http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/arc...ts-productivity-and-skills-workforce-20121011
Published October 11, 2012
Dr Tan praises SBF for achievements in productivity and skills of workforce
ESM Goh, George Yeo recognised for 'birth' of SBF
By Lee U-wen
Tens for the memories: Celebrating the SBF's 10th anniversary on 10-10-2012, (from left) Mr George Yeo, Mr Tony Chew (SBF chairman), President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mr Kwek Leng Joo 'joining hands' to cut the anniversary cake. - PHOTO: DESMOND WEE/THE STRAITS TIMES
THE Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has done well in its 10 years of existence, becoming an integral part of Singapore's tripartite partnership between the government, businesses and unions.
Paying Singapore's apex business chamber a glowing tribute yesterday, President Tony Tan Keng Yam praised SBF for its work in helping to improve the country's productivity and boosting the skills and expertise of the workforce.
"SBF has also fostered international networks to promote the interests of businesses in overseas markets and help its members tap on emerging global trends and markets," said Dr Tan at a gala dinner to commemorate the federation's 10th anniversary, attended by about 1,000 guests.
Among those present at the Shangri-La Hotel were Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo, diplomats and members of trade associations and chambers.
In his speech, Dr Tan noted that SBF, despite being the youngest business chamber among its peers, was able to hold its own in championing the interests of Singapore's business community in trade, investment and industrial relations.
SBF currently represents some 18,400 companies as well as local and foreign business chambers and key national business and industry associations.
Its ongoing efforts to lead business missions overseas and be a host for foreign official and business delegations were also lauded by Dr Tan.
"Given Singapore's reliance on trade as a small and open economy, SBF's work in promoting free trade and opening new markets is critical for the growth of our businesses, especially given current uncertainty in global growth - problems in Europe, slow growth in the US - and the threat of protectionism in some countries," he said.
SBF chairman Tony Chew told the audience that the federation was committed to be a "better interlocutor" for the business community with its various partners, while strengthening its international linkages to secure more benefits for Singapore companies.
During the event, four familiar faces were honoured for their respective roles in SBF's formation.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, former cabinet minister George Yeo, property tycoon Kwek Leng Joo and former SBF chairman Stephen Lee were each lauded for their efforts to make SBF a reality.
It was Mr Goh who, as prime minister back in 1998, urged the Singapore Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SFCCI) to examine how it could restructure itself and better promote Singapore's national interests.
Mr Yeo, who was then trade and industry minister, was described by SBF chief executive Ho Meng Kit as "the architect who made it all work", holding many consultations on the proposal to set up SBF and getting legislation through parliament.
Mr Kwek, in his capacity as president of SFCCI, threw his weight behind the SBF proposal by rallying the support of SFCCI's constituent members.
Mr Lee was hailed for his contributions as chairman of the pro-tem committee tasked to help set up the SBF.
Separately, SBF also handed out five inaugural Distinguished Partner Awards yesterday.
Three organisations were recognised: Standard Chartered Bank, the Singapore National Employers Federation and RSM Chio Lim, the largest accounting and business advisory firm outside the Big Four in Singapore.
Two individual awards were given out to Poh Choon Ann, chairman and chief executive of Poh Tiong Choon Logistics; Wong Fong Fui, chairman and group chief executive of Boustead Singapore.
Published October 11, 2012
Dr Tan praises SBF for achievements in productivity and skills of workforce
ESM Goh, George Yeo recognised for 'birth' of SBF
By Lee U-wen
Tens for the memories: Celebrating the SBF's 10th anniversary on 10-10-2012, (from left) Mr George Yeo, Mr Tony Chew (SBF chairman), President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mr Kwek Leng Joo 'joining hands' to cut the anniversary cake. - PHOTO: DESMOND WEE/THE STRAITS TIMES
THE Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has done well in its 10 years of existence, becoming an integral part of Singapore's tripartite partnership between the government, businesses and unions.
Paying Singapore's apex business chamber a glowing tribute yesterday, President Tony Tan Keng Yam praised SBF for its work in helping to improve the country's productivity and boosting the skills and expertise of the workforce.
"SBF has also fostered international networks to promote the interests of businesses in overseas markets and help its members tap on emerging global trends and markets," said Dr Tan at a gala dinner to commemorate the federation's 10th anniversary, attended by about 1,000 guests.
Among those present at the Shangri-La Hotel were Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo, diplomats and members of trade associations and chambers.
In his speech, Dr Tan noted that SBF, despite being the youngest business chamber among its peers, was able to hold its own in championing the interests of Singapore's business community in trade, investment and industrial relations.
SBF currently represents some 18,400 companies as well as local and foreign business chambers and key national business and industry associations.
Its ongoing efforts to lead business missions overseas and be a host for foreign official and business delegations were also lauded by Dr Tan.
"Given Singapore's reliance on trade as a small and open economy, SBF's work in promoting free trade and opening new markets is critical for the growth of our businesses, especially given current uncertainty in global growth - problems in Europe, slow growth in the US - and the threat of protectionism in some countries," he said.
SBF chairman Tony Chew told the audience that the federation was committed to be a "better interlocutor" for the business community with its various partners, while strengthening its international linkages to secure more benefits for Singapore companies.
During the event, four familiar faces were honoured for their respective roles in SBF's formation.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, former cabinet minister George Yeo, property tycoon Kwek Leng Joo and former SBF chairman Stephen Lee were each lauded for their efforts to make SBF a reality.
It was Mr Goh who, as prime minister back in 1998, urged the Singapore Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SFCCI) to examine how it could restructure itself and better promote Singapore's national interests.
Mr Yeo, who was then trade and industry minister, was described by SBF chief executive Ho Meng Kit as "the architect who made it all work", holding many consultations on the proposal to set up SBF and getting legislation through parliament.
Mr Kwek, in his capacity as president of SFCCI, threw his weight behind the SBF proposal by rallying the support of SFCCI's constituent members.
Mr Lee was hailed for his contributions as chairman of the pro-tem committee tasked to help set up the SBF.
Separately, SBF also handed out five inaugural Distinguished Partner Awards yesterday.
Three organisations were recognised: Standard Chartered Bank, the Singapore National Employers Federation and RSM Chio Lim, the largest accounting and business advisory firm outside the Big Four in Singapore.
Two individual awards were given out to Poh Choon Ann, chairman and chief executive of Poh Tiong Choon Logistics; Wong Fong Fui, chairman and group chief executive of Boustead Singapore.
