80th Anniversary Commemorative Book - Singapore Manufacturing ...

“We thought it would be good to haveall the manufacturers under a biggerumbrella.”– Datuk Robert Chua, the SMF President from 1988 to 1998“We thought it would be good to have all the manufacturers under abigger umbrella,” explained Datuk Chua. “While the industry associationswould retain their autonomy, they could enjoy certain benefits like widerrecognition, better exposure and a stronger link with the Government andother international groups.”To strengthen the SCI, Datuk Chua included in its council senior leadersfrom international business groups operating in Singapore. For the first time,it also allowed Singapore-registered companies which had manufacturingactivities overseas to become members.It was a move which the Government applauded.In 1993, Mr S. Dhanabalan, who was the then-Minister for Trade and Industry,said: “The formation of a confederation of industries will help Singaporeaddress many of its concerns to compete better in regional markets andto deal with its business environment. From the Government’s view, sucha confederation will help to focus Government’s policies, strategies andassistance programmes more effectively through a single channel.”It was an exciting time.This upbeat mood was captured in a commemorative book produced bythe SCI in 1997, titled: “The First Step in the Next Lap”.In a speech at the installation of the SCI council on 8 July 1996, the then-Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong said: “The SCI is animportant bridge between the Government and industry. By includingunder its fold manufacturing industry associations which represent specificindustry interests, the SCI has become more representative of the entiremanufacturing sector. (It will) help SMF members and new SCI members torespond more effectively to the rapidly changing business environment.”A Partner in Nation Building 1965 – 1996 65