BIZSpoke | 28 June 2024 - SBF Held Its 22nd Annual General Meeting, Gears Up to Engage More Companies and Double Down on Partnerships

28 JUNE 2024

SBF Held Its 22nd Annual General Meeting, Gears Up to Engage More Companies and Double Down on Partnerships

SBF held its 22nd Annual General Meeting on 27 June. SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon highlighted the evolving business landscape, pointing out external uncertainties like global conflicts as well as internal challenges like demographic shifts and rising costs. He also outlined the Federation's plan to expand its membership by over 30%, and engage 25,000 companies, up from its 2023 target of 13,000, through a range of activities including industry dialogues, overseas expansion projects, as well as training courses. Additionally, SBF aims to double its partnerships with government agencies and private organisations by 2030.

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WHAT'S NEW

Gear Up for Tomorrow: SABS® Explores the Future

The Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) is kicking off on 23 July for a power-packed 3 days at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. SABS® brings together three signature events, and welcomes the exciting debuts of the Future-Ready Businesses (FRB) Spotlight visits, offering strategies and practical tools in navigating the ever-changing business landscape, as well as the Community Marketplace, an initiative by the SBF Foundation, showcasing the value of local social impact programmes.

SBF Hosts Dialogue on Flexible Work Arrangement Guidelines, Drawing Over 400 Attendees

SBF hosted a Dialogue on Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) on 24 June, supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The dialogue attracted over 400 participants, including SBF Human Capital Action Committee members, business leaders, and HR professionals. It focused on the TG-FWAR, which encourages employees to request Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) responsibly and businesses to respond appropriately.

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SBF Hosts Business Leaders to Discuss Regulatory Impact on Competitiveness

As part of the ongoing industry engagements supporting the Alliance for Action (AfA) on Business Competitiveness, SBF hosted a Focus Group Discussion with 17 business leaders on 20 June. The discussion centered on regulatory issues and their impact on the business environment. SBF is dedicated to enhancing collaboration between the private and public sectors to boost Singapore's economy, uncover resource potential, and transform businesses for future growth, ensuring the nation's competitive edge. If you have any questions or feedback, please write to us at [email protected].

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From Fairway to Greenway

In a Business Times opinion editorial on 19 June, SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon emphasised the impact of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in advancing clean economy growth. Despite challenges like high costs and complex regulations, he highlighted that supportive policies and international cooperation through frameworks such as IPEF, foster sustainable development. He also stressed that Singapore's participation in multilateral forums and FTAs enhances global economic connectivity and environmental sustainability.

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BS30 - NBS 2024 Manpower and Wages Edition

SBF National Business Survey – Manpower and Wages Edition

The National Business Survey 2024 – Manpower and Wages Edition needs your voice!

This survey aims to uncover the pressing challenges, needs, and support required in the areas of manpower and wages. Your input is vital for shaping policies and solutions that will drive business success. Participate now and influence the future of Singapore's workforce!

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IRAS Consultation on GST InvoiceNow Requirement

On 15 April 2024, IRAS announced the requirement for new voluntary GST-registered businesses to transmit invoice data to IRAS via the InvoiceNow network. IRAS plans to implement this requirement for the remaining GST-registered businesses progressively. As IRAS would like to seek feedback on the requirement, we encourage members to review IRAS’ consultation paper on its Public Consultation website and provide feedback by 11 July 2024. All responses will be kept strictly confidential. View the consultation paper here.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK

#ICYMI

Singapore-Cambodia Business Forum: New Agreements to Enhance Trade Cooperation

Singapore companies are increasingly investing in Cambodia, attracted by its progressive economic roadmap and improved business environment. At the Cambodia-Singapore Business Forum on 19 June co-organised by SBF and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as well as Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng witnessed the signing of key agreements, including one between SBF and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to enhance trade cooperation and another establishing the Singapore-Cambodia Financial Transparency Corridor.

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BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Feeling Vulnerable Online?

Almost 60% of Singapore businesses feel lost in the fight against cyber threats, leaving their valuable assets exposed. Don't be one of them! SBF and Mastercard are teaming up for a FREE half-day workshop on 12 July. Here's what you'll get:

Expert Insights: Learn from cybersecurity ecosystem partners and industry experts on how to address your organisation's
Tailored Solutions: Receive a FREE, confidential and detailed cyber report tailored to your organisation.

SUPPORTED EVENTS

IP Week @ SG 2024

Into its thirteenth edition, IP Week @ SG 2024 is the world's premier Intellectual Property (IP) event which brings together IP thought leaders, legal experts and innovative enterprises. This event is organised by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), the national authority that registers and is responsible for the administration of IP rights in Singapore.

Company of Good Fellowship 2024 (Run 2)

Are you a company representative eager to drive your organisation towards a more purposeful future through ESG, sustainability, and social impact initiatives? Apply now for the second run of the newly revamped Company of Good Fellowship by NVPC, proudly supported by SBF!

The Singapore WSH Conference 2024

Join us at The Singapore WSH Conference 2024, where you can learn more on businesses leveraging WSH policies geared towards ESG governance for long-term sustainability, and the future of work driven by technological advancements and a more socially diverse workforce.

SBF members enjoy a preferential rate of $400 (regular price: $800) per person! To access this special offer, use the unique promo code SWSHCSBF for registration. Promo code expires on 31 July 2024.