China Direct

Annual Economic Briefing - Singapore 13.04.23

The British Chamber, and our Title Event Partner Select Investors​, are delighted to re-introduce our flagship Annual Economic Briefing event, providing members with insights from senior economists at a national, regional and global perspective.

 

This year, we welcome Maybank Chief Economist, Chua Hak Bin, Oxford Economics' Senior Economist, Alex Holmes, OCBC Chief Economist, Selena Ling and Asia FX and Rates Strategist for BNP Paribas, Chidu Narayanan. The event will follow a format of presentations followed by a panel discussion moderated by Bloomberg's Senior Asia Economy Reporter, Michelle Jamrisko. The event will include opportunities for members to ask questions in the room or with sli.do.

 

Understanding the importance of providing our members with economic insights, the British Chamber is offering each member company a complimentary pass to this event, and we encourage each organisation to send an appropriate registered Chamber member to join the session. If the complimentary pass has been used for your company or additional members would like to attend, tickets can be purchased separately.

 

For more information and to register for this event please click here.

 

Our thanks to the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore for kindly sharing this information.

 

Date for Diaries: Summit AsiaTech X Singapore 31 May 22

 

About AsiaTechX

AsiaTechX (ATX) is the gateway to the world’s fastest growing digital economy and leading platform where the international tech and enterprise communities congregates for conversations and networking that set the agenda for key tech trends, governance and innovation impacting businesses and society in the region.

Uniting the best of Asia’s technology, infocomm and media ecosystems, ATX drives global discussions on how technology is transforming business and society, paving the way for world leading digital strategy and deployment. Showcasing the breadth and depth of Asia’s most innovative tech, this celebration is the gateway to discover new cutting-edge solutions and propel conversations and relationships with government leaders; enterprises; experts and founders in Asia and beyond.

By combining Informa Tech's international reach, networks and world-class events infrastructure alongside IMDA and STB's leadership and market expertise, the event will provide a leading platform for the international tech and enterprise communities to congregate in Asia. The event will also showcase Singapore as an unparalleled gateway to Asia—the world’s fastest growing digital economy.

Please click below to read more and to register:

AsiaTechX Summit Singapore 31 May - 03 June 2022

Our sincere thanks to the UKABC for highlighting the AsiaTechX Summit

 

 

Date for diaries: Year Ahead 2022: Global Markets and Strategy Outlook 20 Jan 22

 

Year Ahead 2022: Global Markets and Strategy Outlook

20 January

This webinar is delivered by BritCham Singapore who will host a panel of experts from NatWest bank. The speakers will discuss key themes published in NatWest markets' annual flagship publication and provide their forecasts for the year, as well as where and why their views differ from market consensus.

The speakers will be explaining the main drivers of potential market moves and how markets might react to key events to help attendees navigate the markets over the next 12 months.

Join this webinar to find out more details on

🔹 assessments and analysis of major market topics including FX

🔹 deep dives into important political/macroeconomic themes.

For more information and to sign up for this webinar please click here.

Our sincere thanks to the UKABC and British Chamber Singapore for kindly sharing this information.

 

Dates for 2022 Diaries: Innovate UK's Global Business Innovation Programme to Singapore - in partnership with Innovate UK Edge

 

Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK EDGE.

About this event

About this event

Join us at our applicant briefing event where you can find out more about our Global Business Innovation Programme offering small and medium sized UK space businesses the opportunity to make connections for advancing innovation with partners in Singapore and the wider region.

More on the programme

Delivered by Innovate UK EDGE, the programme consists of a preparation phase followed by a 5-day innovation visit focussed on Singapore, a post-visit exploitation workshop and support of approximately 12 months from an Innovate UK EDGE Innovation and Growth Specialist, helping your business maximise opportunities identified, including developing innovation projects with partners in the territory.

Focus Areas

We welcome applications from innovative AgriFood companies that focus on, but not limited to:

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA):

• Vertical Farms

• Lighting and Climate Technology

• Aeroponics, Hydroponics, Aquaponics

Alternative Proteins Production:

• Cell Based Culture

• Algae

• Insect Based

Aquaculture:

• Sustainable Fish and Crustacean Production

• Disease prevention

Food Waste:

• In Production, Supply Chain & End User

• Measurement, Management, Traceability & Reduction

• Circular Economy Opportunities

What to Expect

Getting ready for the market: Pre-activity briefing workshop to build knowledge and understanding of the market and potential opportunities, including how to do business, cultural aspects, how to protect your IP and training on how to improve your pitch and articulate your value proposition. (2 half-day workshop)

Visiting the market: Explore the innovation opportunities first-hand through meeting with key companies and research organisations and potential collaborators and partners through pre-arranged meetings and organised matchmaking. (5 days of market related activity)

Exploiting the opportunity: An exploitation workshop and one-to-one support from a Innovate UK EDGE Innovation and Growth Specialist to follow up and take advantage of the opportunities identified. (1 day workshop and working with an Innovate UK EDGE Innovation and Growth Specialist).

Why Singapore?

Asia is expected to be home to 5 billion people by 2050, accounting for 60% of global food consumption. To meet this demand, governments are actively pursuing strategies to ensure greater food security. The ASEAN region is emerging as a major hub for AgriFood and aquaculture innovation and there are significant opportunities for innovative businesses to be successful in the areas of advanced AgriFood and food solutions. Singapore currently imports more than 90% of its food. To effectively buffer from supply disruptions, Singapore Food Agency announced the ‘30 by 30’ plan, aiming to produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030. It partners with accelerators and investors to develop an attractive AgriFood ecosystem made up of diverse players across the value chain from farm inputs and systems providers, to high-tech commercial farms. Furthermore, through funding and technology transfers, Singapore government actively supports local farmers in transforming and adopting technology to intensify output and attracting foreign entrepreneurs to its shores. As a result, Singapore represents an ideal gateway to Asia for innovative UK businesses.

Key Dates

Applications Close - 09 Jan 2022

Pre-Visit Workshop - 02 Feb & w/c 28 Feb 2022

Innovation Visit - 26 March - 02 April 2022

What is the cost?

Innovate UK and Innovate UK EDGE will fund and organise flights, accommodation, in-market travel, and conference fees for successful applicants. Innovate UK will also pay for any reasonable adjustments throughout the initiative. Only one representative from each company will be funded. On acceptance to the initiative a commitment fee of £500 will be obtained from each delegate, which will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed action plan. Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fee.

To apply for this programme, you must:

Be a UK based innovation-led company with ambitions to grow and internationalise.

Be a company with fewer than 500 employees.

Be able to attend and complete all activities.

How to apply?

The Global Business Innovation Programme has a competitive application process where only the best applications will be successful following an evaluation process. All applications must be made here and received no later than 9th January 2022.

Innovate UK is committed to improving the diversity of who we support. As such, we welcome applications from under-represented groups.

APPLY HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/singapore-agrifood

 

To register please click here.

Dates for Diaries: Doing Business in Singapore Webinar 16.11.21

About this webinar:

Are you looking to successfully start, expand or grow your UK business in Singapore?

Singapore is a wealthy city-state and is the leading financial, shipping and trade hub for the Asia Pacific region. For UK SMEs, Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world to start, run and do business (World Bank, 2019) as both economies have similar business & legal practices and share similar technical standards. In March 2019, the UK exported £8.8bn of goods and services to Singapore (ONS, 2019) providing a strong economic foundation and multiple advantages for UK businesses looking to establish an international presence.

Why should you join this webinar?

This free webinar is designed to help your UK business understand the major market opportunities in Singapore, the benefits of expanding to this lucrative market and how to overcome barriers when doing business overseas. 

Join the webinar on Tuesday, 16 November 2021 to hear from market experts as they share insights, tips and strategies to expand your products or services in Singapore with success.

What will you learn?

• An overview of the current Singaporean market
• Understand the cultural differences and considerations when doing business with Singaporean people and companies
• Uncover the various business regulation considerations
• Learn how to formulate a market entry strategy for success
• Find out the barriers and common pitfalls facing UK exporters
• Receive advice and guidance from Singaporean market expert

To register please click here.

 

Dates for Diaries: Opportunities for UK Business in ASEAN 10.11.21 1600-1700 SGP

Dear CBI members and partners,

Date: 10.11.21

Time: 1600-1700 (SGP)

Format: Webinar

We are delighted to share with you an online event at which H.E. Ms. Kara Owen, the UK's High Commissioner to Singapore and H.E. Jon Lambe, Ambassador at the UK Mission to ASEAN, will outline the opportunities for UK business in ASEAN.

To attend this event please join via the link here or contact The British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore directly for more details.

Our sincere thanks to Britcham Singapore for sharing this information.

Date for Diaries: Singapore Green Data Centres Webinar 28.09.21 1600-1730 SGP

About the Webinar

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Although relatively small and with average temperatures of 30-34°C all year round, the island of Singapore is a highly desirable location for data centres due to its strong economic outlook, stable political and regulatory environment, and reliable infrastructure.

This has resulted in an explosion of data centres across the island with many more planned in the coming years. Leaving Singapore with a major question to answer.

Where will they get the power?

Data centres are well known energy guzzlers with one of the major contributing factors being the massive air-conditioning systems required to combat the large quantities of heat being produced by the IT equipment.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Professionals in the Data Centre industry (owners, vendors and other stakeholders)
• Sustainability professionals
• Anyone interested in the future landscape of Singapore

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

Singapore has a well documented history of understanding global trends and predicting the most valuable industries to invest in. This has resulted in huge amounts of land and money being allocated to support what they see as the future with the Petrochemical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries being shining examples of where Singapore got it right.

The next big bet is data storage and management with the development of digital districts such and Punggol and the proliferation of data centres all over the island.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This webinar looks to share:

• Singapore's plans for the Data Centre industry,
• the energy challenges this poses and
• how providers are raising to the challenge to ensure Singapore can continue to play a leading role in this global industry without running out of the power needed to support it.

The focus will be on :

• how data centres will manage their huge demand for energy from a practical perspective as well as
• regional developments, international practices for adaptation and,
• how they can tackle the challenge of decarbonization through efficient design as well as a transitioning to renewable energy sources and carbon offsets.

To sign up for the webinar please click here.

With our grateful thanks to the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and the UKABC for kindly sharing this event information.

 

ASEAN TRADE & INVESTMENT FACT SHEETS: Philippines and Singapore

 

Dear CBI Members and Partners,

Kindly find the latest ASEAN Trade and Investment fact sheets covering the Philippines and Singapore below:

1. Philippines

       

Download Philippines-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2021-04-09

 

    2. Singapore

   

Download Singapore-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2021-04-09

Our thanks to DIT for kindly sharing this information.

 

 

        

Arup cleans up in Hong Kong & on track in Singapore

CBI member Arup has published its 2018 edition of The Arup Journal. The journal contains two key features that may be of interest to China Direct readers.

Arup has been leading on major upgrades to Hong Kong’s sewage system, providing nearly 6 million Hong Kong residents with a modernised and future-proofed sewage system, and has also delivered the new Singapore MTR Downtown Line.

Case study: Sewage treatment works with a social impact

Since 2007, Arup has been advising on the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS), which aims to restore Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to 1980s levels of pollution. HATS was commissioned by the Hong Kong government in 2015, and Arup delivered on the project last year.

Victoria Harbour used to provide the backdrop for the Cross-Harbour Swim, inaugurated in 1906. The swim was one of the city’s largest sporting events but was halted in 1978 because the harbour water was deemed too hazardous to swim in. At the time, up to 2 million m² of sewage, with only a very minimal level of treatment, was discharged straight into the harbour every day, with serious consequences for the environment. As well as the race being abandoned, nearby sand beaches had to be closed due to poor sanitation.

Arup was the lead consultant on HATS, and in October 2017 the beaches finally re-opened whilst 3,000 people took to the harbour water to race in the first Cross-Harbour Swim for 39 years.

Arup was responsible for delivering a new sewage processing plant and bringing the entire city’s sewage capacity up to 4 million m² per day. This was achieved by setting up one of the biggest plants of its kind on Hong Kong’s Stonecutters Island and diverting Hong Kong’s sewage from Victoria Island towards this new centre.

A detailed case study can be found here on page 5.

 

Case study: A new phase for transport in Singapore

 Arup has delivered one of the most technically challenging projects ever undertaken in Singapore, the Downtown Line for the city-state’s metro system.

By 2030, the Singapore government aims for 80% of households to be within a 10-minute walk of a metro station. A key part of the strategy for achieving this is a significant expansion of the city-state’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, a vital part of its transport infrastructure that is used by more than three million people every day.

In October 2017, the final phase of the latest line to be added to the network was opened. One of the most technically challenging underground projects ever undertaken in Singapore, the Downtown Line Stage 3 (DTL3) comprises 16 stations linked by 21km of tunnels. It connects the central business district with the eastern residential areas of Bedok and Tampines.

Arup’s involvement in the project began in 2008, when the firm undertook alignment design for the entire length of DTL3.

The company had to divert a river, design a new type of siding and introduce a new steel in-forced concrete that had never been used in South-east Asia.

Read more about this ground-breaking project here on page 32.

WPP acquires full ownership of agencies in South East Asia, Taiwan and Japan

CBI member WPP has acquired full ownership of Y&R and Wunderman joint venture agency assets across Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and Dentsu Sudler & Hennessey in Japan, following a share swap transaction with Dentsu Inc.

Southeast Asia is home to many of the world's most dynamic economies. This transaction marks WPP's continued commitment to expanding in key growth markets and supporting clients through a strong pan-Asian network offering.

The transaction includes Y&R in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam; Wunderman in Taiwan and Thailand; and Dentsu Sudler & Hennessey (to be rebranded as Sudler) in Japan.

Collectively WPP companies across Asia Pacific generate revenues of almost US$4.8 billion including associates and employ more than 53,000 people.

Please read more here.