Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam – Mr. Le Minh Khai delivered a speech at SRBF 2023
Singapore Business Federation (SBF) concluded its inaugural overseas edition of the Singapore Regional Business Forum (SRBF®) in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam His Excellency Lê Minh Khái (on behalf of Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam His Excellency Phạm Minh Chính) and Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore Dr. Tan See Leng. Both Guest-of-Honours delivered keynote speeches at the event.
Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore – Dr. Tan See Leng delivered a speech at SRBF 2023.
In line with the forum’s theme – “Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Sustainable Growth,” a total of 12 MOUs were signed between public and private sector organisations from Singapore and Vietnam, including trade associations and business chambers, higher education institutions and financial institutions.
12 MOUs were signed between public and private sector organisations from Singapore and Vietnam.
During the forum, SBF and UOB also launched a joint Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to nurture young talents in the fields of finance, technology, and innovation. In line with the goal of forging a sustainable future for ASEAN and Vietnam and as part of our commitments to corporate social responsibility (CSR), SBF and UOB will jointly contribute to the local community, benefitting the students at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), a leading university specialised in business. Under this SBF-UOB joint CSR initiative, more than 1,000 eligible students in Vietnam will have opportunities to acquire skills and gain hands-on experience in business, so that they can grow their expertise and be future-ready in the digital era.
A key highlight of the forum was the “In Conversation with Ministers: Enhancing Regional Collaboration for a Sustainable Future” dialogue moderated by Mr. Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer of SBF. The dialogue featured Minister Dr Tan See Leng, Viet Nam’s Minister of Planning and Investment H.E Nguyễn Chí Dũng and joined by Executive Chairman of Pacific International Lines Mr. Teo Siong Seng, Chairman of FPT Corporation Dr Trương Gia Bình, and Immediate Past President of European Chamber of Commerce Singapore Mr. Federico Donato. During the conversation session, they exchanged robust views on topics such as the energy transition, digital interoperability, business development and the tensions / prospects of building a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable future for the region.
A key highlight of the forum was the “In Conversation with Ministers: Enhancing Regional Collaboration for a Sustainable Future” dialogue.
Special Guest Speaker, Viet Nam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyễn Sinh Nhật Tân also delivered a luncheon keynote providing insights into key upcoming developments that can be expected in Viet Nam’s enterprise landscape.
Participating companies also met up with potential business partners during the business matching session, either virtually or on site. Vietnamese provincial leaders from Hai Phong, Hung Yen and Nghe An also delivered presentations on the emerging business landscape and investment opportunities in these provinces.
Mr. Lim Ming Yan, SBF Chairman said, “As the SRBF takes its first steps beyond Singapore’s borders, finding its way in the vibrant city of Hanoi, Vietnam, I would like to thank our host country for your warm welcome. The success of today’s event is underscored by the the strong bilateral ties between our countries. This momentous occasion also coincides with the 50th anniversary of our bilateral relationship and the 10th anniversary of our strategic partnership.”
Mr. Lim Ming Yan, SBF Chairman delivered a speech at SRBF 2023.
The 7th SRBF® is strongly supported by 35 public and private organisations in Singapore and Viet Nam, which further underscores the impact and potential of the event. The supporting organisations from Singapore include Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and from Vietnam, Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and Vietnam Chambers of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The forum’s sponsor partners include Platinum Partners – Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint-stock Bank (Techcombank) and United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB), Gold Partners – Pacific International Lines (PIL) and PSA International (PSA), with Silver Partners – BIPO, FPT Corporation and NCS. PWC is the forum’s Knowledge Partner, with Business Times and Lianhe Zaobao being the media partners.
Mr. Kok Ping Soon, SBF CEO said, “The region is ripe for an acceleration of regional collaboration and growth. The agreements signed today are reflective of the keen interest in deeper collaboration to seize regional opportunities and build stronger businesses and economies. SBF will support our companies to be part of the region’s growth.”
In conjunction with the event, SBF organised a business mission to Hanoi which was attended by 28 participants from 24 Singapore businesses from the business services, manufacturing and lifestyle/consumer industries. Participants were able to gain valuable insights into the business landscape and cultural nuances of North Viet Nam and network with fellow Singapore businesses. The delegation will be visiting key economic sites in the Quang Ninh province and be briefed by the Investment Promotion Agency of Quang Ninh Province on potential business opportunities there.
Separately, the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) also led a delegation of 20 business leaders from 15 member companies to explore potential collaborations with Vietnamese companies.
Mr. Phua Boon Huat, President of the SFIC said, “The Singapore Furniture Industries Council is honored to be participating in the prestigious Singapore Regional Business Forum, promoting business and investment opportunities. We are excited about the forum being held in Vietnam this year, a country of great interest to our members with excellent economic connectivity. The 7th SRBF will empower our members to expand market presence in Vietnam and the region, fostering stronger business ties and creating new opportunities in the furniture industry.” 21 business chambers and trade associations whose member companies have a strong or increasing presence in Viet Nam, Singapore, and the region are also supporting this event.
