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I thank the Singaporean — German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC)
for inviting me to contribute to its business annual for 2016/2017. This will
be my last contribution to the SGC’s business annual, as I end my posting in
Berlin in September 2016. It has been a ‘thrilling ride’ for me over the past four
years. Germany is very close to my heart — it is my second assignment in this
beautiful country – and during my four years in Berlin, I have witnessed how
both Singapore and Germany have embraced change to remain competitive and
be ahead of the curve. Let me share with you three observations, which I think
dovetails well with this year’s theme.
H.E. Mr Jai S Sohan
Ambassador of the Republic
of Singapore to the Federal
Republic of Germany
First, both countries have a strong foundation which allows them to leverage
on new technologies. This includes our strong legal and physical infrastructure,
our well-diversified economy, and an educated workforce. Germany has a
high-share of innovative companies, with approximately two-thirds of all R&D
expenditure in Germany spent in companies. This is complemented by the work
of world-class research institutions and excellent network between business
and science. Singapore has a very high regard for Germany’s innovation
ecosystem, as we build on our own.
Second, we have not allowed our constraints — vulnerability to global economy,
demographic changes etc. — to hinder economic growth. Despite or perhaps
due to these challenges, we have decided that we cannot remain business-asusual
and be afraid of change. We have decided to pursue the next generation
of technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), which is the smart connectivity
of different sensors present in physical objects. Germany has decided to
combine this with its strengths in the industry and call it Industrie 4.0. This is
necessary as companies face increasing pressure of reduced batch sizes and
increased level of customisation from their global customers. Singapore is
looking at Germany’s development closely, as we pursue our own advanced
manufacturing ambitions.
Third, while undergoing economic transformation, both countries recognise the
importance of sustainable approaches. Germany has shown us that through the
use of renewable energy, economic growth does not necessarily have to lead to
higher carbon emissions. Singapore is a renewable energy disadvantaged state
due to its small size and high cloud cover, but we are doing our part to reduce
carbon emission through a more efficient use of energy.
Singapore and Germany have been enjoying excellent cooperation across a
broad range of fields, from science and technology, to research and education
and of course, business and economics. There is also a high level of political
exchanges. These excellent ties provide a solid foundation for businesses from
both countries to collaborate in smart technologies for our future like the IoT in
industries, urban solutions, green technology and electromobility.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Germany for its 26th anniversary of
German unity this year. As I end my posting here, I would also like to introduce
Mr Laurence Bay who will take office as the Ambassador on 28 September 2016.
I wish the SGC all the best in its efforts to further promote relations between
Singapore and Germany.
H.E. Jai S Sohan
Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore
to the Federal Republic of Germany
SGC Business Magazine 2016/2017
11