ScandAsia Singapore - May 2016

MAY 2016
Stine Martinussen
new President of Danish Business
Association, Singapore
ScandAsia.dk ScandAsia.fi ScandAsia.no ScandAsia.se

Open House
Register at www.sais.edu.sg
Friday, May 13 th 2016
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Coming Events
MAY 2016
SWA Ladies’ Football Training
Where: 200 Turf Club Road, Plot 9, Singapore 287994Premier Pitch
When: 13 May - 13 June, 19:00 - 20:00
The Nidaros Cathedral Boy’s Choir sings its
only public concert in St. Andrew’s Cathedral in
Singapore in cooperation with the Norwegian
Embassy in Singapore and Det norske oljeselskap
ASA.
You can look forward to a boy choir concert
filled with magnificent music both known and
unknown, international and Norwegian. Don’t
miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Sommerfest at German European
School Singapore
Where: German European School Singapore, 72 Bukit Tinggi Rd
When: 11 June, 16:00 - 22:00
Scandinavian Women’s Association is organising Ladies’
football training on various dates.
Join SWA for fun football training, and be a part of a
women’s football team! No football skills needed just bring
sporty outfit, jogging / sports shoes and a water bottle. First
session is for free following session costs 35SGD/session
you pay cash upon arrival. RSVP to swasingapore1975@
gmail.com if you are interested in joining.
The location is Premier Pitch in Turf City (off Dunearn
Road). These pitches are covered so we will be training
even if it rains! Please check the location upfront as there
are many football pitches in Turf City and taxi drivers often
do not know their way around!
The Nidaros Cathedral Boy’s Choir only
public concert in Asia
Where: Andrew’s Cathedral, 11 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore
When: 20 May 19:30 - 21:00
Scanbiz Bar Singapore
Where: Vasco, 42 Hong Kong Street
Time: 2 June, 18:00 - 23:00
It’s the first Thursday of the month, which means it’s time for Scanbiz Bar! Fellow
Scandinavians, come and meet friends, or make new ones over this monthly
networking event. As always, there is special Scanbiz offers all night, but don’t miss
happy hour from 6pm-9pm.
The venue is the chic Vasco on Hong Kong Street. Everyone is welcome! Be
prepared for a truly festive Thursday and the last Scanbiz bar event this season!
For parents of children at the GESS: On 11 June
2016 the German European School invites for
a Sommerfest (Summer Party), starting from
4-10pm at the Junior School Campus. There will be
a variety of vendors selling different things, among
them a Danish vendor selling Danish specialities.
More information on the school’s website.
Stine Martinussen
new President of Danish Business
Association, Singapore
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News Brief
DABS Gala Ball 2016 – A Danish fairytale night
By Maria Andreasdottir
Imagine over 300 dazzlingly looking Danes in
black tie and shining gowns, dancing to live
music from one of the most acknowledged
rock singers from Denmark, all having fun and
cheering with bubbles. This is one of the many
moments to remember from 9 April 2016, when
the Danish Business Association Singapore held
their 31st Annual Ball.
At the Ritz Carlton Hotel guests were
welcomed with champagne, and had time to
mingle and adore each other’s outfits. This year,
there was a “best dressed competition”, judged
by the founder of Covetella, Carol Chen and the
founder of JasperLiving, Louise Werling Jasper.
Already from the beginning of the night the two
women worked hard to reduce the number of
candidates for the title between all of the divine
dresses. It was not only well-dressed women to
win prizes this night: there was also a lottery with
over 100 prizes, and last, but not least, the big
charity auction.
Before the first course was served, new
President of DABS, Stine Martinussen, warmly
welcomed everyone. Maria Therese Hedenborg,
SWA President, went on stage after the first
course, where she explained the cooperation
between DABS, SWA and the Breadline Group,
which benefited from all the money from the
charity auction. The honorable Secretary of The
Breadline Group Mr. Richard Lim came on stage
to say thank you for the support and explain how
4 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016
the donations will help families in Singapore.
Sponsors have been generous towards the
auction, and big gifts such as 3-day-holiday in
Phuket, and VIP tickets to Thomas Helmig were
among others donated to the auction.
The two fashion judges finally agreed who
should receive the title of “Best Dressed” . A hard
choice, and as Carol Chen expressed herself “I
have never seen so many good looking people
in one room”. The prize went to Alexandra
Ternstrøm, who dressed in a golden gown from
Covetella.
The menu consisted of a first course of
rare seared marinated tuna with vine ripened
tomato confit. For the main course, guests were
served pan-fried beef tenderloin with potato
dauphinoise and sauce bordelaise, and they
indulged in a guanaja chocolate dome for dessert.
It was fully enjoyed. For some, it was their first
time at DABS Gala Ball.
“I have only been to Danish Business
Association’s Gala Ball in Shanghai before, but
this is just as tremendous. It has been a wonderful
night!” said Mette Trock-Jansen, translator at
MediaTrack.
And to others, it was another reunion filled
with joy and excitement.
“This year’s ball has been amazing. I am
positively surprised how excellent the service
was. A man asked for two first courses, and he
got it. Our waiter for our table also deserves
credit for never leaving our glasses empty. It
was well-organised, and I think the night was
absolutely lovely!” says Maria Ruby-Mortensen,
team manager at Retriever and MediaTrack.
It was not only the sponsors to be generous
regarding the charity auction. The bids for the
different prizes increased, and so did the prizes,
too. Apparently, Thomas Helmig and band
spontaneously threw some more gifts into the
auction when they heard the result of their first
donation.
Later, the Danish rock singer, Thomas Helmig,
together with his band, entertained the DABS
Ball for almost two hours, and people enjoyed it
to the fullest. After the concert the band joined
the ball, and everyone danced to the sounds of
Danish DJ, DJ Thomsen, who closed the ball.
“Everything came together for this night; the
venue, the lottery, the charity auction, the band
and the DJ – it was all taken to a higher level.
Everybody had so much fun,” says Maria Therese
Hedenborg, SWA President.
DABS President, Stine Martinussen, agrees
with Maria. “We are very happy with the way the
ball went this year. We took a bit of a financial
risk bringing THOMAS Helmig and band out to
singapore, but it made the night absolutely perfect.
A big thanks to all of our sponsors who makes a
night like this possible.”
Just like a H.C. Andersen fairytale, it could not
be a happier ending.

Enjoy timeless Danish films all over the globe
News Brief
Dirch Passer, Olsen Banden, Lille-Per and
many more icons from the chest of
Danish film history are now on deck for
online streaming at every corner of the world.
It’s near to half a century ago since Egon came
up with his first genius plan and it’s been more
than 80 years since Liva Weel sang “Gå med i
lunden”. As times fly Nordisk Film has decided to
catch and collect Danish film classics throughout
time and connect them to the newly launched
streaming service “Dansk Filmskat”.
“Dansk Filmskat” has experienced an
enormous interest - also from Danes resided
abroad. That’s why Nordisk Film has made the
popular Danish films available to watch and enjoy
from all over the globe.
Beyond generations and borders
“Dansk Filmskat” compiles Danish films from
1931 and forth. The variety of films changes
every week, so there’s constantly new cozy movie
moments for you to enjoy.
“The classic Danish films are inherited by
each generation and loved beyond age groups
because they have such a special place in many
Danes hearts. Now “Dansk Filmskat” goes beyond
borders as well, so anyone can benefit from the
cozyness of Danish film regardless of where you
live”, says Ole Martini, Director at Consumer
Channels, Nordisk Film.
A glimpse of Danish lives
The streaming service grants not only Danish
“hygge”, nostalgia and heartwarming humour
for the entire family, but also a sheer insight to
Denmark and Danish lives in the past generations.
“There’s some unmistakably Danish about
these films, which puts them in a central position
in our shared cultural history. Digging into these
pieces of history gives a unique glimpse of the
progress in Danish society, language, fashion,
gender roles, technology and so on”, explains
Ole Martini.
“Dansk Filmskat” is available on TV, tablet and
laptop. Members of “Dansk Filmskat” moreover
gets access to amusing Danish commercials from
the 50’s and 60’s and extraordinary interviews
with figures as Ghita Nørby, Morten Grunwald,
Bent Fabricius-Bjerre and a range of other icons
from the history of Danish cinema giving their
insights on the stories behind the films.
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certain countries and their availability may depend, among other things, on the investment risk profile of persons in receipt of this publication or on any legislation to which they are subject. Nothing in this publication should be construed
as an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to purchase, subscribe to or sell any investment or product, or to engage in any other transaction or provide any kind of financial or banking service in any jurisdiction where Nordea Bank S.A.,
Singapore Branch or any of its affiliates do not have the necessary licence. Published by Nordea Bank S.A., R.C.S. Luxembourg No. B 14.157 on behalf of Nordea Bank S.A. Singapore Branch, 138 Market Street #09-03, CapitaGreen
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May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 5

News Brief
Singapore and Norway reaffirms strong and growing friendship
our closest friends in Asia.”
These words came from
‘‘One of
Norway’s Prime Minister Erna
Solberg, when she paid tribute to the friendship
between Norway and Singapore at the sixth
edition of Norway-Asia Business Summit 2016.
One year after Norway became independent
in 1905, the Scandinavian country set up a
consulate here – a sign of Singapore’s importance
as a harbour for Norwegian vessels.
On Wednesday 13 April 2016, 110 years later,
Ms Erna Solberg could happily confirm the close
ties between the two countries.
She was hosted to lunch at the Istana by
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. According to
Erna Solberg, they both share a history and a
forward-looking economic relationship, including
digital services, renewable and sustainable energy,
start-ups with a global future, just to mention a
few along the longstanding ties in maritime and
oil and gas.
Before heading to the Istana to meet Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tony
Tan Keng Yam, Prime Minister Solberg ended her
speech saying: “Singapore is a treasured partner
for Norway, both economically and politically.
I am convinced our best opportunities still lie
before us.”
“Norway and Singapore enjoy good economic
relations, especially in the maritime sector. Our
ties go back more than a century,” the PM said in
his statement and also reaffirmed the close ties
between the two countries.
Lee Hsien Loong noted that Singapore has
long been “a home away from home” for the
Norwegian seafaring community. Norway is
now the sixth largest contributor to Singapore’s
Registry of Ships, while Singapore hosts the
largest Norwegian business community in Asia,
with nearly 400 companies here.
“There is also a significant Norwegian
presence in our maritime ecosystem, including
shipping banks and brokerage firms,” he added.
He also shared with Ms Erna Solberg and
her delegation how Dutch economist Albert
Winsemius had once wondered aloud as to
why he felt an affinity with Singapore and found
success here. Dr Winsemius, who was Singapore’s
economic advisor from 1961 to 1984, concluded
that it was because of the Dutch tradition of
Calvinism that emphasised self-reliance and
hardwork, traits he saw in Singapore’s pioneer
generation.
Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the Northern
Europe mindset neede to be able to survive long
winters, harsh climates, not necessarily fertile
lands and to be able to endure, grow and develop
a high civilisation.
“We need that kind of mindset, and so we
find kindred souls on the other side of the world
and we make common cause together.”
He also cited Norway’s foresight and discipline
when it discovered large reserves of oil and gas
in its continental shelf in the 1960s. It set up the
Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global,
with spending rules that are strictly adhered to.
Last, he thanked Ms Erna Solberg for Norway’s
strong support for Singapore’s participation as an
observer in the Arctic Council.
“I look forward to enhancing the close and
longstanding friendship between our countries.”
Sources: www.straitstimes.com.sg, www.nbas.
org.sg
Prime Minister Solberg inaugurates Norway Asia Summit
Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg
held the opening speech, with Mr
Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and
Industry (Trade) Singapore in attendance at the
2016 edition of the Norway Asia Summit.
Held on 12 – 14 April many relevant issues
were on the agenda, such as: What is happening
in the maritime, offshore and energy industries
in Asia? How important will ASEAN and China’s
“One Belt, One Road” initiative be going forward?
6 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016
And how can Norwegian businesses succeed in
Asia?
High-level leaders and experts from Asia and
Norway at the Norway-Asia Business Summit
attended, including Keppel Offshore & Marine’s
Michael Chia, SPRING Singapore’s Poon Hong Yen,
Singapore Shipping Association’s Esben Poulsson,
Remi Eriksen from DNV GL, Jens Ismar from
Western Bulk, and the Norwegian Shipowners’
Association’s Sturla Henriksen.
Academics and experts such as author and
CNN contributor Parag Khanna, McKinsey’s
Oliver Tonby, FICCI’s Narendra Taneja, professor
Torger Reve and oil expert Torbjørn Kjus also
added depth and insights.
Aound 250 people were in attendance at the
summit, held at the Fullerton Hotel.
Source: Norwegian Business Association (Singapore)

Spellbinding Japanese-European-inspired Charm
News Brief
Mo’mor boasts a Japanese-European
charm and promises an exquisite
gourmet experience. The restaurant is
nestled in the cozy enclave of Tanglin, and serves
up delectable tapas and grills at affordable prices.
Ideal for tête-à-têtes or family gatherings, diners
can choose both indoor and alfresco settings. The
interior is minimalist and exudes a rustic vibe –
the right ambience for couples or intimate groups
or opt to dine under a blanket of stars, against a
backdrop of lush greenery.
With most of its ingredients directly procured
from Swiss Butchery, Mo’mor ensures their dishes
are of premium-grade and made with the freshest
ingredients. Menu offerings are mostly fusion
which focus on the interplay of smooth texture
and mouth-watering flavors.
Mo’mor’s set lunches menu changes every
week and for S$15, diners can have a two-course
meal consisting of one main, and one tapas or
dessert. And by paying just little more, a threecourse
meal of one main, one tapas and one
sweet is available at S$18,.
Recommended items to go for are: Plum
Tomato Ceviche (S$12.00) - a medley of nori
vinaigrette, garlic chips and cilantro, Australian
Wagyu on Skewer (S$22) - succulent chunks of
wagyu beef soused in an intense and rich sesame
dressing, Slow Cook Charcoal Grilled Iberico
Pork Collar (S$30) - tantalizing pork collar, moist
and tender on the inside while nicely charred
on the outside and Lavender Pudding (S$13) -
caramelized pineapple with coconut ice cream.
Address : 56 Tanglin Rd,
Tanglin Post Office (Opposite Tanglin Mall)
#B1-01, Singapore 247964
Phone: 6463 8080
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May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 7
ScanAsia_april2016_192x135_april.indd 1 17/03/16 12.12

News Brief
Danish Pavilion at Asia Pacific Maritime
The Asia Pacific Maritime 2016 was held
on 16 – 18 of March with Denmark’s
Ambassador Berit Basse opening the
Danish Pavilion and meeting up with the attending
companies, along with Mr Lucien Wong, chairman
of MPA Singapore.
Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) is the hub of
maritime and offshore community in Asia when it
comes to decision making on global newbuilding
projects, repair and operation.
Singapore as a market is highly important
to the global marine business and the APM
exhibition is effectively the place to meet as
many as possible.
With an industry under pressure, it is
important to get closer to the decision making
and Singapore is the most concentrated maritime
environment to achieve this. Danish Marine
Group will, in addition to market the participants
at the APM exhibition, provide networking
opportunities and market contacts during the
APM week.
Singapore is one of about 130 of the world’s
top shipping groups. More than 5.000 maritime
companies employ over 170.000 people and
underline the maritime density in Singapore.
4.500+ vessels are registered under Singapore
flag equal to more than 82 million gross tons.
Singapore Shipping Association has more than
200 members under the category Shipowners or
Shipmanagers alone.
Maersk remains stable in Singapore
Maritime Singapore is built on three pillars,
according to Rene Piil Pedersen, group
representative Singapore/Asia-Pacific,
Maersk Group and managing director, AP Moller
Singapore Pte Ltd. These are competitiveness, that
is, a globally competitive taxation scheme, ease of
doing business, etc; stability, ie, a consistent, longterm
transparent government policy executed by
competent government and institutions, rule of
law and strong anti-corruption policy; and finally
multicultural meritocracy, which gives access
to talent with an international and competitive
mindset.
These three pillars are the foundation of
Singapore’s growth as an international maritime
centre.
“This gives a very strong fundament for
Singapore as an IMC, and this is also the reason
why the Maersk Group has registered close to
140 vessels and drilling rigs with a value of some
US$ 12 billion in Singapore,” he says.
8 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016
Today, a strong fundament is alpha omega
to survive in a time, where the oil industry is
bleeding. Falling prices on oil together with falling
shipping rates are damaging the whole branch,
and has led to thousands job lay-offs as well as
closing down oil riggs.
Significantly, despite the current gloom and
doom in the global shipping industry, the number
of Maersk employees in Singapore remains stable
at around 650.
“With all of our major businesses having
activities in Singapore there will always be some
who are scaling down while others are growing
their number of employees, and right now we
are growing the number of staff in Maersk Line’s
commercial office based in Singapore as part of a
restructuring of the business in South-east Asia,”
Rene Piil Pedersen says.
He sees shipping companies playing a strong
role in Singapore’s growth as an international
maritime centre (IMC) going forward.
Maersk has been established in Singapore
since 1975 and has grown its operations here
substantially in tandem with Singapore’s growth
as an international maritime centre. It is the
top Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) client
with about 140 vessels and the Singapore office
operates over 100 of its vessels.
Sources: www.businesstimes.com.sg

May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

Stine Martinussen
new President of Danish
Business Association,
Singapore
“Relevancy draws more new members.”
By Maria Andreasdottir
Portrait photo: Tatyana Kildisheva
Stine Martinussen was one of the
first female members to serve as a
committee member for the Danish
Business Association Singapore (DABS).
Today, she is the new President of DABS,
which makes her the first female President for the
association.
“I am honoured to be the first female
President, and I would like to offer my sincerest
gratitude to our members for their support and
for this opportunity,” says Stine Martinussen in
DABS’s newsletter.
ScandAsia introduces a real-life power
woman.
Not only is Stine managing half the office at
the recruitment company Faststream; she also
volunteers for the Danish Business Association
Singapore, where she helps engage new members
and organize big events, such as the annual DABS
Gala Ball, on top of being a wife and a mother.
Growing up in Auning in East Jutland,
Denmark, Stine knew she wanted to pursue
a career in business. However, it was not a
business-oriented education she chose to study
in University.
“I guess I was a little lazy,” she laughs. ScandAsia
disagrees. The word “lazy” simply cannot be
associated with Stine. In 2008, after working as a
Purchase Assistant for Grundfos in Denmark, she
decided to move to Singapore and undertake a
Bachelors degree in Business Management. She
arrived in the Lion City six months before the
commencement of her studies, but instead of
being a “full time tourist” she took a full time 16-
week course in Mandarin.
“After I finished my bachelors degree, I fell
into the recruitment business.”
Stine began working for Faststream, where
she worked her way up in the International
Shipping Recruitment Industry, and now she has
climbed to the position of being a manager. It
was through Faststream that she heard about the
Danish Business Association Singapore from one
of her clients.
Keeping it simple
“I like to keep it simple,” says Stine.
Since she became a member of DABS, she
has seen the association steadily grow. Now with
10 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016

her new position as DABS President, she will build
on the foundations laid by her predecessors and
continue improving DABS.
“DABS is founded purely on its memberships,
and because of that, we believe it is very important
to be attractive to our members.”
Creating value for members is not about
quantity, but quality. Stine Martinussen aims to
make events that leave a deep impression on
people long after the event has been held.
“DABS are trying to set up events to make
people grow – both personally and professionally.
There will be more focused events. Some events
will only be for members – one of our upcoming
events is for members only, and it is already sold
out. We are also aiming to attract high-calibre
speakers, whom our members want to hear.”
One thing the new President is really excited
about is DABS’s role on social media. Stine has
little knowledge when it comes to social media
marketing, but the DABS community is not afraid
to lend a helping hand.
“One of our members with an experienced
background in marketing has loads of ideas
on how DABS should be displayed on social
platforms to interact even more with members.
She will help us with implementing social media,
and we are currently working on a new strategy
together.”
People gladly help volunteering for DABS,
and it creates positive collaborations. DABS also
collaborates with the Danish Trade Council and
the Danish Embassy. The association holds all its
meetings at the Danish Embassy, and the Danish
Ambassador and Trade Council often join in.
“We have a very good relationship with both
the Embassy and the Trade Council. We help each
other as much as we can.”
It is important to Stine to make DABS
relevant to members. The association is made
to benefit Danish employees, both professionally
and personally. Members are encouraged to
engage newcomers to Singapore to become
DABS members. The organization is growing fast,
and according to Stine, one of the reasons is the
member benefits have started to become more
relevant to Danes in Singapore.
Keeping it Danish
It has been eight years since Stine moved to
Singapore. Although she works for an international
company, is married to an Englishman, and lives in
Southeast Asia, being Danish is a major part of her
life – and always will be. She loves to cook in her
spare time, and it is often dishes from the Danish
cuisine she conjures up in the kitchen. She revived
a Danish tradition in Singapore 6 years ago, the
big traditional Danish “julefrokost”, where she
invites lots of friends over for a lovely Christmas
dinner every year.
Stine likes the idea of introducing different
holidays and traditions to each other, and at her
multicultural office at Faststream, she experiences
a lot of different celebrations.
And, of course, her role as President for a
Danish association also enhances the Danishness
in her life.
Regardless, Stine loves her place in life right
now.
“I will always miss Denmark, but I don’t see
it having the same opportunities as Singapore.”
What she misses most is her family, but they
visit often. Now, they visit more than before, and
there is no doubt Stine’s beautiful baby boy plays
an important role here.
“My parents will visit more often, and instead
of visiting Denmark once a year, we will make it
two times a year to help Daniel build a relationship
to his Danish roots.”
Stine was given the title of DABS President on
Thursday 10 March 2016, when DABS held their
Annual General Meeting at the Danish Seamen’s
Church, and thereby replaced the previous
President Jakob Bergholt.
May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

Jan B. Djerf presides over
EuroCham Singapore
Undoubtedly Swedish banking executive Mr Jan B. Djerf is one of our most
well known Scandinavians in Singapore.
In Southeast Asia’s undisputed
business hub since 2004 Mr
Djerf is not only Senior Vice
President and General Manager
of Handelsbanken Singapore
Branch and Head of South Asia and
Pacific; he is also the President of
Eurocham, European Chamber of
Commerce (Singapore), during two
years spanning from 2015 – 2017.
Prior to this, Mr. Djerf took
on the role as Vice-President for
3 years. Mr. Djerf also represents
the Swedish Business Association
in Singapore on the EuroCham
Board and has been an active Board
member since 2005.
ScandAsia finds out more about
these, his prestigious additional
roles on a European level. But
first, a résumé of his career up to
now: In his professional career, Mr.
Djerf’s major step towards senior
level management came with his
appointment as the Head of the
Treasury Department at Ericsson
in Stockholm, Sweden. This sparked
his globetrotting career phase,
leading him to be headhunted by
Alfinad SA in Brussels, Belgium, the
Treasury Center of Alfa Laval. Mr.
Djerf soon saw his career taking
him to Lausanne, Switzerland as
Director Group Treasury at Tetra
Laval. 1994 saw Mr. Djerf’s entry
into one of Scandinavia’s largest
banks, Handelsbanken. In 1998,
Mr. Djerf was appointed Head of
Foreign Exchange Money Markets
and Emerging Markets, Europe. This
took him to London and then to
Stockholm. After that he arrived to
Singapore and Handelsbanken.
Mr. Jan B. Djerf represents
the Swedish Business Association
in Singapore on the EuroCham
Board and has been an active Board
member since 2005, including taking
12 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016

on the role of Vice President since 3
years. In March 2015, Mr. Djerf was
unanimously voted to the Presidency
of EuroCham for a two-year term.
EuroCham’s Board of Governors
comprises of the Office Bearers,
which includes the President,
a Patron, Ordinary Corporate
Board Members, as well as 14
Representatives from the European
National Business Groups (NBGs).
EuroCham works very closely with
the EU Delegation to Singapore
for its events and activities. H.E. Dr.
Michael Pulch, Ambassador of the
EU Delegation to Singapore sits on
the Board as Patron.
Under Mr Djerf’s leadership,
EuroCham has emerged as
an instrumental body in the
business community, making
concrete efforts in enhancing
and encouraging a vibrant trade
relationship between Singapore
and the EU. Locally, EuroCham has
had several engagements with a
myriad of government agencies and
representatives in a bid to foster a
conductive business environment.
As Singapore continues to develop
itself as a regional hub for major
industries, EuroCham’s relevance
becomes strikingly important to
offer a support base for European
companies that are looking to Asia
to expand their operations.
To date, Singapore plays host
to approximately 11,000 European
companies and more are expected
to arrive in due course.
The EuroCham collection of
sector committees has grown from
9 to 11 – Commercial Vehicles,
Financial Services, ICT, Internship,
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR),
Human Resources (HR), Regional
Finance & Tax, Regional Trade,
Sustainability, Food & Pharma
Packaging and Wine & Spirits.
Sector committees offer a common
European platform to exchange
information, discuss common issues
businesses are facing and undertake
coordinated initiatives.
In line with the work of the
sector committees, EuroCham has
successfully published a number of
Position Papers, which summarise
policies and trends in Southeast
Asia with recommended proposals.
Examples are: Traceability: The
Cornerstone of Food Safety Policy
(introducing new regulations in
Singapore’s Food Regulations);
Position Paper on Degradable
Packaging & Plastic Ban as a
Solution to Littering; and HR White
Paper (outlining priorities for the
development of human capital
in ASEAN in lieu of the ASEAN
economic integration project).
“EuroCham has been involved
in many advocacy initiatives in
collaboration with Singaporean
authorities, and more projects will
follow. We have been active on
diverse fields, ranging from tourism to
taking actions against counterfeiting,
not to mention our engagement on
many policy dialogues on HR or FS.
As such, our presence and close ties
with the Singaporean Government
allows us to be a key interlocutor for
European businesses, and we hope
to see our voice growing stronger.”
“In addition, as our scope of
action is constantly widening,
EuroCham now aims to strengthen
its collaboration with the
Singaporean Government by taking
more initiatives based on corporate
social responsibility, a key aspect
frequently mentioned in the Budget
in March,” Mr Djerf comments on
the activities going forward.
Furthermore EuroCham
organizes two annual flagship
events – Europe Day Luncheon
and Schuman Lecture Gala Dinner.
During these events, the Chamber
has the privilege to host high profile
personalities to deliver a keynote
speech, sharing their thoughts and
views of the global economy and
its future implications for businesses.
EuroCham also offers a less formal
platform for its members and
the wider business community to
network and access a wide and
diversified audience (arranged four
times yearly).
For Mr Djerf his experience
from being President also for SBAS
(Swedish Business Association
of Singapore) is significant in his
EuroCham role.
“Not only it is possible but I
would say essential to apply past
experiences to future roles as
experience come with knowledge
and lessons on how to overcome
a challenge. Each National Business
Group has its own topics of interest.
However, building an advocacy and
lobbying strategy in Singapore is
a constant challenge to all. If the
issues are different, the approach
remains the same, and it is crucial
to follow the business environment
and culture in place in Singapore.”
And one may also wonder how
the head of Handelsbanken in the
region can balance his additional
President roles also with family life?
“Every day is a challenge with
many obstacles to overcome.
However, being the President of
EuroCham does not mean I have
to face them alone. I am blessed to
have the support of my family. In
addition, I have the great pleasure to
work with a dynamic team offering
the support I need to carry on the
work and responsibilities I hold.“
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May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

Many condominiums are
currently using our system.
Later on we also implemented
the system in some commercial
developments, and in the past
two years we have also managed
to introduce this system to the
hospital segment. We have two
completed hospital projects and
are now installing two more. This
is a growing market for us.
Swedish cutting-edge
waste collection
company recognised
SBAS ‘Swedish Company Of The Year 2015’
By Joakim Persson
When the Swedish Business
Association of Singapore
held its annual ball back
in November 2015, with
Singapore celebration 50
years as theme, the Swedish niche company
Envac was awarded Swedish Company of the
Year 2015.
With their automated refuse collection
systems they play an important role in promoting
Swedish “smart technologies” for sustainable city
development, was the motivation.
“We were very honoured to be given
this prestigious award. It came as a surprise
because compared to many other more wellknown
and established Swedish companies we
are very small,” comments Mr Chin Tiong Tan,
Vice President Region Asia, as he continues
spearheading Envac’s growth into new customer
14 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016
segments in Singapore.
“Perhaps this award was given to us in
recognition of our pioneering spirit in introducing
this Swedish technology to Singapore. The initial
years were very tough because this new idea
did not come cheap in comparison with manual
waste handling. Also the mind-set of people was
still very conservative to try new things at that
time,” recalls CT Tan.
“However, with much persistence, we
pressed on and we managed to make inroads
to the private and public housings, commercial
developments and hospitals. So this award is a
strong motivation for us to continue upgrading
ourselves to maintain the cutting edge in this
innovative technology.”
And innovation is indeed at the core of the
company: “Envac is always in the forefront in
R&D so that we remain the market leader in this
field. We are constantly improving and innovating
so that we can have the best localised solution
that meets the requirements of the end users.
We are also very aware that our technology
must be energy-efficient. So we are investing
our effort to improve this aspect of the system.”
The history with Envac’s ‘Pneumatic Waste
Collection System’ goes all the way back to
1961. Then first system, also called automated
vacuum collection (AVAC) was created and
installed at a hospital in Northern Sweden by the
company which was then known as Centralsug
AB. A few years later the first vacuum system
for household waste was installed in a new
residential district.
Mr CT Tan’s career with Envac had begun
when he had joined a local construction
company who was then representing Centralsug.
“I’m an engineer by profession. Before

I joined Envac, I was working for a local
construction company who represented Envac
as the authorised agent. I was hired to help in the
sales and marketing of Envac’s system. However,
after a bit over one year the company decided to
give up the agency. It was then, I proposed to the
CEO in Sweden to set up their own company
in Singapore instead of appointing agents or
distributors.”
Envac followed his advice and in December
1992, the company (fully owned subsidiary of
Envac) was incorporated.
“During the first year of the incorporation
we received our first project in Singapore. The
rest is history.”
In introducing what they are offering
to the Singaporean market Mr Tan says: “This
innovative solution of waste collection is very
ideal for crowded city like Singapore. With traffic
congestion being a real problem, this technology
helps to reduce the movement of garbage trucks
on the road.”
With Envac’s system, the refuse is automatically
sucked into a central collection area. Typically, the
waste station is located as far as 2 km from
the waste collection points. The system is able
to handle recycling of waste, in which case, at
least one container is required for each waste
type. The entire system can also be monitored
and controlled by the waste station operators
remotely.
“More importantly, the traditional way of
handling waste is very labour intensive and,
therefore, the Envac system is the perfect answer
because it’s totally automated. Rain or shine,
weekdays or weekends, 365 days a year, the
system will automatically transfer the refuse from
all the buildings to a central collection station.”
Nevertheless, as he has already mentioned,
it has taken quite a long time to make inroads.
Meanwhile Singapore has also changed, not least
in the last ten-year period. Singapore has grown
richer and has citizens who are willing to pay
a premium for high environmental standards.
And with high population density the city state’s
planners are increasingly looking at incorporating
this kind of system for an eco-friendly and
sustainable future.
In the beginning, the biggest market for Envac
was private residential developments.
“Many condominiums are currently using
our system. Later on we also implemented the
system in some commercial developments, and
in the past two years we have also managed to
introduce this system to the hospital segment.
We have two completed hospital projects and
are now installing two more. This is a growing
market for us.”
368 Thompson, Marina Bay Residences +
Suites, Sengkang Hospital, St Regis Residences, and
The Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove are examples
of customers.
By 2015 Envac Singapore had built around
80 systems, when the company turned around a
crucial corner in creating a much bigger and new
customer segment.
Envac has received the first major order
– a retrofitting project – from the city’s own
construction company, the Housing Development
Board (HDB), to a total estimated value of SEK
100 million, described as “a very important
order, as HDB manages 85% of all apartments
in Singapore.”
Using Envac’s waste collection system is part
of HDB’s intention to incorporate environmentally
friendly features in neighbourhoods across the
island.
“This is the biggest government development,
producing thousands of public residential
apartments each year and the retrofitting project
opens up the possibility for many other older
estates that have inherited the traditional manual
waste handling to be converted with this new
technology,” comments CT tan. “We will also be
doing projects in new HDB housing estate, so
clearly HDB is turning into our biggest customer
for the coming years!”
The first installation for HDB is large-scale
and requires installing an extensive underground
network of pipes.
To encourage more recycling, residents will
also be able to put items for recycling at 24 points
throughout the estate, called outdoor disposal
inlets. These items will be passed through the
underground pipes to a separate container in
the bin.
“We are also looking into enhancing the
system with more eco-friendly feature such as
recycling and ’Pay as you throw’,” says CT Tan.
Growth in the region is also on the agenda
onwards: “After setting up the office in Singapore,
we also helped to start the company in Malaysia,
which we are supporting and sharing our
experiences with, as we do with the other local
companies in Southeast Asia as well. We hope
that our years of experience can benefit Envac’s
operations in Asia and increase the business
potential here.”
May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

16 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016
I learned that Singapore is
one of the leading countries
in the world when it comes
to female entrepreneurs.
There are all these
opportunities for you to
live out your dreams.

The new President of
Scandinavian Women’s
Association
Maria Therese Hedenborg, set to take
SWA to the next level
By Maria Andreasdottir
Spectacular, Scandinavian and SWA
President in Singapore: Maria Therese
Hedenborg is the new President of
Scandinavian Women’s Association
2016.
Two years ago a passionate Danish sailor girl
joined SWA to build up a network in the country
she just had moved into. Here Maria Therese
Hedenborg became a committed member
and gradually got more involved in voluntary
and practical work tasks. Even during a break
from everything but her new start-up company
RIASEAN, she could not help but lend a helping
hand to SWA, which the other women noticed.
When she later was encouraged and approached
by her network to run for President in 2016, she
had no doubts.
“I feel so passionate about the work we do (in
SWA), and I truly believe that I have something to
bring to the table.”
Fearless female
People describe her as “happy go lucky” and all
her life the now 32-year old Maria has taken the
opportunities that life gave her and made choices
based on what makes her happy. She holds a
Master Degree in International Marketing &
Management from Copenhagen Business School,
but the talented student reveals a little secret.
“I hated every second of school,” smiles Maria.
Her heart preferred other parts of life instead
of the school bench and Maria used to race at the
Royal Yacht Club in Denmark before relocating
to Singapore. After she finished university to get
her papers, she has worked with huge Danish
companies such as Nykredit, Nordea, The Foreign
Ministry and lately IBM, Cisco, and Infor.
“Singapore happened a bit out of the blue.”
The relationship that brought Maria to
Singapore didn’t last, but instead new love grew
for the beautiful Lion City. A city where it is very
interesting to be a woman – and not only a
Danish woman.
“I learned that Singapore is one of the leading
countries in the world when it comes to female
entrepreneurs. There are all these opportunities
for you to live out your dreams.”
Maria did seize opportunities: she established
her own IT consulting company RIASEAN, lives
close to the water in Sentosa with her new
partner Daryl, organizes events, does voluntary
work, socializes, and… not to forget, is the new
President of SWA.
Not just a coffee club
In her own words, she will take SWA to the
next level. She believes the Scandinavian women
have what it takes and together they will make
a networking hub. A new initiative is to work
together with other charities and associations.
“There are so many initiatives happening and I
want to explore and see where we can help each
other to help others. A lot of our members join
SWA for the network and it is no secret that this
is the way to attract new members and sponsors.
It is important for us to communicate the charity
side of the association, that we are not just a
coffee club, and that all membership fees actually
go directly to our charity work.”
She believes in giving back to the community,
since Singapore has opened its country to her
and the other women. She wants to show her
appreciation and she believes SWA can be
successful giving back to the community.
“The key is our charity partners. Singapore
has this “polished” look for foreigners coming here
for the first time, but, as in any other community,
there are people who struggle and this is where
we want to offer our help.”
At the last Danish Business Association
Singapore Charity Ball the women in SWA
raised SGD 18,000 that got doubled up by
the Singaporean Government and donated to
families in need.
At the moment SWA is working with charity
partners Breadline Group, the Tent, Boy’s Town
and the universities – and with Maria’s hard
work and beaming attitude, there will soon be
even more partners collaborating with SWA.
She is already communicating closely with other
associations and organizations.
“In my opinion, SWA does not need to build
and create all events and activities from scratch –
the key word is collaboration, and I am very open
to collaborate and help share other events, do
co-events and co-marketing.”
Wonderful women
It’s also her goal to make SWA the first club a
woman who relocates to Singapore joins.
“And not only Danish women. We are a mix
of Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and also
for any other nationality who are interested in
meeting us.”
The new President is looking forward to
making newcomers welcome, as well as looking
after already existing members. The two years in
Singapore have inspired her in being a woman.
“The support from the society makes it
possible to make your dreams come true. It’s
possible and accepted to have help at home,
which basically make it logistically possible to be a
working mum. I have also met women who enjoy
that they can focus on their family, and don’t get
judged by society for their choice. I meet women
who chose to either donate their time to charity
work, or pursue the dreams they have.”
She sees a unique culture where everyone is
very open to meet and include each other in their
network. And women support women.
“This counts for both work and personal life
and is something I did not see happening to this
degree back in Denmark.”
No matter what kind of woman you are,
Maria is dedicated to creating value for all her
members and raise funds for the charity work
at SWA. An exciting future is already happening.
As Maria describes it: “When I put my head into
something, I am damn sure to make it happen
and to succeed.”
About SWA:
The association started out as an auxiliary to the
Scandinavian Society of Singapore in 1975, on
the initiative of Norwegian Marit Thome. In 1995
the association was formally registered as the
Scandinavian Women’s Association.
One aim was for the SWA to bring together
Scandinavian women in Singapore through
various activities and events, and another aim
was to contribute, as a charitable organization,
both financially and personally, to local families in
need of extra support.
The charitable side of the organization
depends on donations given by Scandinavian
and local businesses, as well as individuals. SWA
sponsor several local families and also offer
scholarships to Singaporean students.
May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17

Sømandskirken’s
Spring Fair offered
great shopping
experience
by Maria Andreasdottir
On Tuesday 19 April the Danish
Seamen’s Church hosted Spring
Fair. From 10 in the morning, the
church and more than 33 small
stands were ready to welcome
guests. Everything from vintage silver bracelets
to children’s clothing to notebooks made from
elephant poo were available to purchase at the
different vendors’ stands.
“I think there is a great mix of shops here.
There are so many things you would not find at
fairs in Denmark,” said Helle Quist Rasmussen,
owner at ByQ. She was there to sell her handmade
jewelry, which she had made especially for this fair.
This is the second fair at the Sømandskirken,
but since the first one “Scandinavian Fair” only
“allowed” Scandinavian vendors to sell, this is for
everyone with quality products to sell.
“There is a reason why we named the fair
“Spring Fair”. We wanted a variety of products,
and not only from Scandinavians,” said Pia
Nørgaard Pedersen, volunteer at Sømandskirken.
This was the reason why Dutch Miriam
Beurskens had set up a stall. She had already
heard about the first Scandinavian Fair from her
Scandinavian friends, and was happy to get the
chance to have her own stand at this fair. She
sells handmade fairtrade products from her shop
18 ScandAsia.Singapore • May 2016
BISOUS LA. We have to mention her notebooks
made of elephant excrements.
“These notebooks are made by farmers from
Sri Lanka. They discovered the benefits of using
the fiber from the elephant poo and turn it into
paper. These papers play an important role in
saving the wild Asian elephant population,” said
Miriam Beurskens.
For the jewelry-lovers, there were a broad
spectrum of shopping options. From dazzlingly
vintage pieces to handmade Nepalese pearl
bracelets to minimalistic Nordic design. Especially
the latter were highly appreciated among the
Danish shoppers.
“I hate ‘shiny-shiny’,” said Anita Søe Beilin,
media analyst at MediaWatch. She was happy
to find Nordic designs at the fair, and is now the
happy owner of a simple, golden pin.
Home decoration products were also
available at the fair. Ceramic handmade lamps
from Creative2 were displayed inside the
church. “I believe it is a wonderful initiative from
Sømandskirken to make this fair,” said Marija
Avdic, owner of Creative 2.
The hard work of the volunteers of the
church came to fruition. Guests and vendors
appreciated their effort to put focus on the
event, too.
“The people behind Spring Fair have done an
amazing job! They have been better to interact
on social media, and I guess this is also one of
the reasons why so many have showed up today,”
said Betina Falster-Hansen, owner at DANSK SG.
Regardless of the swarm of people, the
kitchen did not stress. “I am used to work during
the church’s Christmas Basar, so I am prepared for
an event like this,” said Lis Jensen, kitchen assistent
at Sømandskirken. The kitchen served Danish
smørrebrød, and according to Lis Jensen, the most
popular was the fish filet.
All vendors had to send an application to
the church for approval, and later the church
would gather all applications and decide which
ones should be accepted for the fair. It was not a
simple task, since they received an overwhelming
amount of applications.
“We received a lot more applications than
expected. We came to realise, that we had too
many applications from jewelry vendors. In prior
to make the fair varieted and in lack of space,
we had to put some of the jewelry vendors on
a waiting list. They will get their chance to display
their products at future fairs,” said Pia Nørgaard
Pedersen, volunteer at Sømandskirken.

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May 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 19

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