11 AUGUST 2023
Celebrating Excellence: SBF Leaders Honoured
with National Day Awards 2023!
Singapore Business Federation (SBF) is delighted to share that three of our leaders have received National Day Awards this year. Mdm Kay Kuok Oon Kwong, a valued Member of SBF's Board of Trustees, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Order award, applauding her substantial involvement across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, and the environment. Mr Gan Seow Kee, Vice-Chairman and Honorary Treasurer of SBF, has been conferred the prestigious Public Service Medal (PBM) in recognition of his significant contributions and exemplary service and dedication to the Singapore business community. Mr Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer of SBF, has been honoured with the distinguished Public Administration Medal (Gold) in recognition of his outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the public sector.
These awards highlight the exemplary calibre of our leadership and reaffirm SBF's commitment to fostering excellence and leadership in the business community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mdm Kay Kuok Oon Kwong, Mr Gan Seow Kee and Mr Kok Ping Soon for their remarkable achievements and the positive impact that they continue to make in Singapore's business landscape.
WHAT'S NEW
Workplace Fairness Legislation to be passed in second half of 2024
The tripartite committee comprising the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) has released a proposed framework slated to be passed as the Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL)
in the second half of 2024.The legislation defines discrimination in various contexts, including age, gender, race, religion, and more, setting clear parameters for unacceptable behaviour. By outlining these expectations, the law offers a structured
approach for employers to proactively foster a a fairer work environment and deterring unfavourable practices.
Enforcement of Industry Code for Retail Leases Commences in February 2024
Singapore's Parliament passed the Lease Agreements for Retail Premises Bill on 3 Aug 2023, instituting a mandatory requirement for landlords and tenants to uphold a prescribed code of conduct for retail leasing. Crafted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this code fosters fair just and transparent lease negotiations and nurtures tenant-landlord relationships. To give landlords time to come on board, the Bill will take effect in early February 2024, with the Fair Tenancy Industry Committee (FTIC) as the official custodian of the code. SBF is the secretariat of the FTIC.
#ICYMI
Uncovering Cambodia's Market Potential: SBF-Led Business Delegation Sets Its Sights
A delegation comprising 23 representatives from a spectrum of Singapore enterprises, with the guidance of SBF Country Head Gary Lim, visited Cambodia last week. During their sojourn, they engaged in a fruitful interaction with Cambodia's Minister of Economy
and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth, who provided valuable perspectives on the extensive market potential and investment terrain. Additionally, he highlighted sectors primed for expansion, notably in agriculture, tourism, and non-garment manufacturing.
Launch of the Latin America – Singapore Connect platform
Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation have introduced the Latin America – Singapore Connect platform, aimed at energising commercial relationships between Singapore and the dynamic Latin American region. This strategic initiative underscores Singapore's unwavering commitment to fostering enhanced collaboration and increased competitiveness across both these vibrant regions.
SBF Welcomes Over 100 New Members, Showcasing Business Support
SBF extends a warm welcome to more than 100 newly joined businesses who participated in the recent Members' Orientation held at the SBF Center. Members had the opportunity to interact with SBF's programme teams, gaining insights into the diverse ways
in which SBF can provide support to their enterprises. This engagement also underscored SBF's essential function as a bridge between businesses and the government.
SBF Enhances Indoor Air Quality with Singrass Farming Solution
SBF is walking the talk in promoting sustainable indoor spaces. We are pleased to introduce the latest enhancement to the SBF office: a cutting-edge Singrass Indoor Farming Solution, generously sponsored by Singrass Pte Ltd, one of our esteemed SBF Members.
Beyond its role in providing nourishment, this automated farming solution contributes to constructing a harmonious urban ecosystem.
INTERNATIONALISATION
Cambodia Infographics: Charting Cambodia's Business Landscape
As an ASEAN member and a dynamic player in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Cambodia shines as a beacon of growth. With a decade-long dance of robust economic prosperity, its alluring charm as a sought-after business hub is underscored by the relentless impetus of its flourishing middle class, steering the wheels of its economic evolution. Unearth the riches of this narrative through our Infographics!
Priority Agenda for the Economic Revival of Nigeria
Have an appetite for business growth in Africa? Join us for an evening of discussion, food and wine as we hold a book launch and chat with Mr Amit Jain, Director, NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies (CAS). Discover the intricacies of Nigeria's economic landscape, unravel growth challenges, and explore the roadmap of policy priorities for the next decade, paving the way for sustainable economic evolution.
TRAININGS
[18 August 2023]
Eyeing Asia: Employment Law in Philippines
[21, 22 August 2023]
Foundations in Corporate Sustainability
[29, 30, 31 August 2023]
Execute Succession Planning Strategies for the Organisation
[31 August 2023]
Masterclass on Sustainability for Senior Management
[08 September 2023]
Finance Essentials: Investing & Financing Fundamentals
[19, 20, 21 September 2023]
HCS-LSG Leadership & Innovation Masterclass Series
SUPPORTED EVENT
Make Your Building Inclusive Today!
The BCA Accessibility Fund provides grants to building owners to upgrade their existing buildings with elder-friendly washrooms and family-friendly features like lactation rooms.
Find out more about how it can positively impact your building or community today!
TechLaw.Fest 2023
Join 80 industry-leading experts from around the globe at TechLaw.Fest 2023 as they share profound perspectives, expertise and engage in thought-provoking discussions on pressing legal topics, including AI, Cybersecurity, and more.
Get 10% off with the promo code: TLF_SBF10
AT A GLANCE
MORE INFORMATION
OPERATING HOURS
Monday - Thursday:8.45 am to 6.00 pm
8.45 am to 5.00 pm
Closed on Weekends and
Public Holidays
