Key themes addressed include the impetus for globalisation, how businesses can foster diversity and the importance of technology as a business driver.

The Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) today held a preview event in the build-up to the Summit which will take place between 23 and 25 July 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. The event brought together business leaders who shared their perspectives on pertinent challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region.

Hosted by Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive OBicer, Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Singapore, key themes addressed included the pivotal role of technology, sustainability, and the role of trade partnerships in shaping the future of business in Singapore and globally. Further discussion focused on why engendering a corporate purpose is central to business competitiveness and how it can be embodied within organisations and through philanthropic practices.

According to SBF’s National Business Survey 2023/2024, 9 in 10 businesses acknowledge the importance of business transformation but require support with digitalisation, internationalisation and sustainability challenges.

The upcoming SABS® will equip business leaders and decision makers with the knowledge they need to tackle these challenges head on, while equipping attendees with actionable strategies that can be implemented to deliver positive impact in these key areas.

Joining Mr Kok and Mr Ng at the media conference to share their insights on key topics were:
• Tony Soh, Chief Executive OXicer, NVPC, shared insights on the linkages between corporate purpose and business competitiveness
• Liew Nam Soon, EY Asean Regional Managing Partner; EY Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, provided a sneak peek into the upcoming future economy conference
• Pamela Chng, Founder, Bettr Group, shared her perspectives on demographic challenges
and how businesses can foster diversity
• Kelvin Tan, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Finance and Investments, ASEAN, HSBC, discussed Asia’s transition to net zero, its challenges and opportunities from a regional perspective
• Tan Li-San, Chief Executive OXicer, National Council of Social Service (NCSS), introduced
the framework on sustainable philanthropy
• Yap Chuin Wei, Program Director, International Trade Research, Hinrich Foundation,
provided insights on how engaging with international partners can foster knowledge sharing and provide exposure to new technologies and business practices.
• Hafimi Abdul Haadii, Executive Director, LVK Group of Companies, wrapped up the
discussion by giving the audience an ASEAN perspective on the issues discusse

Commenting on the upcoming SABS®, Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive OBicer, Singapore Business Federation, said: “While global uncertainties and internal constraints have aXected how local businesses operate, SBF recognises the need for Singapore businesses to adapt to changes and strengthen their core competencies. The upcoming Singapore Apex Business Summit presents a timely opportunity for representatives of businesses of all sizes to come together to glean insights and learn from the experience of leaders and subject matter experts.”

With more than 2,000 participants anticipated at this year’s SABS®, the summit will bring together six political oXice holders and over 100 speakers across 20 plenary sessions. Each of the three days is themed around a premier business and networking event:
• Day 1: Future Economy Conference (FEC) in conjunction with Company of Good Conference (COGC) themed “End of Business as Usual: Smart Technology and the Future of Work”, and SABS® Welcome Dinner

• Day 2: Singapore Regional Business Forum® (SRBF®) themed “End of Business as Usual: Transforming Regional Collaborations towards a Sustainable Future”, and Future-Ready Networking Dinner

• Day 3: Future of Trade Forum (FOTF) themed “End of Business as Usual: Global Trade at a Crossroads”

Key highlights include:
• Community Marketplace: The Community Marketplace features various social impact
enablers and their corporate partners, as they share insights on their corporate purpose
journey, delivering meaningful change.

Participants would learn more about corporate philanthropy and volunteerism, discover how to promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce, and support community development initiatives. There would be 1-to-1 consultations with community partners on how to embark on or expand one’s social impact journey.

• Future-Ready Businesses (FRB) Spotlights: A series of curated visits to leading companies’
operations that showcases future-ready practices and operations to equip business leaders
with strategies and practical tools for navigating an ever-changing landscape. Participants will visit Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, PSA
Innovation Centre and Mastercard Experience Center.

• GCNS CEO Roundtable: The United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) 9th CEO Roundtable is a pivotal gathering of influential business leaders aimed at fostering
discussions, commitments, and actions around the Forward Faster Initiative. This initiative,
encapsulated in the theme “Forward Faster – Guiding Companies Towards Decisive Action for 2030” seeks to accelerate corporate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.

• Exclusive Welcome Dinner/One-to-One Business Matching: A carefully curated series of
business networking and business matching activities to oXer high-net-worth business
leaders and senior government oXicials the exclusive opportunities to connect. These tailored networking events will enable participants from Singapore and the region to forge meaningful partnerships.

• Partners Showcase: An exhibition consisting of 25 of booths from 12 leading companies,
oXering cutting-edge solutions that address today’s business growth challenges to propel
enterprises forward.

SBF is grateful to the sponsors and knowledge partners of SABS® 2024 for joining us in helping our businesses be future-ready in an increasingly uncertain economic environment. SBF is also grateful to the Special Supporting Organisations, Supporting Organisations and Supporting Associations, for their support in amplifying outreach to their networks.
For more information and to register to attend the Summit, please visit
www.singaporeapexbusinesssummit.com.