The Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) hosted a preview event ahead of the main Summit, scheduled to take place from July 23 to 25, 2024, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. This event brought together business leaders to discuss the significant challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region. The event was hosted by Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), and Jason Ng, Managing Director of MP Singapore.
Key themes included the crucial roles of technology, sustainability, and trade partnerships in shaping the future of business in Singapore and globally. Discussions also emphasized the importance of fostering a corporate purpose for business competitiveness and how it can be integrated within organizations and through philanthropic practices.
According to SBF’s National Business Survey 2023/2024, 9 in 10 businesses recognize the need for transformation but require support with digitalization, internationalization, and sustainability challenges. The upcoming SABS® aims to provide business leaders and decision-makers with the knowledge and actionable strategies necessary to address these challenges effectively and deliver positive impacts in these key areas.
A well-rounded panel
Joining Mr. Kok and Mr. Ng at the media conference to share their insights on key topics were:
Tony Soh, Chief Executive Officer, NVPC, who discussed the connection between corporate purpose and business competitiveness.
Liew Nam Soon, EY ASEAN Regional Managing Partner; EY Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, who provided a preview of the upcoming future economy conference.
Pamela Chng, Founder, Bettr Group, who shared her views on demographic challenges and how businesses can promote diversity.
Kelvin Tan, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Finance and Investments, ASEAN, HSBC, who explored Asia’s transition to net zero and the associated challenges and opportunities from a regional perspective.
Tan Li-San, Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Social Service (NCSS), who introduced the framework for sustainable philanthropy.
Yap Chuin Wei, Program Director, International Trade Research, Hinrich Foundation, who provided insights on how engaging with international partners can foster knowledge sharing and exposure to new technologies and business practices.
Hafimi Abdul Haadii, Executive Director, LVK Group of Companies, who concluded the discussion by offering an ASEAN perspective on the issues discussed.
Commenting on the upcoming SABS®, Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation, said: “While global uncertainties and internal constraints have affected how local businesses operate, SBF recognizes the need for Singapore businesses to adapt to changes and strengthen their core competencies. The upcoming Singapore Apex Business Summit presents a timely opportunity for representatives of businesses of all sizes to come together to glean insights and learn from the experience of leaders and subject matter experts.”
With over 2,000 participants anticipated at this year’s Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®), the summit will feature six political office holders and more than 100 speakers across 20 plenary sessions. Each of the three days will center around a premier business and networking event:
Day 1: Future Economy Conference (FEC) in conjunction with Company of Good Conference (COGC), themed “End of Business as Usual: Smart Technology and the Future of Work,” followed by the SABS® Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Singapore Regional Business Forum® (SRBF®), themed “End of Business as Usual: Transforming Regional Collaborations towards a Sustainable Future,” followed by the Future-Ready Networking Dinner.
Day 3: Future of Trade Forum (FOTF), themed “End of Business as Usual: Global Trade at a Crossroads.”
Key highlights include:
Community Marketplace: This marketplace features various social impact enablers and their corporate partners, sharing insights on their corporate purpose journeys and delivering meaningful change. Participants will learn about corporate philanthropy, volunteerism, promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce, and supporting community development initiatives. There will be 1-to-1 consultations with community partners on how to start or expand social impact journeys.
Future-Ready Businesses (FRB) Spotlights: A series of curated visits to leading companies showcasing future-ready practices and operations. These visits will equip business leaders with strategies and practical tools for navigating an ever-changing landscape. Participants will visit Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, PSA Innovation Centre, and Mastercard Experience Center.
GCNS CEO Roundtable: The United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) 9th CEO Roundtable is a pivotal gathering of influential business leaders aimed at fostering discussions, commitments, and actions around the Forward Faster Initiative. Encapsulated in the theme “Forward Faster – Guiding Companies Towards Decisive Action for 2030,” this initiative seeks to accelerate corporate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.
Exclusive Welcome Dinner/One-to-One Business Matching: A carefully curated series of business networking and business matching activities offering high-net-worth business leaders and senior government officials exclusive opportunities to connect. These tailored networking events will enable participants from Singapore and the region to forge meaningful partnerships.
Partners Showcase: An exhibition featuring 25 booths from 12 leading companies, offering cutting-edge solutions that address today’s business growth challenges to propel enterprises forward.
For more information and to register for the Summit, please visit ww.singaporeapexbusinesssummit.com.
