BIZSpoke | 14 June 2024 - SBF-MOM Dialogue Session on TG-FWAR with SMS Koh Poh Koon

14 JUNE 2024

SBF-MOM Dialogue Session on TG-FWAR with SMS Koh Poh Koon

We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive SBF-MOM Dialogue Session on the upcoming Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR). To be held on 24 June, the session will feature Senior Minister of State for Manpower, and Sustainability and the Environment Dr Koh Poh Koon.

Featuring 10 recommendations, the TG-FWAR aims to establish new benchmarks for Flexible Working Arrangements. Set to come into effect on 1 December 2024, these guidelines will ensure that employers fairly evaluate and respond to formal FWA requests, while also encouraging employees to responsibly request and utilise FWAs.

WHAT'S NEW

CNA Interview Highlights Business Concerns and Market Opportunities

In a recent interview on CNA's Singapore Tonight which aired on 11 June, SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon shared insights on business sentiments and key points regarding Singapore's economic outlook ahead of the MAS Forecasters Survey. The discussion covered a broad spectrum of issues, including current business concerns that could impede growth, the interest of businesses in China, and the new markets SBF is exploring to help Singapore companies expand internationally.

-- Interview segment: 3:16 to 11:51

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Your Input Needed: Shape the Future of Smart-Enabled Businesses

SBF invites you to participate in the National Business Survey 2024, centred on the dynamic theme of digitalisation and smart technologies. By sharing your experiences and insights, you will help us gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of smart-enabled businesses in Singapore. This valuable data will be instrumental in developing programmes and resources to empower Singapore businesses to excel in the digital age.

JOIN SURVEY

Don't Miss Out: SBF Forum Explores JS-SEZ Opportunities

SBF invites you to an insightful forum exploring the exciting possibilities of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Be among the first to hear the findings of the JS-SEZ business survey, as well as two panel discussions on the key factors essential for success of the JS-SEZ, and the potential benefits and opportunities from a successful implementation. You'll also get to mingle with fellow businesses which have established operations in Johor, get ground-level insights into existing issues, and build valuable connections.

#ICYMI

Empowering SMEs with the Digital Enterprise Blueprint

Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How has launched the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB), a strategic plan by the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) to support over 50,000 SMEs in the next five years. This initiative focuses on helping businesses and workers harness digital technologies, particularly AI. SBF is proud to be a DEB pledge partner. Building on our partnerships with IMDA, including the InvoiceNow adoption and Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service (CTOaaS) programmes, we are committed to helping businesses leverage DEB for their digital transformation.

View the Digital Enterprise Blueprint here.

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Chinese Furniture & Furnishing Leaders Convene in Singapore to Explore ASEAN Expansion

Over 100 CEOs and key players from China's furniture and furnishing industry gathered at the China Furniture and Decoration Development Forum on 4 June at Marina Bay Sands. This insightful event focused on strategies to help Chinese companies successfully enter ASEAN markets. Mr Kelvin Kee, Executive Director of International Business Division at SBF, provided valuable insights on how SBF can help Singapore-based businesses go global.

Thinking of expanding your business into new territories? Reach out to us today at [email protected]

VISIT LINKEDIN

INTERNATIONALISATION

SBF Collaborates with DBS to Support Companies in Expanding Overseas

DBS unveiled the Bridging Business Horizons programme on 3 June, set to assist 1000 businesses over the next 12 months. This initiative aims to help companies discover new market opportunities, develop and execute entry strategies, and strengthen onshore networks. Leveraging DBS's regional network and expertise, the programme receives strong support from SBF and Enterprise Singapore. As a programme partner, SBF is extending its FTA and market advisory services to help more companies capitalise on Singapore’s network of 28 Free Trade Agreements with over 65 trading partners, reducing tariffs and enhancing market access. Click here to learn more about the programme.

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Kazakhstan-Singapore Business Forum Marks Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Co-organised by SBF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and KAZAKH Invest, the Kazakhstan-Singapore Business Forum took place on 23 May. The event was honoured by the presence of Kazakhstan President His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

The forum featured two insightful panel discussions on ‘Finance, Innovations, and New Growth Areas’ and ‘Connectivity, Trade, and Logistics.’ A major highlight was the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding, witnessed by President Tokayev and DPM Heng, marking a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation.

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SUPPORTED EVENTS

Nominate for The NextGen Tech 30 by Granite Asia

Granite Asia is proud to announce the launch of the NextGen Tech 30, Southeast Asia's first public-private initiative designed to identify and elevate the top 30 home-grown growth-stage companies shaping ASEAN's economic transformation. This initiative focuses on three crucial sectors: automation, enterprise solutions, and food tech & brands. Qualifying companies must demonstrate either a minimum revenue of $20 million or a remarkable 30% annual growth rate. Don't miss out—nominate yourself or your favourite company by 30 June 2024!

NOMINATE NOW

Nominate for the 2024 ASEAN Business Awards!

The ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2024 are searching for the region's brightest stars! The ABA celebrates the power of collaboration in building a thriving and inclusive ASEAN. It recognises outstanding businesses, enterprises, and individuals who are shaping a brighter future for our region.

Do you, or a company you know, embody this spirit? Nominate yourself or an outstanding business today!

NOMINATE NOW

Celebrate Dadication through the Generations

This Father's Day, Focus on the Family Singapore is Dadicated to spotlighting the lasting legacies and importance of fathers, shaping lives through generations.

Also, download The Busy Dad’s Playbook, your go-to digital resource for bonding ideas, fathering tips and fun facts!

LEARN MORE

Cybercrime on the Rise: Are You Prepared?

With cybercrime on the rise, businesses can't afford to wait to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. Embracing globally recognised ICT standards and certification is a critical first step.

Want to know how you can do so? Enterprise Singapore's recently launched guide, "Building Digital Trust - A Guide on Standards for Digital Security," can help!

DOWNLOAD GUIDE