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

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