geared up for the challenge - SBF Download Area - Singapore ...

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Lawrence Leow(Deputy Honorary Secretary)Bob Tan(Honorary Treasurer)Kristin Paulson(Deputy Honorary Treasurer)Simon Cheong(Council Member)David P. Conner(Council Member)Desmond Hill(Council Member)Joachim Ihrcke(Council Member)Vijay Iyengar(Council Member)• President, Associationof Small and MediumEnterprises• Executive Chairman of theCrescendas Group• Adviser of People’sAssociation – YouthMovement (PAYM)• Member of Pro-EnterprisePanel set up by Ministry ofFinance• Patron of Yew Tee Citizens’Consultative Committee andConstituency Sports Club• Former Nominated Member ofParliament• Former Board Member ofStandards, Productivity andInnovation Board (SPRINGSingapore)• Former Council Member,National Arts Council• Chairman, JurongEngineering Limited• Chairman of the Instituteof Technical Education• Directorships in othercompanies including SMRTCorporation Ltd• Vice President of SingaporeNational Employers Federation• Co-Chairman ofTripartite Alliance for FairEmployment Practices• Member of NationalWages Council• Board Member of OngTeng Cheong Institute ofLabour Studies• Member of NTUC ClubManagement Council• Past Chairman of AmericanChamber of Commercein Singapore• Governor of AmericanChamber of Commerce inSingapore Board of Governors• Chairman, Asia Pacific Councilof American Chambers ofCommerce (APCAC)• Board Member, Accounting andCorporate Regulatory Authorityof Singapore (ACRA)• Council Member, Council forPrivate Education, Singapore• Principal, KPaulsonAssociates, GovernmentRelations Consulting• Chairman and CEO of SCGlobal Developments Ltd• Chairman of AVJenningsLimited• President of Real EstateDevelopers’ Association ofSingapore (REDAS)• Board of the Raffles GirlsSecondary School inSingapore, 1999-2007• Executive Chairman of MPHLtd (now known as VantageCorporation Ltd), 2002-2004• Board member of SingaporeTurf Club, 2001-2002• Board member of SingaporeDance Theatre, 2003-2006• Chief Executive Officer andDirector, Oversea-ChineseBanking Corporation Limited• Chairman of The Associationof Banks in Singapore (ABS)• Director of OCBC Bank(Malaysia) Bhd• Chairman of Bank ofSingapore Ltd• Director of Great EasternHoldings Ltd, The GreatEastern Life Assurance Co Ltdand The Overseas AssuranceCorporation Ltd• Deputy Chairman and Directorof Lion Global Investors Ltd• Commissioner of PT BankOCBC NISP Tbk• Trustee of WashingtonUniversity in St. Louis• Deputy General Manager,Penta-Ocean ConstructionCo Ltd• President, SingaporeContractors Association Ltd• President, Singapore SquashRackets Association• Council Member, SingaporeAccreditation Council• Council Member, NationalCrime Prevention Council• Member, Building andConstruction StandardCommittee, SPRING• Member, WSH (Construction& Landscaping) Committee,WSH Council, MOM• Member, Water Network3rd Panel, PUB• Treasurer, ASEAN ConstructorsFederation (ACF)• Evaluator and AccreditedAdjudicator, SingaporeMediation Centre• President, European Chamberof Commerce• Managing Director, Droege &Comp. Singapore Pte Ltd• Chairman, Singapore IndianChamber of Commerce& Industry• Managing Director, AgrocorpInternational Pte Ltd• Director, Sri KowshikiInternational Pte Ltd, RamcoSystems Pte Ltd, AsianMedia Education Centre PteLtd, Parameswara HoldingsLtd, Compass Point ToursPte Ltd, Ambit (S) Pte Ltdand Singapore MercantileExchange Pte Ltd• Member of Tamil LanguageCouncil, Member of NetworkIndia Steering Committee,and Member of PA TalentsAdvisory Council08 Federation ProfileFederation Profile 09

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Jung Young Soo(Council Member)Edwin Khew(Council Member)Yasuhiko Kitagawa(Council Member)Dato’ Mohd Zain Abdullah(Council Member)Philip Ng(Council Member)Tang Kin Fei(Council Member)Robert Yap(Council Member)Renny Yeo(Council Member)• Chairman, Korean Chamberof Commerce (Singapore)• Chairman & CEO, HankookSaint James Pte Ltd• Board Director, SingaporeInternational Chamberof Commerce• Chairman & CEO, JinmaxEnterprise Pte Ltd10 Federation Profile• Nominated Memberof Parliament• Director, IUT SingaporePte Ltd; CEO & ManagingDirector, IUT Global Pte Ltd• Honorary President, S’poreManufacturers’ Federation• Chairman, Sustainable EnergyAssociation of S’pore, S’poreStandards Council (Spring)• Member, S’pore Green Plan2012 Coordinating Committee,ESCO Accreditation Committee(NUS), Enterprise DevelopmentAdvisory Committee (Spring),Manpower Skills and TrainingCouncil (WDA), SupervisoryBoard of Solar EnergyResearch Institute of Singapore(NUS), National ClimateChange Committee (MEWR)• Member, German-S’poreBusiness Forum SteeringCommittee• Council Member of TheInstitution of EngineersS’pore and Chairman ofManufacturing Group• President, Japanese Chamberof Commerce & Industry,Singapore 2008-09• General Manager, MitsubishiCorporation Singapore Branch• President, JapaneseAssociation Singapore2007-08• Board Director, SingaporeInternational Chamberof Commerce• Director, Mitsubishi Elevator(Singapore) Pte Ltd, MCLTSingapore Pte Ltd, Mi-MiInvestment Singapore Pte Ltd,MC Development Asia Pte Ltd,Singapore-Suzhou TownshipDevelopment Pte Ltd andDiamond Tanker Pte Ltd• President, Singapore MalayChamber of Commerce& Industry• Vice Chairman, Middle EastBusiness Group, SBF• Executive Chairman, PrestigeMarine Services Pte Ltd,Prestige Energy Pte Ltd,Prestige Air & Logistics PteLtd, Peta Marine ServicesPte Ltd, Yam Holding SdnBhd, Vanda Tankers (S) PteLtd, Avila Tankers (S) Pte Ltd,Aravinda Tankers Sdn Bhd,E.A. Marine Services SdnBhd and PM Marine ServicesSdn Bhd• Director, Saso Logistics PteLtd, Enterprise DevelopmentCentres @SMCCI and MalayHeritage Foundation Ltd• Advisor, SingaporeSilat Federation• Conferment of Datoship2004 – Darjah Dato’ PadukaTuanku Ja’afar (D,.P.T.J)by Yang Di-Pertuan BesarNegeri Sembilan Darul Khusus,Dato’ Paduka Tuanku Ja’afarIbni Al-Marhum TuankuAndula Rahman• Chief Executive Officer,Far East Organization• Exec Chairman, Yeo Hiap SengLtd and Chairman, Yeo HiapSeng (Malaysia) Berhad• Executive Chairman, OrchardParade Holdings Limited• Non-Executive Director, SuperCoffeemix Manufacturing Limited• Director, Sino Group (Hong Kong)• Ambassador of The Republicof Singapore to The Republicof Chile• Governing Board of The LeeKuan Yew School of Public Policy• Director, Nanyang Primary School• The Singapore-China FoundationBoard of Governors• Cairnhill Community ClubManagement Committee(Honorary Patron)• Advisory Board for the Centre forLiveable Cities (CLC)• Exco Member, ULI (UrbanLand Institute) South AsiaDistrict Council• Chairman, Steering Committeefor the Establishment of theNew University• Group President & CEO,Sembcorp Industries Ltd• Director, Sembcorp Marine Ltd• Director, GuocoLeisure Limited• Director, InternationalEnterprise Singapore• President, SingaporeWater Association• Member, APEC BusinessAdvisory Council• Member, Singapore-TianjinEconomic & Trade Council,Abu Dhabi-Singapore BusinessForum and Saudi-SingaporeEconomic City BusinessForum. Represents SembcorpIndustries on the Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Counciland Singapore-ZhejiangEconomic & Trade Council• Chairman & CEO of YCH GroupPte Ltd• Co-Chairman of ASEAN-Business Advisory Council• Founding Chairman of SupplyChain Asia• Co-Chairman of Korea-Singapore Logistics Council,Founding Member of India-Singapore CEO Forum• Singapore-Tianjin Economic& Trade Council (STETC),Singapore-JiangsuCooperation Council (SJCC),Singapore-GuangdongCollaboration Council (SGCC)• Member of the SingaporeCustoms’ Advisory Committee• Board Member of the Maritimeand Port Authority of Singapore• Board of Advisors of School ofInformation Systems in SMU• Inducted to the Asia LogisticsAward Hall of Fame by LloydsFTB in 2003• Ernst & Young Entrepreneurof the Year (EOY) Singapore2007, and Inducted LifetimeMember of the World EOYAcademy in Monte Carlo 2008• President, SingaporeManufacturers’Federation (SMa)• Chairman, GS1 Singaporeand EPC Global (SMa)• Director, EDC@SMa• Chairman, Draka CableteqAsia Pacific Holding PteLtd, Singapore CablesManufacturers Pte Ltd• Board Member, OakwellEngineering Ltd• Chairman, The SingaporeAccreditation Council (SPRING)• Council Member, StandardsCouncil (SPRING)• Chairman, Electrical &Electronic Product StandardsCommittee (SPRING)• Member, EnterpriseDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil (SPRING)• Conferred the PingatBakti Masyarakat (PublicService Medal) in 2000• Patron, SingaporeProductivity AssociationFederation Profile 11

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008SBF CommitteesExecutiveCommitteeFinance and AuditCommitteeInternational RelationsCommitteeMembers RelationsCommitteeCommercial VenturesCommitteeAppointments andRemuneration CommitteeThe committee has the authorityto act for the Council in policy,procedural, programme andadministrative issues anddecisions. The ExecutiveCommittee sets the overallgoals, short and long termobjectives, policies, programmesand activities of SBF for theCouncil’s approval.Chairman:Members:12 SBF CommitteesMr. Tony ChewMr. Chua Thian PohMr. Lawrence LeowMs. Kristin PaulsonMr. Tang Kin FeiThe primary function of the Finance andAudit Committee (FAC) is to assist the Councilin fulfilling its oversight pertaining to theFederation’s systems of internal controlsincluding financial, operational, compliance andrisk management which Management and theCouncil have established.Its terms of reference include:• to review the accounting policies of theFederation to ensure that they are incompliance with accounting standardsand in accordance with the law;• to review, with the internal and externalauditors, the adequacy of the Federation’sinternal controls, with the purpose ofsafeguarding the Federation’s assets;• to review the balance sheet and profitand loss account of the Federation and tosubmit them to the Council and the Boardof Trustees;• to nominate and review the appointment orre-appointment of the external auditors.Chairman:Members:Mr. Bob TanMs. Kristin PaulsonMr. Simon CheongMr. David ConnerMr. Hans Joachim IhrckeThe committee oversees SBF’sefforts in developing and promotingtrade and investment activities forSingapore companies. It also fostersthe development and promotion ofbilateral and multilateral interactionbetween SBF and internationalbusiness chambers/organisations tobuild goodwill and create a positiveimage for SBF. The committee leadsSBF’s international relations marketingactivities e.g. promotional visits tooverseas countries and in receivingvisiting delegations.Chairman: Mr. Barry DeskerCo-Chairman: Mr. Koh Boon HweeMembers: Mr. Jung Young SooMr. Michael CheokMr. Philip ForrestMr. Mark HongMr. Philip NgMr. Freddy LamMr. V. K. RajanMr. Tan Seng ChaiThe Members Relations Committeeoversees SBF’s work in buildingup close relationships with ourmember companies. The committeeapproves all voluntary membershipapplications, procedural programmes,and administrative issues pertainingto membership matters.The committee is also tasked todevelop close working relationswith all the major chambers andbusiness associations that areSBF’s constituent members so asto enhance the organisation of thebusiness community in Singapore.Chairman:Members:Mr. Tang Kin FeiMr. Cheng Wai KeungDato’ Mohd Zain AbdullahThe Committee was set up to review,advise and make recommendationson commercial ventures relating tothe core business of SBF that wouldbe suitable for the Federation toinvest or participate in.Chairman:Members:Mr. Edwin KhewMr. Desmond HillMr. Vijay IyengarDr. Robert YapThe Committee will help provide theSBF Council and Management with amore structured approval process on HRcompensation matters and appointmentof key personnel including:• To periodically review the adequacy ofstaffing for various units in the Federation.• To periodically review the remunerationpackages and terms & conditions providedby the Federation, to ensure that it isin line with the Remuneration Policyand keeps pace with changes in theemployment market.• To determine the overall RemunerationPolicy of the Federation.• To approve the appointment, confirmation,promotion and termination of theChief Executive Officer and DeputyExecutive Directors.• To determine the annual increment andbonuses to be paid to the Chief ExecutiveOfficer and Deputy Executive Directors.Chairman:Members:Mr. Cheng Wai KeungMr. Tony ChewMr. Bob TanSBF Committees 13

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008SBF Secretariat(as at 31 December 2008)CEOTeng Theng DarChief Executive OfficerGlobal Business GroupASEAN, China, South & North AsiaEdith CheongLoong Lai YongAssistant Executive Director Executive, ASEANBoey Keng ChewDirector, China & North AsiaJuliana GiamDeputy Director, ASEANAlan TanDeputy Director, ASEAN &South AsiaPoh Ching KiongExecutive, China & North AsiaTeo Chi HoweSenior Executive, South AsiaSherlyExecutive, ASEANPaulna TanExecutive, ASEANAda LiuExecutive, China &North AsiaRafiliah RahimAssistant ExecutiveAmericas, Middle East & Africa, Europe & OceaniaMartin YuoonLim ShuzhenAssistant Executive Director ExecutiveCody LeeDirectorRenee KohAssistant DirectorGeorge ChanSenior ExecutiveElizabeth BoonExecutiveClaire LimAssistant ExecutiveZann ChuaAssistant ExecutiveABAC Singapore SecretariatQuek ShiyunExecutiveAlvyn LimProject ExecutiveCorporate CommunicationsGerald De CottaDirectorHilda NgAdministration ExecutiveRachael FongExecutiveMember Relations GroupCheryl KongAssistant Executive DirectorMabel TangSenior ManagerMember ActivitiesSiow Ching ChingManagerCindy ChuaExecutiveDaphne PhoaAssistant ExecutiveNg Su LingAssistant ExecutiveSiti Zubaidah Binte AhmadAssistant ExecutiveMembers’ Survey& FeedbackNeo Ban LengExecutiveCapacity Building GroupRita KingSenior DirectorMarketingDonny LimMarketing ExecutiveCheyenne TeoMarketing ExecutiveEnterprise DevelopmentEady NgAssistant ExecutiveEnterpriseOne BusinessInformation ServicesSally LimManagerIndustry Development &Corporate ServicesLim Chai BoonDeputy Executive DirectorIndustry DevelopmentPatrick ChanDirectorOmana Wuni MenonExecutiveLynn ChangSales & Marketing AssociateLeong Syt IyeeSales & Marketing AssociateBelle LuoAssistant ExecutiveCorporate Services DivisionFinanceWinnie TanDeputy Director, Finance& AccountsDominic SimAccountantGhedy PrawiroAccounts AssistantRazima Binte YahyaAccounts AssistantInformation TechnologyJohnny SongManagerEvon ChengExecutive (Web Design)Joshline RajkumarAnalyst ProgrammerOh Khiam BengSupport EngineerSamsuri Bin Mohamed JalilSupport EngineerHR & AdminTan Hwee TingSenior ExecutiveBernice WongAssistant ExecutiveHuang SiminAssistant ExecutiveRamlah MohamedReceptionist cum AdminAssistantZainal Abidin Bin A. WahidDriver-cum-Office Assistant14 SBF SecretariatSBF Secretariat 15

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008SBF Mission and VisionFacilitatebusiness-relatedgovernmentrelations to enhancepro-enterprisebusiness environmentSupportbusinesses toaccess internationalbusiness opportunitiesPartnerbusinessesto enhancecompetitivenessthrough capacitybuildingMISSIONAct as the bridge betweenthe government and businessin Singapore to createand enhance a conducivebusiness environment.SBF represents thebusiness community inbilateral, regional, multilateralfora for the purpose ofpromoting trade expansionand business networking.VISIONAs APEX businesschamber, SBF will be thevoice of the Singaporebusiness communitylocally and to the world,and create businessvalue for its members.Facilitatebusiness-relatedgovernmentrelations to enhancepro-enterprisebusiness environmentMember Relations & Services GroupSupportbusinesses toaccess internationalbusiness opportunitiesPartnerbusinessesto enhancecompetitivenessthrough capacitybuildingCapacity Building GroupGlobal Business GroupSTRATEGIC FOCUSSTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT MISSION16 SBF Mission and VisionSBF Mission and Vision 17

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008REVIEW OF 2008In Focus...Voice Representation, Capacity Building and Business Facilitation2008 was an eventful year forSBF. Its three-pronged focus ofrepresenting the voice of thebusiness community, helpingmembers build capability andresilience, and facilitating theirefforts to tap into businessopportunities was instrumentalin assisting members with theirbusiness needs and aspirations.The second half of the year sawthe federation step up its effortsto help members make sense of,and ride out the global economicslowdown amid concerns overhigh business costs.275 activities benefitting29,233 participantsSBF organised and supported 275activities and programmes in 2008including seminars, workshops, overseasmissions, dialogue, networking andbusiness matching sessions benefitting29,233 participants.S$340 million worth of dealsattributed to SBF’s businessfacilitation effortsSBF continued to help members withbusiness facilitation efforts in new andemerging economies in the Middle Eastand Africa, ASEAN, North and South Asia,Latin America and Europe. Businesslinks were established with new marketsincluding Libya and the DemocraticPeople’s Republic of Korea (North Korea),whilst linkages were strengthened withcounterpart chambers, companiesand government agencies in countrieswhere SBF has developed rapport.SBF’s business facilitation efforts helpedmembers clinch S$210 million worth ofdeals in 2008, with another S$130 millionunder negotiation. Aside from overseasexpansion, SBF also sought to apprisemembers of business opportunities inemerging sectors such as clean andrenewable energy and franchising.Briefing on Budget 2008, 24 March 2008Bahrain Business Seminar, 15 October 2008 Mission to Libya, 5 – 13 April 2008Mission to Chongquing & Wuhan, 20 – 27 April 2008Review of 2008 19

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Helping members find their collective voice in governmentand internationallyAs apex chamber, SBF represented the voice of the business community indialogue with the government and at regional and multilateral fora such asASEAN, APEC and the International Chamber of Commerce.Key national policy briefings and dialogue sessions in 2008 included the preand post Budget 2008 feedback sessions, National Security Dialogue andNational Wages Council Guidelines 08/09.The worsening global economic and business environment in the later halfof the year prompted SBF to facilitate a meeting between the leaders of theSingapore business community and the Ministry of Trade & Industry as well asMinistry of Finance to discuss the difficulties faced by companies in regard tobusiness costs and cash flow. The resilience package unveiled in Budget 2009had gone some way to help alleviate these concerns.National Security DialogueRepresenting theVoice of BusinessIn 2008, SBF organised a wide range of programmes from seminars, briefings and workshops to member outreach surveys, dialoguesessions and forums to inform, garner views and represent the voice of the business community to government, world business chambersand at international fora.SBF’s engagement of its members in Q4 2008 via two business outlook surveys, feedback sessions and a pre-Budget 2009 dialoguevalidated concerns regarding high operating costs and the availability of credit lines. This prompted SBF to facilitate a meeting between theleaders of the Singapore business community and the Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of Finance for a better understanding ofthe needs of businesses and the challenges they face.Assisting companies to build capability and resilienceSBF also stepped up its efforts to help members to build capacity andresilience through initiatives such as the EnterpriseOne Business AdvisoryServices, Mentorship Program, SME & Markets Help Desk and BizXchange,an online business directory.By Q3 2008, recognising that it would be a challenging period ahead forbusinesses, SBF launched a quarterly series of business briefings on businessoutlook and sentiments, as well as cost and risk management to helpmembers come to terms with the rapidly changing operating environment.Business Continuity Management Seminar20 Review of 2008Mentorship ProgramASEAN Economic Community 2015 SeminarOther developmentsIn other developments, the SBF Council and Board ofTrustees approved SBF’s acquisition of the intellectualproperty rights to Global Entrepolis Singapore(GES) from the Economic Development Board. Theacquisition will enable SBF to organise and manage arange of business conventions and exhibitions underthe GES umbrella.Separately, in line with the practice of goodgovernance, SBF Secretariat staff were briefed byCEO Teng Theng Dar on the SBF Code of Conduct. Allstaff were advised to adhere strictly to the code in thecourse of their work and when dealing with members,business partners, vendors and other third parties.Briefing on Budget 2008, 24 March 2008 SME Financial Management Seminar, 30 September 2008a. Key Outreach ActivitiesNotable activities during the year included:• the National Security Dialogue in Mayorganised by SBF in partnership with theNational Security Coordination Secretariatat which Prof S Jayakumar, Deputy PrimeMinister and Coordinating Minister for NationalSecurity, delivered the keynote address.• the launch of the SBF – SPRINGSingapore Financial ManagementSeries of quarterly seminars inSeptember at which industryexperts shared best practice oncost and risk management.• the launch of the Business Outlook andSentiment Series of quarterly seminars inOctober to update members on the localand regional economies and to brief themon initiatives such as the government’s loanfinancing scheme for companies.Review of 2008 21

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008• the pre-Budget 2009 Dialogue inNovember organised by SBF, REACH(formerly known as the FeedbackUnit) and Ministry of Finance to gatherviews from the business community inpreparation for the Budget Statement.• CEO Boardroom Talk helmedby outgoing SBF Chairman, Mr.Stephen Lee on reflections on theNWC Guidelines 08/09 in June.• the dialogue with Dr. KenchiOhmae on Growing Singapore’sBusiness and Investment Hub forCompetitive advantage• two SBF Business Voice & SentimentSurveys in Q4, the results of whichprovided the motivation for SBFto facilitate a meeting betweenthe business community and theMinistry of Trade & Industry andMinistry of Finance on the concernsand challenges that businesseswere facing.Briefing on Amendments to theEmployment Act, 26 November 2008b. Advocacy and TripartismThe advocacy and tripartite process of businesses working in alignment with governmentand the unions to enhance the business and operating environment was evident in thefollowing policy briefings:• Briefing on Proposed Work Injury Compensation Act (January)• Members’ Dialogue on Guidelines for Audit Committee (February)• Singapore Tripartism Forum – Dialogue on Employment & Employability Challenges (April)• Briefing on National Wages Council Guidelines 08/09 (May)• Employers Briefing on First One-Stop Information Portal for Re-employment (August)• Work – Life Conference 2008 (August)• Briefing on Proposed Amendments to the Employment Act (September)• Briefing on Enhanced Marriage & Parenthood Package (September and October)• Pre-Budget 2009 Dialogue Session (November)These events were attended by 7,378 participants.c. Regional/Multilateral CooperationAsia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) MeetingSBF participated at the APEC meeting in Peru in November which was attended by PrimeMinister Lee Hsien Loong. In conjunction with the meeting, SBF led a 14-man businessdelegation to evaluate possible partnerships with their Latin American counterparts in Peru,Brazil and Chile. SBF Chairman Tony Chew noted that “as a non-traditional market, LatinAmerica offers great potential as many of the sectors are still in the emerging or infant stageof growth.” Singapore’s trade with the region grew 13.7 per cent to US$8.89 billion in 2007.APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)Under the ABAC 2008 theme “Mind the Gap:Making Globalisation an Opportunity for All”,the business-led council conducted a seriesof meetings to address issues pertinent to theAPEC business community. ABAC representsthe private sector consultative arm of theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.The Singapore ABAC members are Mr. TengTheng Dar, (also Co-Chair of ABAC 2008),Ms Chong Siak Ching, (also Co-Chair of theLiberalisation Working Group), Mr. Ng SerMiang (till November 2008) and Mr. Tang KinFei (from November 2008).SBF serves as the ABAC Singapore Secretariatand provides support to the ABAC Singaporemembers at ABAC meetings as well as atvarious APEC Senior Officials and WorkingGroup meetings.At the conclusion of the 2008 ABAC meetings,Singapore assumed the Chairmanship ofABAC, with Mr. Teng Theng Dar serving asChair of ABAC 2009, Ms Chong Siak Chingas Chair of the APEC 2009 CEO Summit andMr. Tang Kin Fei as Co-Chair of the SustainableDevelopment Working Group.ABAC’s recommendations to APEC Leaderswere presented at the Annual ABAC Dialoguewith Leaders in Lima in November 2008, andsubsequently reflected in the 2008 APECLeaders Declarations.The key issues raised were:• An urgent need for a successfulconclusion of the suspendedDoha Development Agenda.• Recognition of the excellentopportunity for Pacific regionalintegration, with the Free TradeArea of the Trans-Pacific afeasible path towards achievingthe Bogor Goals.• A call to APEC Leaders toimprove confidence in the creditand capital markets to avoidfuture financial market turmoil.• A call to APEC to continue tomake SME development apriority given the vital role thatthey play in APEC economies.• To resist protectionist measuresand inject substantial fiscalstimulus to help revive theailing global and regionaleconomies.Through the ABAC process,businesses can look towardsimproved market access in the Asia-Pacific region, and further reductionin business costs by way of:• Greater trade and investmentliberalisation and facilitation.• Increased ease of doingbusiness via structural andregulatory reform• Enhanced connectivity throughimprovement of trade logisticsand supply chains.• Increased support for SMEs incapacity building and financing.2008 ASEAN Business & InvestmentSummit & ASEAN Business AwardsThe 2008 Summit held in Bangkok inFebruary 2009, saw the call by the ASEANBusiness Advisory Council, of which SBFCouncil Member, Mr. Robert Yap is theCo-chair, for the grouping to recommendto the ASEAN Leaders that an ASEAN fundbe created to allow companies ready togo regional and global to have access toaffordable financing.At the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA),held as part of the Summit, five Singaporecompanies vied for honours alongside 23other finalists from the region. Three of theSingapore finalists – Keppel Offshore andMarine Limited (Larger Size Companies– Employment), Network Express CourierServices Pte Ltd (SMEs – Employment), andCherie Hearts Group International Pte Ltd(SMEs – Growth) emerged winners in theirrespective categories. As the Secretariatof ASEAN-BAC Singapore, the SingaporeBusiness Federation (SBF) was instrumentalin facilitating the entries of Singaporecompanies for this award.22 Review of 2008Review of 2008 23

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008ASEAN Economic Community 2015In an effort to create greater awarenessof the ASEAN Economic Community(AEC) Blueprint among its members,SBF organised a forum in September2008 on AEC’s impact on business,public-private sector collaborationand benefits to SMEs. The ASEANbusiness community, through the ASEANEast Asia Business CouncilBusiness Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), is working closely with the ASEANgovernments to facilitate businessgrowth in ASEAN via schemes such asASEAN Pioneer Projects Scheme. SBF,as the secretariat to Singapore’s threerepresentatives to ASEAN BAC, is fullysupportive of this initiative.In his keynote address, Mr. Lim HngKiang, Minister for Trade and Industry,told his audience of 150 senior executivesfrom SMEs and large corporates that theforum was a useful platform for themto discuss and look at effective ways toplay a key role in the AEC initiative. “It isimportant to us that you benefit from ourinitiatives, and that you remain activelyengaged in the development and growthof ASEAN as an economic community”he added. Other speakers at the forumincluded representatives from the ASEANSecretariat, ASEAN-BAC, SBF andMcKinsey & Co.International Chamberof CommerceSBF is a National Committee of TheInternational Chamber of Commerce (ICC).ICC is an International body with NationalCommittees in more than 130 countries.It comprises 15 Commissions that shapethe chamber’s public stance on differentglobal issues.Helping Businesses BuildCapacity and ResilienceDuring the year, SBF’s Capacity Building Group and Industry Development Department partnered member companies to enhancetheir competitiveness through capacity building services such as the EnterpriseOne Business Advisory Services, Global Sourcing Hub,Mentorship Program and SME & Markets Help Desk.Separately, SBF’s Member RelationsGroup organised a wide range oftrade, human resource, tax andfinancial management seminarsand workshops in collaborationwith knowledge partners to impartbest practice to members. By Q32008, recognising that it wouldbe a challenging period aheadfor businesses, SBF launcheda quarterly series of businessbriefings on business outlook andsentiments, as well as cost andrisk management to help memberscome to terms with the rapidlychanging operating environment.At its meeting on 16 January, 2009in Bangkok, the East Asia BusinessCouncil (EABC) discussed the ASEAN+3Co-operation Work Plan and the globaleconomic crisis. Following the meeting,EABC submitted its recommendationsto the Prime Minister of Thailand forthe consideration of ASEAN+3 Leaders.EABC urged the ASEAN+3 Leaders tostrengthen and institutionalise existingregional initiatives such as the Chiang MaiInitiatives and Asian Bond Markets. EABCcalled for long term reforms, includingnew and bolder measures to enhanceresilience and to build a stronger regionalfinancial system.As the world’s premier businessorganisation, ICC has helped to openmarkets and build a rules-based globaleconomy, written rules for internationaltrade, resolution of commercial disputesand served as spokesman for the businesscommunity whenever government decisionsaffect the bottom line. SBF organises ongoingICC-related trading seminars as wellas markets ICC publications to companies.EnterpriseOne Business Information Services (EBIS)Launched in August 2007, EBIS is a comprehensive business information and advisory service that enables companies, in particular SMEs,to access a suite of services to equip them with the knowledge and skills to compete effectively in the local and global marketplace. As akey platform of the capacity building process, EBIS enables SMEs to obtain customised business intelligence and leads, empowers themwith business learning and networking opportunities through industry workshops and networking activities, and is a source of monthlynewsletters with updates on global and industry trends. More than 1,450 SMEs benefitted from EBIS in 2008.24 Review of 2008Review of 2008 25

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Clean EnergyBusinessGroup (CEBG)SBF works closelywith the SustainableEnergy Associationof Singapore, the industry lead for cleanand sustainable energy, in the developmentof the clean energy industry through jointevents and initiatives. SBF initiated theformation of the Clean Energy Business Group(CEBG) for member companies interestedin the adoption and/or commercialisation ofclean energy solutions. Its aim is to connectinterested companies to various industryverticals, technology partners; help linkthem to business leads in the clean energysector and facilitate tapping into availableschemes, incentives and sources of fundingfor their clean energy plans. Areas of focusinclude adoption and/or commercialisationof fuel cell, solar energy and other cleantech& energy efficient solutions in areas such asGreen Building and Facilities Management,Environmental Management, Green IT/DataCentre, Sustainable Energy Manufacturingand Sustainable Energy Business Practices.It is estimated that more than 90% of SBF’s15,000+ member companies are potentialadopters of clean energy and energyefficiency solutions. Many of the big usersof power and energy are from sectors suchas construction and property, manufacturing,banking & finance, telcos, transport andlogistics and data centres which can benefitfrom clean energy and energy efficiencysolutions that reduce business costs and theadverse impact on climate change.Clean Energy Testbedding Community(CETC)One of the first major initiatives of the CEBG isthe collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic (TP) toestablish the Clean Energy Testbedding Community(CETC) aimed at business and technologicalcooperation to test bed and pilot Fuel Cell (FC) andother Clean Energy Technologies (CET). The CETC,supported by EDB, was officially launched on 20January 2009. It taps on the Fuel Cell Community(FCC) of TP to provide the facilities and technologies for test-bedding and pilotingfuel cell, solar energy and other clean energy applications for eventual adoption.With the setup of the CETC, interested CEBG members will thus be provided withthe clean energy adoption knowledge, access to technical support and potentialbusiness opportunities and partners in this area.Key outcomes of CETC in 2008 include:• the inauguration of the first CETC Business Facilitation series in Octobertargeting at Green Building and Facilities Management• securing the support of EDB as a partner for CETC• securing the support of SPRING Singapore as a funding partner for CETC• facilitation of various company and project meetings involving solution providersand adopters/user companies, as well as two business roundtables to facilitatethe renewable energy projects at Pulau Ubin by Energy Markets Authority andclean energy solutions for Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city.Singapore Sustainable Development Industry DirectoryIn November, SBF launched the inaugural edition of the SingaporeSustainable Development Industry Directory, comprising acomprehensive list of more than 300 companies across more than30 different sustainable development industry sub-sectors focusedon green practices and in the business of providing clean andgreen solutions.The directory, published by Singapore Business Federation andsupported by EDB, IE Singapore, NEA and SPRING Singapore aswell as other business and industry partners, aims to generategreater consciousness and interest towards SustainableDevelopment and serves as an enabling platform to facilitate,promote and support green business opportunities.Green IT SurveySBF initiated a Green IT Survey withInstitute of System Science – NationalUniversity of Singapore as the consultingpartner in 2Q 2008.The objectives of the Survey were:• determine Singapore companies’current level of interests, adoptionand implementation plans in GreenIT & Computing.• determine the estimated marketvalue of cost savings from IT energyefficiency at business, industry andgeneral economy level.• derive critical information to roll outan effective implementation andfollow-up plan for a national GreenIT industry campaign.The survey drew more than 330 responses and the results were presented to NationalEnvironment Agency (NEA), Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (iDA) as well asthe Green IT Standards Technical Committee of SPRING Singapore to help them in devisingfurther industry development and assistance and incentive programmes for companies inthe adoption of green IT.As a follow-up, SBF will engage in outreachprogrammes to help more Singaporecompanies leverage on the Green IT incentiveand assistance schemes of NEA and IDA.It will also work with business and industrypartners to raise awareness and facilitatebusiness opportunities in areas includinggreen data centres, cost management viaoffice productivity solutions, the use of ITin sustainable manufacturing, logistics andsupply chain sectors as well as in buildingsand facility management.26 Review of 2008Review of 2008 27

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Networking andBusiness FacilitationSBF’s business facilitation efforts in 2008 enabled its members to tap into S$210 million worth of deals with another S$130 million undernegotiation. During the year, SBF led and supported 13 overseas missions and received 49 visiting delegations comprising business andgovernment representatives from 22 countries. The business dialogue, information sharing, networking and business matching sessionsthat resulted from these outbound and inbound visits benefitted close to 3,600 members.Visit by Crown Prince of Bahrain, 15 October 2008 Visit by Minister of External Relations of Brazil, 29 February 2008SBF continued to help members to explorenew and emerging economies in the MiddleEast and Africa, ASEAN, North and SouthAsia, Latin America and Europe. Businessties were established with new marketsincluding Libya and the DemocraticPeople’s Republic of Korea (North Korea),whilst linkages were strengthened withcounterpart chambers, companies andgovernment agencies in countries whereSBF has developed rapport.28 Review of 2008In 2008, SBF was privileged to welcomedistinguished visitors including HisHighness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of the Kingdom ofBahrain; H.E. Ambassador Celso Amorim,Minister of External Relations, Brazil;His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin,Minister of Investment of the Arab Republicof Egypt; Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin,Minister of International Trade & Industry,Malaysia; Mr. Paavo Väyrynen, Minister forForeign Trade and Development, Finlandand Mr. Ri Ryong Nam, DemocraticPeople’s Republic of Korea Foreign TradeMinister, amongst others.The combined incoming and outgoingbusiness delegations and missionsbenefited some 3,600 SBF membersby way of business roundtables,briefings, networking and businessmatching sessions.ASEANHighlights of activities by the SBF ASEAN Desk include:MALAYSIAConference on BusinessOpportunities in Malaysia(12 August)This is the fourth annualconference since 2005 aimedat apprising members of thebusiness and investmentopportunities in Malaysia.Jointly organized by SBF, MITI,MIDA and MATRADE, the eventincluded a dialogue sessionmoderated by SBF Chairman,Mr. Tony Chew at which Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry and hisMalaysian counterpart, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of International Trade & Industryfielded questions from participants. The event provided the close to 1,000 participantswith good networking opportunities at the business matching session and insights intoMalaysia’s future development plans, including incentives to woo foreign investors.Briefings on Iskandar Malaysia (21 May)SBF organised a post-mission dialogue sessionon Iskandar Malaysia, chaired by Mr. VK Rajan(who led the initial mission) which benefited 36participants, including SBF members who wereunable to join the actual mission. It was alsoa useful session for mission delegates whohad follow-up investment enquiries which SBFwas able to facilitate by linking them to therelevant authorities.SBF also supported a seminar by SiLC (Southern Industrial and Logistics Clusters) ofNusajaya in June which provided some 350 participants from the local business communitywith the latest updates on the business and investment opportunities in Nusajaya.INDONESIAProjects Briefing andInvestment Facilitation(17 September)This event provided some 40 participantswith detailed information on 15investment projects in Jakarta, Banten,West and East Java worth USD 1.1billion. There was also a briefing on thenew Indonesian investment law andhow it will provide a more conduciveenvironment for foreign investors, aswell as the financing tools available forinvesting in Indonesia. Participants foundthe projects briefing fruitful and a goodopportunity to network.Networking Session: Batam,Bintan and Karimun (BBK)(20 June) & Maluku Islands(5 August)SBF organised a post-mission briefingon the BBK Special Economic Zone inJune to share its assessment on thebusiness environment and potentialinvestment opportunities as well aselicit feedback from delegates tofacilitate informed business decisionmaking.The briefing on Maluku was todeepen the participants’ knowledge ontourism investment opportunities andprocedures of doing business there. Thebriefing also facilitated networking withthe head of Maluku Provincial TourismBoard and Maluku government officials.Eighty three participants benefited fromthese two events.Review of 2008 29

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Business Mission to Indonesia: Jakarta & Bekasi(10 – 14 November)The SBF-led business mission to Jakarta and Bekasi in partnership with BKPM (TheInvestment Coordinating Board Republic of Indonesia) enabled participating companiesto get a better understanding of the ongoing developments in Jakarta and the businessopportunities and projects in Indonesia.The mission was successful in helping our members to generate business contacts andidentified partnerships and joint ventures. An estimated S$1.2 million worth of deals areexpected to be concluded in the next 12 months.VIETNAMBusiness Matching Session with Vietnamese Companies(17 November)The session was attended by 13 Vietnamesefirms and 29 Singapore companies,comprising 33 and 47 senior executivesrespectively from the finance, engineering,construction and raw materials industrysectors. It was a useful platform forcompanies from both sides to expand theirnetwork of potential business partners,explore opportunities for collaborationand to gain a better understanding of theinvestment climate in Vietnam. More than190 one-to-one contacts were established and S$16 million in sales was estimated tohave been generated during the business matching session jointly organised by SBF andThe World & Vietnam Report (W&V) of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Networking with Vietnam’sLeading Business Club(11 November)SBF hosted a business networking dinnerfor the visiting business delegation fromVietnam’s Leading Business Club – a clubof leading entrepreneurs from Vietnam’sbusiness community representing the mosttrusted and recognised company brands inVietnam. 55 Singaporean and Vietnameseguests representing 44 companiesbenefitted from this networking session.Business Mission to Hanoi &Ho Chi Minh (7 – 12 April)SBF organised a business missionto Vietnam (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh) inpartnership with SembCorp ParksManagement and International Data GroupVietnam. Eighteen delegates representing15 companies visited the Vietnam ConsumerElectronics Expo 2008, Vietnam-SingaporeIndustrial Park, met with officials from theMinistry of Planning & Investment andInvestment and Trade Promotion Centre.They also had a networking session with theSingapore Business Group in Vietnam.Doing Business in Vietnam cum Post-Mission Session (1 August)This “Essentials for Doing Business in Vietnam” seminar organised by SBF wassupported by Sembcorp Parks Management, DHL Express, Khattar Wong Vietnamand EnterpriseOne Business Information Services (EBIS). Along with practicalbusiness information, this session provided the 93 participants with a comprehensiveoverview of Vietnam, including manufacturing opportunities, logistics and freightissues, various forms of foreign direct investments, financing options as well askey trends and upcoming developments. SBF also shared its findings from the SBFbusiness mission to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in April 2008.NORTH ASIAIn 2008, SBF consolidated business ties with several established as well asemerging provinces in China including Guangdong, Chongqing, Wuhan andNanning. It also enhanced contacts with both the Democratic People’s Republicof Korea and South Korea.CHINABusiness Mission toChongqing and Wuhan(20 – 27 April)SBF and InternationalEnterprise Singaporejointly led a delegationof 58 officials andbusiness delegatesfrom 30 companiesand organisations for anetworking and fact-finding mission to Chongqing and Wuhan in April. Mr. LeeYi Shyan, Minister of State (Trade & Industry) led the mission.The mission delegates met with leaders of Chongqing, were briefed by seniorofficials on the business opportunities there and established useful contacts. AChongqing-Singapore city planning networking session was also held. The ideaof forming a small consortium among members to explore potential projects wasmooted. SBF followed up to facilitate the interest of some members to evaluateprojects in the leisure business, manufacturing (specialized cement), urban planning,education and IT among others. About $125 million worth of business deals andprojects were considered by participating companies during and after the mission.MOU between SBF and CCPITGuangdong (16 September)SBF inked an MOU with CCPIT Guangdong toestablish the GSBEC aimed at promoting bilateraleconomic and trade cooperation betweenGuangdong and Singapore. The MOU was signedbetween SBF CEO, Mr. Teng Theng Dar andChairman, CCPIT Guangdong Council, Mr. ChenWen Jie, and was witnessed by Mr. Lim SweeSay, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office andGuangdong Party Secretary Mr. Wang Yang duringhis visit to Singapore on 16 September 2008.To date, 21 Singapore companies including KeppelLogistics, ST Engineering, ST Electronics, UOB KayHian, Poh Tiong Choon and Chartered Institute ofTechnology have expressed interest to join theGSBEC and the council has started to provide ourmembers with relevant information regarding theGuangdong development.30 Review of 2008Review of 2008 31

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008China Guangdong-Singapore BusinessConference 2008 (14 – 17 September)SBF supported this conference at which GuangdongParty Secretary Wang Yang, led some 450 Guangdongsenior officials and entrepreneurs to Singapore topromote bilateral investment and trade relations betweenSingapore and Guangdong. The event was attended by1,800 participants, including Singapore businessmen.SBF will provide assistance to link its members with therelevant Guangdong authorities and business contacts.DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA & SOUTH KOREAMOU Signing between SBF and DPRKChamber of Commerce (2 December)Mr. Tony Chew, Chairman of SBF and Mr. Ri Hak Gwon,Chairman of DPRKCC, inked an MOU to facilitateinformation exchange and the exploration of businessopportunities to promote bilateral trade betweenSingapore and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.The signing, witnessed by Singapore’s Minister forTrade and Industry, Lim Hng Kiang, and DPRK ForeignTrade Minister, H.E. Ri Ryong Nam, was preceded bythe signing of an Investment Guarantee Agreementbetween the governments of the two countries.5th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Nanning, Guangxi(22 – 25 October)SBF led Singapore’s participation at the 5th CAEXPO in Nanning, Guangxiaimed at promoting economic and business cooperation between China andSingapore. Through the hosting of CAEXPO, more Singapore companies havebecome aware of the potential of Nanning and Guangxi. Some 20 SingaporeSMEs are currently operating in Nanning.Seminar on Investment andBusiness Opportunities in theDemocratic People’s Republicof Korea (DPRK) (1 December)This is the first business seminar everto be organised on DPRK, in conjunctionwith the official visit of the DPRKForeign Trade Minister Ri Ryong Namto Singapore. Officials from the KoreaForeign Investment Board and DPRKChamber of Commerce briefed some 60participants on the country’s economic,investment and trade environment, andhighlighted business and investmentopportunities available to Singaporecompanies in industries such as mining,agriculture and manufacturing. Theparticipants responded positively to SBF’simpromptu survey regarding joining itsbusiness mission to visit DPRK’s SpringTrade Fair in May 2009.Business Mission to DPRK and follow up Roundtable (10 – 15 May)SBF supported the business mission organized by IE Singapore which accompaniedMinister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo’s visit to the Democratic People’s Republic ofKorea (DPRK) in May. This first official mission was significant in view of DPRK celebratingthe 60th anniversary of its founding. The delegates from the eight participatingcompanies were positive about the business prospects in DPRK once its restrictivebusiness environment has improved. SBF facilitated the request of some delegates toexplore business opportunities by linking them with the relevant DPRK authorities.As a follow up, SBF and IE Singapore jointly organised a post-mission DPRK BusinessRoundtable in August that provided 22 participants from 17 companies with insights onbusiness opportunities in DPRK, especially in sectors such as textiles, ICT, and trading.Ted Tan, Deputy CEO of International Enterprise Singapore and three speakers from thebusiness mission shared their findings and experiences about doing business in DPRK.SBF-KITA Business Matching Session (17 March & 11 June)SBF and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Singapore representative officejointly organised two business networking sessions between 20 Korean and 61 Singaporecompanies in March and June to facilitate exploration of business opportunities andpartnerships. KITA officials and all participants were pleased with the contacts made at thesessions and looked forward to more such events in the future.32 Review of 2008Review of 2008 33

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008SOUTH ASIAMission to India (19 – 24 April)SBF and the Federation of Indian Chambersof Commerce & Industry jointly organised abusiness mission to India to enable delegatesto learn about the largely untapped tourismmarket there and to explore partnershipswith India operators. The mission was inconjunction with the Great India TravelBazaar in Jaipur, Rajasthan, sponsored byDepartment of Tourism, Rajasthan and theIndian government.Seminar on Navigating India’s Booming Economy –Opportunities in the Goods Trading and Food & Beverage Sectors(14 August & 24 October)The Goods Trading seminar enlightened35 participants on the opportunitiesavailable in the goods trading sector inIndia. It also provided valuable insightson how companies can leverage theComprehensive Economic CooperationAgreement to improve their tradingactivities, and how the logisticsenvironment in India affects theirbusiness operations.34 Review of 2008Singapore tour operators were able tomeet with owners of boutique hotels,spas and recreational establishmentsand came away better equipped todesign customized tour packagesto India. The delegates shared thatthe mission had generated usefulbusiness contacts and facilitatedexploration of possible partnershipsand joint ventures.At the Food & Beverage seminar, 52participants were able to pick up valuabletips on the taxation and legal frameworkand the prospects of competing with thedomestic beverage companies in India.Speakers at the seminar, including fromAsia Pacific Breweries, shared key insightsabout the dynamics of the Indian marketand how they overcame the challenges ofoperating there.Seminar on Business &Investment Opportunitiesin Sri Lanka (22 August)This briefing organised by SBF enabled thevisiting government officials and businesspeople from Sri Lanka to update our localbusinessmen on the country’s political andeconomic situation. Additionally, the 52participants picked up valuable tips fromlong established Singaporean companiesoperating in Sri Lanka, such as Prima Foodsand Shing Kwan Group. Overall, participantswere pleased with the candidness ofthe speakers and encouraged by theimprovement in the political situation in SriLanka. A few companies discussed with thevisitors the feasibility of starting partnershipsand distributorships in the country.Seminar on Business &Investment Opportunitiesin Bangladesh (19 June)The objective of the seminar wasto educate companies on the broadoverview of the Bangladesh economyand the opportunities available inselected sectors, such as infrastructure,chemicals and electronics. Somecompanies expressed interest to startgreenfield operations to cater to theneeds of the growing marketplace.Other South Asia ActivitiesSome of the other South Asia activities organised during the year included:• Singapore-India PartnershipFoundation – 2nd Annual GeneralMeeting (4 April)• Business Mission to India (Gujarat& Kerala) (17– 24 June)MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA• Economic Roundtable on Nepalwith visiting MP Mr. BinodChaudhary (16 October)• Investment Conference on Gujarat(22 October)Business Mission to Qatar & UAE (29 January – 3 February)SBF’s Middle East Business Group (MEBG) led a 38-member business missionto accompany Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on his official visit to the twocountries. It was the largest Singapore business delegation to visit the Middle East,comprising senior representatives from diverse industries.The highlight of the business mission was the inaugural Qatar-Singapore BusinessForum (QSBF) in Doha, graced by H.E. Yousef Hussein Kamal, Minister of Finance,H.E. Dr. Mohamed Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of State for Energy, with SM Goh asthe Guest of Honour. The QSBF was jointly organised by the Qatari and Singaporegovernments and business communities, with SBF and the Qatari BusinessmenAssociation (QBA) fronting it. Attended by 150 top government officials andbusiness leaders from both countries, the forum witnessed the inking of threecooperation agreements. Besides the MOU between SBF and QBA to facilitateexchanges and explore business opportunities to spur bilateral trade betweenthe countries, the QBA also signed an MOU with SPRING Singapore to facilitateexchanges of experience on the development of SMEs. The third MOU was signedbetween Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Keppel Corp, by which QIA becomesthe first partner in the Tianjin eco-city project developed by Singapore and China.The QSBF helped to profileSingapore’s businesscompetence and open doors forpossible collaborations betweenSingapore businesses with theQatari and Emirati counterparts.The mission helped delegatesto generate $17.5 million worthof business deals.• 4th International Conferenceon South Asia – Challengesof Economic Growth, Inequalityand Conflict in South Asia(24 November)Business Mission to Libya(5 – 13 May)This business mission was organised inconjunction with the official visit by SeniorMinister Goh Chok Tong to Libya.The business mission was led by Mr. TengTheng Dar, Chief Executive of SingaporeBusiness Federation and comprised 19 seniorrepresentatives from diverse industries.The highlight of the visit was the Libya-Singapore Business Networking Dinner attendedby SM Goh Chok Tong and H.E. Abd Al-HafidhZalitni, Deputy Prime Minister of Libya, at whichan MOU was signed between SBF and theLibyan Businessmen Council (LBC) to facilitateexchanges and the exploration of businessopportunities, to spur bilateral trade betweenboth countries. The mission delegates alsoattended briefings organized by the relevantLibyan ministries and government agencies, andparticipated in the business-matching session.The mission helped to expedite the processand conclusion of a three-year S$175 millionwater and waste water infrastructure contractfor mission participant, Boustead SingaporeLimited. The company had been negotiating thedeal since 2007.Review of 2008 35

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008Launch of the MEBGPartnership Programme(15 October)SBF launched the second phase ofits business platform, the Middle EastBusiness Group (MEBG) in conjunctionwith the visit to Singapore by His HighnessShaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa,Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain.MOUs were signed with the followingpartners:• WongPartnership (legal)• KPMG (accounting and taxation)• Ameen Talib and Associates(knowledge of ME culture)In addition, vice-chairmanshipappointments were presented to keymarkets champions in recognition of theircommitment to support the Singaporebusiness community's foray into the MENAregion with their business experience andprofessional expertise. The appointmentswere as follows:H.E. Dr. Mohammad Nahavandian,President of the ICCIM led a 18 strongbusiness delegation comprising prominentheads of Iranian companies representingthe tourism and hotels, oil and gas,transport, petrochemical, general trading,construction, agro-industries trading,services and retail sectors.Investment Climate and Business Opportunities in Egypt (14 August)MEBG Vice ChairmenAttended by more than 100 businessleaders, the launch of the MEBG KnowledgePartners Programme was to introducenew key initiatives for MEBG’s next phasesince its founding in 2007. This initiativewas in response to members’ feedbackon the need to understand the marketand business environment better throughsharing of market knowledge and expertisefor purposes of overseas expansion.The Knowledge Partners Programmeaims to enhance MEBG members’ accessto advisory services through a pool ofknowledge partners on various areas oflegal, accounting and taxation, financial andcultural aspects of doing business in theMiddle East and North Africa (MENA) region.1. Dato’ Mohd Zain Bin Abdullah,Executive Chairman of PrestigeMarine Services Pte Ltd and Presidentof the Singapore Malay Chamber ofCommerce and Industry2. Mr. Shabbir Hassanbhai, Directorof Indo Straits Trading Co Pte Ltd andSingapore High Commissionerto Nigeria3. Mr. Wong Meng Meng, SeniorCounsel and Founder-Consultantof Wong Partnership LLPSeminar on BusinessOpportunities in Iran(7 August)Following the visit to Tehran by H.E.Gopinath Pillai, Singapore’s Non-ResidentAmbassador to Iran in September 2007,SBF extended an invitation to the IranChamber of Commerce Industries andMines (ICCIM) to visit Singapore with abusiness delegation.The business opportunities in Iran seminarand business matching session attracted110 participants. The dialogue session,moderated by SBF Council Member Mr.Tang Kin Fei drew friendly banter from thebusiness community about the businessopportunities that are available in Iran,the banking issues that impede trade andtravel restrictions.The visit by ICCIM marked an importantstep towards the strengthening of bilateralbusiness ties between Iran and Singaporethrough the B-to-B linkage fronted by SBF.The seminar was a useful platform forour companies to seek clarification andpractical advice on how to do business inIran, including how to overcome regulatoryimpediments. The business matchingsession provided our businessmen theopportunity to establish useful contactswith their Iranian counterparts.This seminar was organised in conjunctionwith visit of His Excellency Dr. MahmoudMohieldin, Minister of Investment of theArab Republic of Egypt, and a high levelofficial and business delegation. Mr. ZainulAbidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State,Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore andadvisor to the SBF Middle East BusinessGroup hosted the visitors.Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin briefed some80 members of the local businesscommunity on the current businessenvironment and opportunities in Egypt.In addition, participants were alsoupdated on the opportunities in Uganda,Swaziland and Rwanda by the respectivechairmen of the Common Market forEastern and Southern Africa.A Memorandum of Understandingwas signed between SingaporeBusiness Federation (SBF) andGeneral Authority for Investment andFree Zones (GAFI) Egypt to createa consolidated B-to-B platform thatwill strengthen MEBG’s cause infacilitating business flow into theMENA region.Dialogue with H.E. Alfadhel Al-Harthy, Omani Undersecretary For Development Affairs, Ministryof National Economy (20 August)SBF co-organised a dialogue sessionfor H.E. Alfadhel Al-Harthy, OmaniUndersecretary For Development AffairsMinistry of National Economy, Omanto discuss investment opportunitiesin the Sultanate of Oman attended by20 prominent local business leadersrepresenting the E-government, propertydevelopment, IT, education, businesssolutions and tourism sectors.The participants were briefed on the latest developments and business opportunitiesin Oman, and were told that the Omani government is committed to attracting investorsas it embarks on its diversification program.This exclusive dialogue session enabled Singapore companies to present theirinterests and capabilities to the Omani leaders, especially for those currentlypursuing projects in the Sultanate. Singapore companies seeking partnerships inOman in airport logistics systems, e-government, quarrying and mining, marine andpetrochemical, port operation and tourism promotion were some of the key sectorsthat presented their case to the Omanis.36 Review of 2008Review of 2008 37

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008LATIN AMERICA & EUROPECEO Business Mission to Latin America (20 – 27 November)“Brazil – The Next Leap” Business Seminar and Networking Session (29 February)This seminar was organised by SBF inconjunction with the first high-level visit ofH.E. Ambassador Celso Amorim, Minister ofExternal Relations of Brazil to Singapore. Hewas accompanied by a business delegationof 16 senior level representatives fromcompanies such as Petrobras, Odebrecht,Banco do Brasil and Cargill, amongst others.In conjunction with Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong’s first ever visit toLatin America, the Singapore BusinessFederation and International EnterpriseSingapore jointly organised a high-levelCEO business mission to Peru, Braziland Chile from 20 – 27 November 2008.Led by Mr. Tony Chew, Chairman, SBFand Mr. Teng Theng Dar, Chief ExecutiveOfficer, SBF and Mr. Chong Lit Cheong,Chief Executive Officer, IE Singapore,the delegation comprised 14 seniorbusinessmen from nine Singaporecompanies, officials from IE Singapore,Singapore Economic Development Boardand SBF.One of the highlights of the programmewas the attendance by the delegation at theAPEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru from 20 –23 November 2008. The annual Summit isa key platform for senior business peopleto engage political leaders, policymakers,influential academics and other CEOsfrom the Asia Pacific and the Americason issues relating to promoting free andopen trade. While in Lima, the businessdelegation also had the opportunityto have a short discussion with theColumbian Commerce Minister.During the Brazil and Chile legs, thedelegation met with principal businessorganizations such as the Federationof Industries of the State of Sao Paulo(FIESP), APEX Brazil and the SantiagoChamber of Commerce (CCS) to discussbusiness opportunities between thetwo communities. The delegation alsoattended the ENADE, one of the mostsignificant business conferences in Chilegraced by Chilean President, MichelleBachelet, at which Prime Minister LeeHsien Loong delivered a speech.The mission helped participatingcompanies, on their inaugural visit toLatin America, to have a first handexperience of the business environmentand gain an introductory understandingof the business potential in Latin America.It also opened doors for our companies tonetwork and establish direct contacts withpublic and private sector decision makersin the countries visited.Ambassador Amorim and Mr. Lim HngKiang, Minister for Trade & Industry ofSingapore, spoke at the seminar andwitnessed the signing of an MOU betweenSBF and Federation of Industries of theState of Sao Paulo(FIESP). The MOUsignified the commitment by bothorganisations to facilitate exchanges topursue business cooperation and growbusiness links between Brazil and Singapore.Finland-Singapore CEO Dialogue (20 February)This roundtablebusiness dialoguewas organised withthe Confederation ofFinnish Industries EK,in conjunction with theofficial visit of H.E. TarjaHalonen, the Presidentof Finland to Singapore.She was accompaniedby a 16-strongbusiness delegation.The dialogue, graced by Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore,and Mr. Paavo Väyrynen, Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, wasattended by more than 50 top business people from both countries.More than 120 Singapore businessmen from the Oil & Gas, Transport and Logistics,ICT, Banking & Finance, Healthcare, Media, Consumer Staples and Discretionary sectorsattended the seminar. They were briefed on the Brazilian economy and the businessopportunities in sectors such as oil & gas, energy, aviation, infrastructure and logisticsand banking and finance.Business leaders from both sides wereupdated on the latest developments in thetwo economies as well as industries, andshared their knowledge and exchangedideas for potential areas of collaboration.SBF and the Confederation of FinnishIndustries EK inked an MOU to promotedeeper cooperation between bothorganisations and to promote businessexchanges between both countries.Singapore expressed its keenness topartner Finland in tapping the latter’sexpertise in environmental technology inareas such as water and waste treatment,water recycling and clean energy.38 Review of 2008Review of 2008 39

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008On target...List of 2008 ActivitiesSeminars / DialogueSessions / Workshopsorganised by SBFJANUARY• Workshop on Incoterms 2000• Silver Industry Conference & Exhibition(SICEX) 2008• “Cut Carbons, Grow Profits” Workshop• Distinguished Alumni BusinessLeaders Forum• Expo Central China 2008Promotion Seminar• “How to benefit from environment& Low Carbon Economy” Workshop• Business Opportunities & The NewIndonesian Investment Law• SBF Workshop on Understanding theUCP 600 & ISBP 2007• EBIS Information Resources Seminar:China is Aggressively moving up the ValueChain, are you ready to ride the tide?• Making Headways into Latin America –Peru & APEC CEO Summit 2008• Briefing on Tax Treatments of VariousBenefits-In-Kind• Clean Energy & SustainableDevelopment Industry InformalBusiness Networking Session• Briefing on Proposed Work InjuryCompensation Act• Business Outlook 2008FEBRUARY• Sharing and Feedback Session onFuture Global Trends• Briefing on Changes to Tax Treatmentof Various Benefits-in-Kind (Re-run)• SBF Employment Relations/LegislationWorkshop Series – Designing & PlanningEmployee Benefits• SME Financial Series 2008 – MentorshipProgramme: Strategic Business Planning• Briefing on Flexi-Works! Scheme &Work-Life Excellence Award 2008• SBF Seminar on RegulatoryCompliances in India• Members’ Dialogue Session onGuidance for Audit Committee• SBF Workshop on Letters of Credit:An in-depth Understanding forImporters & Exporters• EBIS Information Resources Seminar:Medical Tourism in Asia Pacific• Business Continuity Management:Introduction to BCM-TR19 andImplementing it for your Company• TradeExchange ElectronicDocument Management: Benefits tothe Trade Community• SBF Employment Relations/LegislationWorkshop Series – Understandingthe Singapore Employment Act &its Key Provisions• Clean Energy & SustainableDevelopment Industry – InformalBusiness Networking Session• “Brazil – The Next Leap” BusinessSeminar and Networking Session• Seminar on Green Computing and ITfor Energy Efficiency• Chinese New Year Business NetworkingList of 2008 Activities 41

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008MARCH• Workshop on Singapore FinancialReporting Standard Updates• SME Financial Series 2008 –Mentorship Programme: DevelopingFinancial & Business Master Plan• Workshop on Incoterms• Briefing on the Essentials ofCompetition Law & Cartel Detection –A Guide for Procurement Officers• Business Matching Session withKorean Companies• SME Financial Series 2008 –Mentorship Programme:Strategic Budgeting• Briefing on Proposed Work InjuryCompensation Act (Re-Run)• HRM Workshop – RetiringEmployees, The Retirement Age &Re-Employment Issues• Briefing on Budget 2008• Workshop: Case-Studies onPitfalls, Tricks & Traps in Lettersof Credit Transactions• EBIS FORUM – A place to acquaint,network and collaborate: Netting MoreCustomers through the Internet!• Seminar on Business Opportunities inChongqing & Wuhan• HRM Workshop – Avoid HiringThe Wrong Employee• Clean Energy & SustainableDevelopment Industry – InformalBusiness Networking Session• HRM Workshop – Writing TheEmployee HandbookAPRIL• Clean Energy & Sustainable DevelopmentForum – Opportunities for SingaporeCompanies & Businesses• Seminar on Tripartite Advisory onResponsible Outsourcing Practices• TradeXchange – Achieving OperationalEfficiency Through Seamless SupplyChain Collaboration• Franchising Opportunities In EmergingMarkets – Middle East & Vietnam• Briefing on GST E-Filing• Singapore Tripartism Forum (STF)Dialogue on Employment & EmployabilityChallenges• Briefing on the Essentials of CompetitionLaw & Cartel Detection (Re-run) -A Guide for Procurement Officers• HRM Workshop – Termination AndDismissal Issues• Workshop on Drafting EmploymentContract for Executives• SBF Seminar on Managing Distributors& Agents• HRM Workshop – Workforce FlexibilityThrough Part-Time Employment• Clean Energy & Sustainable DevelopmentIndustry – Informal Business NetworkingSession• EBIS Information Resources SeminarThailand: Overview of the Opportunitiesand Security Concerns• SBF Workshop On Incoterms 2000• Briefing on Changes to Tax Deduction forMedical Expenses and Portable MedicalBenefits• HRM Workshop – Managing HumanResources In Small & Medium Size-Industries (SMEs)MAY• SBF Workshop On Incoterms 2000• TURKEY – The Next Destination• Workshop On New CorporateIncome Tax Law In China• Joint SBF-SNEF Briefing on NationalWages Council (NWC) GuidelinesFor 2008/2009• National Security Dialogue:Strengthening Corporate Resilience• HRM Workshop – EmploymentContract Issues• Post – Mission Dialogue Session:Iskandar Malaysia (with focus onNusajaya)• Differentiate or Sell Cheap – HowEnterprises Are Built• Workshop on China NewEmployment Contract Law• “WTO – Make It Your Business”ISEAS-SBF WTO Seminar• SBF Workshop on Letters of Credit– An in-depth Understanding forImporters & Exporters• Workshop on Financial ReportingStandards 12 Income Taxes• Russia-Singapore BusinessMatching Session• Informal Business NetworkingSession – Clean Energy &Sustainable Development Industry• HRM Workshop – DisciplineHandling at the Workplace• HRM Workshop – ManagingPerformance Appraisal at theWorkplace• EBIS Information ResourcesSeminar: Emerging Global andRegional Digital Media MarketJUNE• SBF Mentorship Series 2008:Mentor – Model Program BrandingFor Differentiaton• SBF Sustainable Business FacilitationSeries – “Green Solutions”• Business Matching Session withKorean Companies• SBF Workshop on Understandingthe UCP 600 & ISBP 2007• HRM Workshop: Designing & PlanningEmployee Benefits• Business & Investment Opportunitiesin Bangladesh• China-ASEAN Expo – The 5th China-ASEAN Exposition Trade and BusinessOpportunities Conference 2008• Post mission networking sessionon Chongqing and Wuhan• SBF Post Mission / Networking Session:Indonesia – The Emerging Market –Batam, Bintan and Karimun (SEZ)• CEO Boardroom Exchange:National Wages Council (NWC)Guidelines 2008/09• HRM Workshop: UnderstandingThe Singapore Employment Act &Its Key Provisions• Seminar on the Relevance ofCompetition Law to Your BusinessJULY• SBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000• Singapore Sustainable DevelopmentDistinguished Speaker Series –Mr. Mike Splinter, President & CEOof Applied Materials “Unlocking thePotential of Solar Energy – a BrightFuture for Clean Energy”• Briefing on Company’s Tax Obligations& Completion of Form C For YA 2008• EBIS Country Seminar: Vietnam– Emerging Business Trends &Opportunities• Seminar on “How to be aSuccessful Manager”• HRM Workshop: Terminationand Dismissal Issues• Sustainable Development IndustryInformal Networking Series• Workshop on Case-Studies on30 Pitfalls, Tricks & Traps in Lettersof Credit Transactions• HRM Workshop: Restructuring ofCompanies & Transfer of Employment• “MEXICO | NIP 07-12” InformationSession and Business Seminar• EBIS Information Resources Seminar:Global Halal Food Market – GreatOpportunities for Business Enterprise• HRM Workshop: Writing theEmployee HandbookAUGUST• Essentials for Doing Business in VietnamCum Vietnam Post-Mission Session• CEO Forum 2008 (Conductedin Mandarin)• SBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000• Networking Lunch – Indonesia:Maluku The Hidden Gem In Asia• Seminar on Business Opportunities inIran & Business Matching Session 2008• Invitation to Participate in the Seminar& Dialogue Session on “BusinessOpportunities in Malaysia”• www.re-employment.sg –A Tripartite Initiative: The First one-stopinformation portal for Employers &Workers on Re-employment• Navigating India’s Booming Economy –Opportunities for SMEs GoodsTrading Sector• Work-Life Conference 2008• Seminar on “Investment Climate andBusiness Opportunities in Egypt”• Creative Industries Exchange –Innovating Your Business• HRM Workshop: EmploymentContract Issues• EBIS Forum: CRM in Building CustomerConnections: How to Turn Interactionsinto Business Opportunities?• SBF Workshop on Letters of Credit –An in-depth Understanding forImporters & Exporters• Seminar on Business & InvestmentOpportunities in Sri Lanka• Dinner Dialogue with Dr. KenichiOhmae – “Growing Singapore’sBusiness and Investment Hub forCompetitive Advantage”• HRM Workshop: Discipline Handlingat the Workplace• Briefing on Auto-Inclusion Schemefor Employment Income• The Leaders Network: The NewBusiness Paradigm: Knowing Whereto Find the Winners• HRM Workshop: Managing HumanResources in Small & MediumSize-Industries• Exclusive Employers’ Visit to Republic ofSingapore Air Force (RSAF) Open House• SME Financial Series 2008 – MentorshipProgramme: Strategic Business PlanningSEPTEMBER• Briefing on the Enhanced Marriage& Parenthood Package• SBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000• Workshop on NEW Corporate IncomeTax Law in China• EBIS Country Seminar: DoingBusiness in Russia42 List of 2008 ActivitiesList of 2008 Activities 43

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008• Workshop on An Overview of theFinancial Reporting Framework inSingapore For Directors and Non-Accounting Managers• Indonesia – Projects Briefing andInvestment Facilitation• Briefing on the Proposed Amendmentsto the Employment Act• Hands-On Workshop on Preparation ofFinancial Statements Using FS Manager• Latin Asia Business (LAB) Forum 2008• SBF Workshop on Letters of Credit –An in-depth Understanding for Importers& Exporters• SBF Forum “ASEAN EconomicCommunity 2015” – “How will Singaporebusinesses benefit from ASEANEconomic Community?”• HRM Workshop: Designing &Planning Employee Benefits• SME Financial Series 2008Mentorship Programme: CashflowManagement Improvement• Briefing Session on “Doing Businessin Brazil”• HRM Workshop: Avoid Hiringthe Wrong Employee• Business Solutions Series: How TradeSolutions Can Support Your Business• HRM Workshop: Managing PerformanceAppraisal at the Workplace• Re-Branding Out of Trouble• SBF Seminar on Vietnam Taxation& Legal Issues• SBF-SPRING SME FinancialManagement Series: Managing Riskin a Volatile Environment for SMEsOCTOBER• Corporate Social Responsibilities(CSR) InSingapore – Moving Forward Seminar• Briefing on the Enhanced Marriage& Parenthood Package (Re-Run)• SBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000• Business Outlook & Sentiments Series:Forecasts for Q4 & 2009• CEO Breakfast Talk: Seduced by Success:How the Best Companies Survive the9 Traps of Winning• HRM Workshop: EmploymentContract Issues• SBF-TP Clean Energy Test-beddingCommunity (CETC) Business FacilitationSeries “Clean Energy Solutions for GreenBuilding & Facilities Management”• Hands-On Workshop on Preparation ofFinancial Statements Using FS Manager• HRM Workshop: Workforce Streamlining,Redundancy & Retrenchment Issues• Post-Mission Information Series:Spotlight on Doing Business in Libya• SBF Workshop on Understandingthe UCP 600 & ISBP 2007• Navigating India’s Booming Economy –Opportunities for SMEs in the Food &Beverage Sector; Pioneering Businessin Northeast India• Hands-On Workshop on Preparation ofFinancial Statements Using FS Manager• HRM Workshop: Understandingthe Singapore Employment Act & ItsKey Provisions• SBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000NOVEMBER• “The Business Case For Sustainability –A New Zealand Perspective”• Distinguished Lecture 2008: “CSR as aCompetitive Advantage: the Fuji XeroxExperience” Mr. Toshio Arima, FormerPresident and Executive Corporate Advisorof Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd & UN Global CompactBoard Member• Seminar on Supply ChainManagement Risk• Pre-Budget Dialogue Session onBudget 2009• Hands-On Workshop on Preparation ofFinancial Statements Using FS Manager• Business Matching Session WithVietnamese Companies• Workshop on UCP 600 & ISBP 2007 byPavel Andrle – New tools and solutionsfor International Trade Finance• Essentials for Business• HRM Workshop: Termination andDismissal Issues• SME Customer Service Seminar “Build ASuperior Service Culture for SustainableCompetitive Advantage” With RonKaufman• SBF Workshop on Letters of Credit –An in-depth understanding for Importers& Exporters• Creating a World Class Organisationin Challenging Times• Briefing on the Amendments to theEmployment Act• SBF-SPRING SME FinancialManagement Series: Practical Measuresfor SMEs During Turbulent Times• HRM Workshop: Writing theEmployee HandbookDECEMBER• Democratic People’s Republic ofKorea Seminar• Briefing on the Amendments tothe Employment Act (Rerun)• Closed Door Dialogue Session betweenGovernment and the Business CommunitySICCI-CII Business Forum ‘CorporateIndia: Challenges & Opportunities’Events Supportedby SBFFEBRUARY• IE Singapore – Asian Development Bank:Business Opportunities SeminarMARCH• Briefing on Fair Employment• Business Continuity ManagementConference 2008 – Overcoming GlobalRisks & Threats of Business Continuity• Bintan Industrial Estate (BIE) InvestmentSeminar• Rise of the Golden Crescent – DoingBusiness in the Middle East• UK – Your Strategic Partner in Europe• Singapore Brand Conference 2008 –Differentiate or Sell cheapAPRIL• ADR Training – Under the auspices ofthe ICC ADR – Dispute Board – ExpertiseServices• The 4th Cambodia ICT &Telecommunications World Expo• Arbitration Day: Hearing and Deliberation– Under the auspices of the ICC Instituteof World Business Law• B4E – Business for the EnvironmentGlobal Summit 2008• Business Matching Session With KoreanCompanies from Chungnam Province• Introduction To Climate Change AndCarbon TradingMAY• Vietnam ICT For SMEs• Clean Energy Seminar 2008• Vietnam Medi-Pharm 2008 – The15th Vietnam International Exhibitionon Products, Equipment, Supplies forPharmaceutical, Medical, Hospitaland Rehabilitation• The Standard Chartered SME Summit– Strategizing your Business Growth:Underlying Risks in Asia Pacific• “Governing for Sustainability –A Hungarian Perspective on ClimateChange, Environment and Responsibilityfor Future Generations”• Business Seminar by Embassy ofMongolia in SingaporeJULY• Seminar on Essentials For Business• Public Accountants Conference 2008• The Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2008• BlueSky Festival 2008• IE Singapore / UNPD: UNDP Seminaron How to do Business with theUnited Nations• Do you want to enter the Beauty,Cosmetics or Spa & Wellness Market inChina?• Business Opportunities in RomaniaAUGUST• TOP 50 BRANDS “Are Singapore BrandsUnderperforming?”• International Economic Forum Ukraine:New Possibilities• Free Trade Agreement (FTA) CertificateProgrammeSEPTEMBER• ICC-SIAC Conference – Reflections onDiverse Issues in International Arbitration(SBF is a Member of ICC NationalCommittees in Singapore)• Briefing on Fair EmploymentOCTOBER• 36th Junior Chamber InternationalSingapore National Convention 2008• STF Tripartite IR Seminar 2008“Strengthening Industrial Relations inthe New Economy”• Investment in Cambodia• PBD Singapore – Towards a DynamicIndian Diaspora• ISAS Public Lecture – Nepal’s Politicaland Economic Transformation:Challenges and Prospects• SME Development Survey 2008Conference• Wine For Asia 2008• ASEAN Human Resource Summit• Singapore Human Capital Summit on“People Strategies for Asia”• Invitation to the Legacy of Tan Kah Keeand Lee Kong Chian Exhibition• Standards eXchange on ManagementSystems Enabling EnterpriseCompetitiveness for Global MarketsNOVEMBER• IE Singapore – World Bank ProcurementWorkshop – How to do business in WorldBank financed projects•• Carbon Forum Asia 2008• The 9th Doing Business in Japan Seminar:Japan-Increasing FDI and M&A, NewBusiness Opportunities• International Arbitration – East AsiaComes of Age• Doing Business in Hungary• Korea Product Show and BusinessMeeting 2008• The First ICC Regional CEO Forum• FOURTH INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE ON SOUTH ASIA –Challenges of Economic Growth,Inequality and Conflict in South Asia44 List of 2008 ActivitiesList of 2008 Activities 45

Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008 Singapore Business Federation Annual Report 2008• Spa Symposium 2008• REDAS’ 49th AnniversaryDinner 2008• Seminar On Investment and MarketOpportunties/Korean Start-up andPre-IPO Companies• Free Trade Agreement (FTA)Certificate ProgrammeDECEMBER• Briefing on Fair Employment• SICCI-DBS Singapore-IndiaBusiness Award (SIBA) 2008Presentation Ceremony & SICCI-CIIBusiness Forum ‘Corporate India:Challenges & Opportunities’• Global Financial Crisis: Challengesand Opportunities for SMEs• Global Business Outlook for2009 ConferenceVisits Hosted by SBFJANUARY• Visit by Stanford Graduate Schoolof Business• Delegation led by Vice Director WangYun Hua, Shandong Province’s WeifangEconomic Development Area (WEDA)• Visit by Ms Yasmeen MohammedAl-Awadhi, Assistant Deputy Ministerof Housing Sector, Republic of Yemen• Visit by Mr. Assem Regab, Chairman,General Authority for Investment andFree Zones (GAFI)• Delegation from 3rd Expo Central ChinaOrganizing Committee led by DeputyDirector Wang Bisheng, Hebei Deptof Commerce• Delegation from Qingdao Feiyang Vocationand Technical College• Delegation from National Developmentand Reform Commission (NDRC) and theAPEC SME Technology Conference andFair Organizing Committee led by NDRCDivision Chief Mr. Huang DianwenFEBRUARY• Business roundtable with visiting FinnishMinister for Foreign Trade & Development,Mr. Paavo Vayrynen, and accompanyingbusiness delegation• Visit by H.E. Ambassador Celso Amorim,Minister of External Relations of Brazil andbusiness delegation re “Brazil – The NextLeap” seminarMARCH• Dialogue with Mr. Youssouf Bakayoko,Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d’Ivoire• Courtesy call by Ambassador of Sudanto Singapore• Courtesy call by Charge d’Affaires,Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina• Meeting with Ministry for Small andMedium Size Enterprises, Commerce,Tourism and Liberal Professions, Romania• Business matching session with visitingKorean companiesAPRIL• Courtesy call by Ambassador of Turkeyto Singapore• Visit by delegation from Fujian ForeignTrade & Economic Cooperation Dept• Meeting with President of Italy’sMotorcycles and Motocycle PartsManufacturers’ AssociationMAY• Meeting with the delegation fromBai Se, Guangxi AutonomousRegion, China• Meeting with delegation fromKunshan, Jiangsu led by Mr. Feng HuiQing, Deputy Chairman of KunshanTrade Union Federation• Delegation from Russia• Delegation from Mongolia• Delegation led by Mr. Ye Rongzhong,Deputy Director of Foreign AffairsOffice from Ningbo, ChinaJUNE• Delegation from GuangdongDepartment of Foreign Trade andEconomic Cooperation (DOFTEC) ledby Wu Jun, Deputy Director-General• Delegation from Hong Kongand Macau• Dialogue Session with H.E. PrinceOlagunsoye Oyinlola, Governor of theOsun State of Nigeria• Visit from the 5th CAEXPOOrganising Committee to Singapore• Delegation from Jiujiang, Jiangxiled by Jiujiang Mayor Ms Wang PingJULY• Delegation from Romania’sgovernment agencies, state-ownedenterprises and businesses• Dialogue with African Leaders andPolicy Makers• Courtesy call by Mrs. Norica Nicolai,Vice-President of the Upper Houseof Parliament, Romania• Delegation from the China –ASEAN Business and InvestmentSummit (CABIS) OrganisingCommitteeAUGUST• Visit by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin,Minister of International Trade & Industry• Delegation from Iran• Delegation from Oman• Delegation from Nanjing Audit UniversitySEPTEMBER• Courtesy Call by the Israeli Ambassadorto Singapore• Delegation from Hangzhou led byVice Mayor• Delegation from Guangdong Provinceled by President of CCPITOCTOBER• Visit by Crown Prince of Bahrain, H.H.Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa• Delegation from Ghana• Delegation from the InternationalResearch Committee, Royal SwedishAcademy of Engineering Sciences• Networking Session with RussianSEZ Delegates• Delegation from Libya• Courtesy call by the UkrainianChamber of CommerceNOVEMBER• Delegation from New Zealand• Delegation from Vietnam’s LeadingBusiness Club• Delegation from Ningbo City• Courtesy call by CEO of theHungarian Investment and TradeDevelopment Agency• Delegation from IT IS, MFA and KoreaInternational Cooperation AgencyDECEMBER• Visit by Democratic Peoples’ Republicof Korea Foreign Trade Minister,Mr. Ri Ryong NamOverseas BusinessMissionsJANUARY• Business Mission to Qatar & UnitedArab EmiratesMARCH• Business Mission to Batam andBintan – Special Economic ZoneAPRIL• SBF Business Mission To Vietnam(Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh)• SBF Business Mission to Jaipur,Rajasthan, India (In conjunction withthe Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2008)• Business Mission to Chongqing& WuhanMAY• SBF Business Mission To Libya• SBF Business Mission to Malaysia(Selangor & Negeri Sembilan)JUNE• Singapore Business Mission to IndiaNOVEMBER• Business Mission to Indonesia(Jakarta & Bekasi)DECEMBER• 23rd International Autumn TradeFair 2008, DubaiMOUs signedin 2008JANUARY• Qatari Businessmen AssociationFEBRUARY• The Confederation of FinnishIndustries EK• The Federation of Industries ofthe State of São PauloMAY• The Libyan Businessmen Council (LBC)AUGUST• The General Authority for Investmentand Free Zones (GAFI) EgyptSEPTEMBER• The China Council for the Promotion ofInternational Trade (CCPIT) Guangdong• The Federation of Industries of RioGrande do Sul (FIERGS)DECEMBER• The Democratic People’s Republicof Korea Chamber of Commerce(DPRK Chamber of Commerce)46 List of 2008 ActivitiesList of 2008 Activities 47

This page is intentionally left blank.

Singapore Business Federation10 Hoe Chiang Road#22-01 Keppel TowersSingapore 089315Tel: +65 6827 6828Fax: +65 6827 6807www.sbf.org.sg