Dear Subscriber,
Drottningholm Palace, located on an island in Lake Mälaren just outside Stockholm, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the King and Queen of Sweden. Originally built in the late 16th century, it became the royal residence for much of the 18th century. Today, it remains both a private home for the Swedish royal family and a popular tourist destination.
The palace is renowned for its stunning gardens and parklands, which have been developed in stages since its construction, showcasing various garden styles. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Drottningholm also features a beautifully preserved 18th-century theatre and a charming Chinese Pavilion.
In just a few days, we will have the honour of welcoming Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Sweden, to Singapore for their first-ever State Visit, at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Accompanying them will be a business delegation of 50 Swedish companies, government agencies, universities, and other organisations, led by Business Sweden. The delegation aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Sweden and Singapore, with a focus on digitalisation, green transition, and innovation. For more details, you can read the full press release, including a list of the companies participating, here.
We are thrilled to welcome Their Majesties to Singapore and look forward to showcasing all that our island has to offer. While a world away from Drottningholm Palace, Singapore is a vibrant and dynamic destination, rich in opportunities for exploration. With excellent political relations between Sweden and Singapore, we are confident that this State Visit will further strengthen Sweden’s position as a trusted, long-term partner in sustainability and innovation. We are excited for the opportunities this visit will bring to deepen our two countries' collaboration across various sectors.
Please find below the latest news from our business community.
Your dedicated SwedCham team,
Lisa & Anna Photo: Ola Ericson/Image Bank Sweden |
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SwedCham welcomes the following new members to its business community:
Olofsson & Company: Founded by Roger Olofsson in 2017, Olofsson & Company has earned its place as Asia’s leading tech and start-up executive search firm. The company works with fast growth firms to help find and secure the best talent in the marketplace and goes on to help build world-class high-performing teams. Whether through executive search, interim leadership, or project-based consultants, Olofsson is committed to support companies' long-term success.
The Scale Factory: The Scale Factory is Asia’s premier platform for scaling tech companies, specialising in helping disruptive tech brands expand across the region. From executing targeted strategic initiatives to acting as clients' outsourced commercial organization in Asia, the company provides comprehensive support to drive growth and success in this dynamic market.
Malmudden: Malmudden offers executive advisory and consultancy services in property development and management, delivering high-level strategic guidance across multiple sectors. With a strong focus on innovation, the company is dedicated to reshaping and transforming the property management landscape.
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SwedCham's Annual Awards were presented by H.E. Anders Sjöberg, Sweden's Ambassador to Singapore, at our Midwinter Ball last Saturday at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. For many years, SwedCham has been honouring outstanding Swedish individuals and companies who have made a remarkable footprint in Singapore, and we are honoured to present to you this year's winners.
Congratulations to the 2024 Award Winners: |
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Top, left to right: H.E. Anders Sjöberg, Sweden's Ambassador to Singapore; Bo Johansson, Owner & Senior Managing Partner, Viking Engineering; Lisa Ferraton, General Manager, SwedCham.
Bottom, left to right: H.E. Anders Sjöberg, Sweden's Ambassador to Singapore; Suyeon Kim, Country President, AstraZeneca Singapore; Lisa Ferraton, General Manager, SwedCham. |
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The jury's motivation:
🏆 Bo Johansson
Bo Johansson embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines the Swedish community in Singapore. Since arriving in the mid 1970s, he has significantly influenced the marine turbine industry, bringing cutting-edge Swedish technology to the region through his leadership at Viking Engineering, which he founded together with partner Sune Andersson in 1977. Under their stewardship, Viking has become a key player in servicing the marine industry not only in the region but globally, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence and technical expertise.
Bo's extensive knowledge and hands-on experience have allowed him to tackle challenges worldwide. His efforts have not only ensured the operational success of numerous marine vessels but also facilitated the entry of new Swedish technologies and companies into Singapore, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Bo's leadership extends beyond business; he has mentored countless engineers, nurturing local talent and promoting a culture of support and knowledge sharing. His contributions have enriched the maritime sector and solidified the strong ties between Sweden and Singapore. He was also instrumental in launching the Swedish Business Association in Singapore in the 1980s – which then became SwedCham. For these reasons and more, we proudly recognize Bo Johansson as Swede of the Year, celebrating his remarkable legacy and enduring impact over half a century.
🏆 AstraZeneca Singapore
AstraZeneca has been honoured as the Swedish Company of the Year in Singapore for 2024 due to its exceptional contributions to public health, sustainability, and employee well-being. As the top pharmaceutical company in Singapore in 2024 in terms of sales, AstraZeneca actively engages in initiatives like the “War on Diabetes” and partnerships with local organizations to drive healthcare innovation.
During the pandemic, AstraZeneca played a vital role by supplying essential treatments, underscoring its commitment to public health. The company's $1.5 billion investment in a manufacturing facility highlights its long-term dedication to Singapore’s economy.
AstraZeneca’s sustainability efforts, including collaborations with the Waterways Watch Society and its Cancer Can Give movement, empower cancer survivors through volunteerism. Additionally, its employee-focused programs promote mental health and foster an inclusive workplace culture. These initiatives position AstraZeneca as a responsible corporate citizen, showcasing the best of Swedish and international innovation both when it comes to business excellence and people development, making it a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Previous winners include: 2022 Swedish Company of the Year: Getinge 2019 Swedish Company of the Year: Scania 2019 Swede of the Year: Janek Schergen, Artistic Director, Singapore Ballet 2018 Swede of the Year: Annelie Nikou 2017 Swedish Company of the Year: IKEA 2016 Swede of the Year: Professor Bertil Andersson, President Emeritus, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 2015 Swedish Company of the Year: Envac 2014 Swede of the Year: Mikael Hartman, Associate Professor, NUS, and Head of General Surgery, NUHS 2013 Swede of the Year: Gunilla Daintry |
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A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors and guests who joined us for the unforgettable 2024 Midwinter Ball at stunning Sofitel Sentosa. It was an evening filled with joy, friendship, and celebration of our vibrant business community, as well as the long-standing heritage of Swedish-Singaporean business ties. With ABBA tunes playing well into the night, we can all agree that the Midwinter Ball is a tradition worth preserving.
A special shout-out to Roger Jansson and Annelie Olsson, who marked their 21st Midwinter Ball in a row this year - an impressive milestone that we believe will remain unmatched for years to come.
We look forward to welcoming you again next year! |
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| Market Outlook: Indonesia |
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One more Market Outlook is coming your way before we break for Christmas. We are excited to welcome H.E. Daniel Blockert, Sweden’s Ambassador to Indonesia, and Erik Odar, Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to Indonesia, who will be joining us in Singapore to share their insights on Indonesia in the wake of the recent election.
The discussion will explore current market opportunities and challenges, while highlighting Indonesia’s growing importance as a priority market within the Swedish government’s Trade to Aid strategy. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable perspectives on one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic economies.
Our Market Outlook sessions are held in collaboration with Business Sweden to provide in-depth insights into the latest developments and trends within key markets in the region.
Register for this in-person event here. |
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| SwedCham Connect Christmas Special |
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We warmly invite all corporate and individual members to our final SwedCham Connect before the holidays, hosted by Electrolux. This festive evening will take place at Electrolux Singapore's showroom, where guests will enjoy a culinary adventure featuring gourmet snacks prepared by a skilled chef using Electrolux home equipment. The experience will be complemented by a selection of premium wines from Electrolux’s Vintec cellar. With 40 guests already registered, be sure to secure your ticket before we sell out. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and celebrate the season in style.
Register for this event here. |
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| Share with us how you are using AI! |
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For an event we are planning in Q1 or Q2 next year, we aim to showcase a selection of SwedCham companies and their innovative uses of AI - whether internally or in collaboration with clients and suppliers - to drive productivity and growth.
If you have an exciting project or showcase you would like to share with the SwedCham business community, please reach out to Lisa Ferraton at lisa.ferraton@swedcham.sg. We’d love to hear from you! |
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APOCCA Group Since its founding over 40 years ago in Kristianstad, Sweden, APOCCA has seen impressive growth, and has evolved into a key player in the electrical and automation sector, executing complex projects worldwide. In the past decade, Southeast Asia has emerged as one of APOCCA’s largest and most dynamic markets. To better support the expanding customer base in the region, the company opened a Sales & Service office in Singapore in 2016. This move allowed APOCCA to build stronger connections and deliver more tailored solutions to clients in Asia.
APOCCA’s journey has always been about more than just growth; it's about providing complete, end-to-end solutions. From initial consultations and system design to software and hardware development, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing service support, the company handles every aspect of the automation process.
With strategic offices in Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Sweden, APOCCA is equipped to offer world-class solutions wherever needed. Its commitment to design, development, and delivery ensures that businesses receive the comprehensive support they need at every stage of their automation journey. As APOCCA continues to grow and expand, the company remains focused on building lasting partnerships and providing exceptional service to customers around the globe.
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Monitor ERP Monitor ERP recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) at ITAP 2024. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation in the manufacturing sector through collaboration between industry and academia.
Monitor ERP’s collaboration with SP focuses on equipping students and SMEs with the skills and tools needed to thrive in Industry 4.0, promoting technologies like sustainability monitoring, factory automation, and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency. The company will showcase its solutions at SP’s 5G & AloT Centre and Advanced Manufacturing Centre, demonstrating how ERP systems integrate with third-party technologies for streamlined, sustainable operations.
Monitor ERP will also co-develop training programs and offer internships to prepare students for the evolving manufacturing landscape. With 42% market share in Sweden and a proven track record globally, Monitor ERP supports over 6,000 companies, including 200 in Southeast Asia, with its award-winning, industry-specific solutions.
Fun fact: The two partners first connected at SwedCham's Ericsson/Singtel5G Garage event at SP’s 5G & AloT Centre in March this year. SwedCham is thrilled that this event has sparked such a strong and productive collaboration.
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Pink Pineapple
Anna Seefeldt, founder of Pink Pineapple, has teamed up with three other business leaders to launch an exciting new growth program, Ignite with Impact, set to begin in January 2025. This immersive five-month business growth journey is designed for entrepreneurs and business owners in Singapore, offering valuable support and resources to help them accelerate their growth and impact. This transformative experience begins with a comprehensive marketing audit, followed by a luxurious two-day retreat in February where participants dive deep into hands-on workshops and expert guidance. The journey continues with ongoing support through follow-up sessions, exclusive resources, and a vibrant WhatsApp community, culminating in an alumni celebration in May. Designed for ambitious business owners ready to elevate their marketing impact, this program combines expert-led sessions with a supportive community environment to drive sustainable growth.
Want a preview of what's in store? Join their expert panel on November 27th at 12:00 PM via Zoom for a complimentary webinar on planning your marketing strategy for 2025. |
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| Unique Christmas bundles for your corporate needs |
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This festive season, elevate your corporate gifting with an exclusive Christmas bundle, thoughtfully curated by two SwedCham members - distinguished Singaporean brands From the Dot and The Place Designs - to cater for various budgets and occasions.
Whether you are looking to impress clients, show appreciation to staff, or simply spread the holiday cheer, our bundles offer a range of options that can be seamlessly tailored to reflect your company’s values and the preferences of your recipients. Choose from meaningful map bracelets by The Place Designs, luxurious hand care sets from From the DOT, and exquisite floral arrangements by The Enchanted Tree. Each gift is designed to make a lasting impression, combining quality craftsmanship, thoughtful presentation, and the spirit of giving.
Exclusively for SwedCham members: The customisable bundles can be tailored to fit your budget and occasions, with price ranges from just SGD 50 to SGD 500 (40% off the retail prices). Don’t miss out on the chance to create a memorable gifting experience this Christmas!
For more details on bundles and to discuss your specific requirements, click here or simply contact Stanley Teng. |
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| Chalmers looking to connect! |
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Student representatives from Gothenburg's Chalmers University of Technology, one of Europe's top universities in engineering and technology, are planning a visit to Singapore in February 2025 and are actively seeking local companies to connect with during the trip.
Represented by two students of Industrial Engineering and Management from Chalmers’ International Taiwan Office (CITO), the visit aims to strengthen ties between Chalmers and businesses in Singapore while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. CITO, based at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, is a student-led initiative by Chalmers University to build the university’s presence in East Asia, support regional students, and facilitate partnerships with companies across the region. As part of their role, the students are conducting study visits to companies outside Taiwan, with Singapore being their next stop.
The students visiting are eager to learn about local businesses' work in the Asian markets and explore opportunities for future collaboration. They look forward to promoting connections between Sweden and Singapore.
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| New Nordic restaurant in town |
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Dill is a newly opened Scandinavian restaurant located at 33 Duxton Road, offering a cozy sit-down dining area and a long table/bar space to suit a variety of moods and occasions. Run by a husband-and-wife team with a small, dedicated crew, the restaurant serves a set menu dinner alongside casual Scandinavian-inspired snacks and bites that pair perfectly with drinks.
The kitchen is led by Norwegian chef Daniel Jung-Eldøy, who previously worked alongside Swedish chef Björn Svensson to open the Michelin-starred restaurants Galt and Schlagergården in Oslo. Daniel also opened FAN before relocating to Singapore. A firm believer in sustainability, he strives to create exceptional dishes using local ingredients while sourcing key elements of traditional Scandinavian cuisine, like seafood, from back home. Dill is designed to be a warm, vibrant space for those who want to explore classic Scandinavian flavours, discover fine drinks or wines, and enjoy casual luxury dining. |
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Thursday 14 November: YP's next AW will be held at Good Boy George, Robertson Quay.
Thursday 28 November: Come and discover Spotify and the world of music at the YP x Spotify company visit. Open to YP members only.
Thursday 13 March: SwedCham AGM 2025. More information will follow.
Tuesday 18 March: Lynxeye on purposeful branding of B2B businesses. More information will follow. |
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Wednesday 10 October: SwedCham's P&C Committee and Cindy Wee, APAC HR Director at Axis Communications, hosted a roundtable for SwedCham's HR community on HR's strategic role in driving organisational success.
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