Annual Report 2023
As we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, it is with great pleasure that we present this Annual Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the chamber’s activities. Guided by the overarching theme ‘Forging Ties for a Resilient Future’, the chamber continued to strengthen the bond between Singapore and Germany despite the geopolitical challenges.
Forging ties between Germany and Singapore over a period of 200 years required a long-term and sustained effort to build deep and enduring connections across multiple dimensions. That is why the prestigious German Ball that was organised jointly with the German Association spoke volumes to the two centuries of friendship between Germans and Singaporeans and was celebrated with key dignitaries and chamber members.
Building strong relationships and connections also provides support, resources, and innovative solutions in times of need. As such, the chamber continued to organise regularly high-level visits and dialogues to discuss bilateral economic relations or share the sentiments of our member companies, e.g. on the need of an EU-ASEAN FTA. The new parameters under which Germany’s interests will be upheld in its cooperation with China, and other topics of global challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
During several SGC dialogues over the past year, we welcomed Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Singapore, Dr Florian Stegmann, State Minister and Head of the State Chancellery, Baden-Württemberg, Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower Singapore, and Dr Norbert Riedel, German Ambassador to Singapore, as keynote speakers who were able to delve deeper into these topics that were important to our members. These events underscore our commitment to actively engage with policymakers on matters of economic importance, which is necessary to forge and sustain ties between both countries.
Furthermore, collaborative partnerships between individuals, organisations, businesses, and governments are also indispensable to the work the chamber does. The inbound German business delegations that were organised last year offered many opportunities for collaborations. For the first time, we welcomed a Pharma & Biotechnology delegation under the market entry programme funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Moreover, we received delegations from other dynamic sectors such as Smart Living and Health, Energy Efficiency, and Industry 4.0 with Robotics. With careful planning, participants from various companies experienced a productive and seamless introduction to the Singapore market.
One of the defining features of this partnership is its resilience. In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and disruptions, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity is more crucial than ever. In this regard, the chamber further propelled its expertise as a bilateral platform and organised special events and committee meetings.
Industry experts like Mr Paul Marriott, CEO and President, SAP Asia Pacific Japan, and Mr Joerg Wuttke, President Emeritus of EuroCham China highlighted significant topics relevant to businesses. In addition, the chamber’s bilateral Industry Forum on Sustainability and Innovation, which garnered more than 100 participants, further addressed current trends and interdependencies in the areas of sustainability, innovation, and artificial intelligence, which are crucial for businesses to adapt to the future.
We would like to thank the entire SGC Board, Advisory Council, and Committees, as all these activities and the results that we have achieved would not have been possible without their great commitment and excellent know-how. Our thanks also go to our Corporate Gold members and SGC members for their support, and for being actively involved. Furthermore, we would like to thank the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as well as the German Embassy in Singapore and Singapore Embassy in Germany, as well as other Singapore partners.
Last but not least, we would like to thank the SGC staff for their continuous passion and relentless efforts in successfully bringing forth high-quality services and activities to our members and clients.
We look forward to a number of fruitful collaborations and meaningful engagements as we continue toward our 20th anniversary theme for 2024, ‘Building Bridges & Creating Opportunities.’
Ms Shirley Qi, President, SGC and Dr Tim Philippi, Executive Director, SGC
