BIZSpoke | 26 December 2025 Ending 2025 with Purpose

26 DECEMBER 2025

Ending 2025 with Purpose: Giving Back to the Chinatown Community

As 2025 draw to a close, SBF joined hands with Yong-en Care Centre and corporate partners from our VolunteerInc. programme for two meaningful volunteering sessions in December, supporting the Chinatown community. Volunteers packed and delivered food and fresh groceries to families and seniors in need, and went door to door to check in on vulnerable seniors—bringing not just essentials, but warmth, care and genuine human connection. It was a deeply memorable way to end the year, marked by heartfelt conversations across generations and a renewed appreciation for the dedication of the Yong-en team and social workers who serve the community daily.

We are grateful to Yong-en and our corporate partners—Pacific International Lines, IHH Healthcare Singapore, LOJEL Singapore, UN Global Compact Network Singapore and Sedgwick Richardson—for making this a shared journey of kindness, connection and impact.

Equipping Businesses for Global Trade Shifts: Skills, AI and Market Diversification

SBF is rolling out a new framework to help businesses navigate global trade uncertainties and tariff challenges. The framework will outline essential skills required for trade operations and compliance, complemented by collaborations with training providers on certification courses.

In parallel, SBF will intensify efforts to help Singapore companies diversify into new markets, with more business missions planned for the coming year.

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AI Investment Concentrates in High-Growth Sectors

MOM’s latest Employment Outlook indicates that hiring sentiment in Singapore has fallen to a four-year low, as employers delay staffing decisions amid economic uncertainty. SBF’s recent National Business Survey 2025 reveals that two-thirds of employers are seeking government support in Budget 2026 to address rising business cost, while 46% are calling for measures to attract, develop, and retain local talent.

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Opening Global Doors for SMEs

Through management of the Overseas Market Immersion Programme (OMIP), SBF continues to support Singapore businesses—particularly SMEs—in building international capabilities. 69% of OMIP participants are SMEs, reflecting strong demand among smaller firms. While challenges such as regulatory complexity and family considerations can hinder overseas postings, OMIP’s support has enabled staff redeployment, upskilling, and new hires—strengthening talent pipelines and future leadership competitiveness.

New Milestone in Singapore–China Cooperation Reaches New Milestone

At the recent Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation in Chongqing, Singapore and China signed a record 27 agreements across sectors including finance and food. SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon noted that these agreements are significant for Singapore businesses and SMEs, opening access to new markets while strengthening supply chain resilience. The expanded cooperation is expected to boost business confidence and support continued economic growth.

VolunteerInc. Momentum Builds as Companies Deepen Community Engagement

COMO Group kicked off its first volunteering activity with Allkin Active Ageing Centre through SBF’s VolunteerInc. initiative, with plans to co-develop wellness-focused programmes for seniors using their in-house instructors and specialists. As part of the Give Back to Chinatown campaign, staff from PIL, Lojel, IHH Healthcare and GCNS also volunteered at Yong En, supporting pantry replenishment and senior outreach with the Silver Generation Office. Since mid-year, 24 corporates have joined VolunteerInc. to advance their social impact efforts.

Join us if you’re keen to start or scale your own social impact journey!

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