswaran, and 12 speakers across 3 plenaries on topics like ‘Regional Trade Agreements and the Future of Trade: Trend of Mega-Regional FTAs’, ‘Harnessing Opportunities in the Digital Economy’ and ‘Business, Trade and Sustainability’. There will also be a sharing by Guest Speaker Mr Kelvin Chng, Co-founder of Trusty Cars Pte Ltd (Carro).

“The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have been challenging for businesses. Through the SABS, the Singapore Business Federation aims to help companies achieve resilience and further accelerate their growth. Singapore is an attractive business hub for global businesses, and the Summit shows that we are open and ready for business,” said Mr Lim Ming Yan, Chairman, Singapore Business Federation.

“Through SABS, we aim to bring together business leaders and policy makers from around the world to discuss future trends and growth opportunities. The Summit also demonstrates to the world that Singapore is open for business and that we stand ready to connect with the rest of the world and to help connect the world. The Summit is very much aligned to SBF’s mission and the reason and purpose for which we were set up 20 years ago – to help bridge and connect the business community, and to help businesses seize growth opportunities in Singapore and around the world.” said Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation.

“The Singapore Apex Business Summit has been a long-anticipated event for the regional and global business community and significantly so as Singapore moves into a streamlined phase of the endemic. The successful launch of SABS, co-organised with the Singapore Business Federation, reiterates the earnestness of the community to come together, collaborate and strive towards a positive outlook for the future.” said Mr Jason Ng, Executive Director, MP Singapore.

For more information and registration details, visit https://singaporeapexbusinesssummit.com