Dear Subscriber,
On 28 September, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan addressed the 79th session of United Nation’s General Assembly debate in New York. His message from Singapore was to urge UN member states to ensure that recent violations of international law in many countries around the world do not become normalised, highlighting the need to reform global governance institutions to make them more representative and responsive:
“[…]In this moment of uncertainty, all countries, big and small, have a responsibility to work together to preserve the peace and to save lives […] This is the moment to double down on multilateralism and strengthen the role of the UN as a collective vehicle for peace and sustainable development.”
Dr. Balakrishnan echoes the sentiments of many small states worldwide, including Sweden: The UN's role is more crucial than ever in maintaining international peace and security. Upholding the rule of law in the international arena has perhaps never been more important. Governance institutions like the United Nations offer a vital platform for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than armed conflict. Disrupting the charters and international law that uphold these institutions poses a serious threat to global stability.
The full speech by Dr Balakrishnan can be viewed here.
Please find below the latest news from our business community.
Your dedicated SwedCham team,
Lisa & Anna Photo: UN Photo/Loey Felipe |
|
SwedCham welcomes the following new member to its business community:
Pixi Beauty: Created in 1999 by Swedish Petra Strand and launched in their flagship boutique in Soho, London, Pixi has a loyal worldwide following thanks to its pure, awakening & skin-loving products that create a naturally radiant look.
Chief Representative: Johannes Björklund, General Manager APAC & Executive Vice President EMEA. |
|
| Securitas CEO at next APAC Talk |
|
|
|
We are excited to announce that Mr Magnus Ahlqvist, President & CEO of Securitas, will be joining us on Thursday 17 October as our distinguished guest for the next edition of the SwedCham APAC CEO Series.
In a world marked by geopolitical risks, pandemics, and a rising demand for information security, the concept of "safeguarding" has expanded dramatically. In this APAC session, Magnus will discuss how Securitas, the world's second largest provider of security solutions, is shifting from reactive solutions to proactive strategies, leveraging technology and innovation to meet the challenges of today. He will also share key insights on Asia as a crucial growth region for Securitas and explore what makes it unique compared to other markets. |
|
|
SwedCham's APAC CEO Series, which was launched in February 2022, continues to gain momentum. The Series was created to give a platform for Sweden's most prominent business leaders to speak to SwedCham Members in the whole of APAC.
Register for this event here. |
|
| Midwinter Ball: Last chance to buy tickets! |
|
|
|
Haven't got your ticket for this year's Midwinter Ball at the iconic Sofitel Sentosa? Act fast - ticket sales will be closing soon, and there are only a few left!
Get ready for a night of elegance and celebration: Join us at SwedCham's annual ball, our most anticipated and extravagant event of the year. As ticket sales will soon be closing, we also want to remind you that Sofitel Sentosa is offering a special 30% discount on rooms for a limited number of Midwinter guests - available on a first-come, first-served basis. Why not turn the party night into a luxurious weekend staycation, escaping the hustle and bustle of city life? To take advantage of this exclusive offer, please contact Anna Landgren.
For more details and to secure your ticket, use this link. |
|
On Thursday 10 October at 8:15-10:00 am, our People & Culture committee will host an exclusive roundtable for SwedCham's HR community. Join us as we explore how to unlock HR's strategic role in driving organisational success. Cindy Wee, APAC HR Director at Axis Communications, will lead this session which will focus on how to transform HR from a traditional support role into a strategic business partner that drives significant organisational value. Cindy will share her perspectives and personal experiences, highlighting how she successfully navigated this challenging transition. Cindy will explore how a deep passion for unlocking people’s potential can align with a culture built for long-term success and sustainability. |
|
|
Are you an HR professional who would like to attend this roundtable discussion? Please contact Lisa Ferraton to register. Exclusively for SwedCham member companies. The event is free of charge. |
|
| Share with us how you are using AI! |
|
|
|
For an event we are planning in Q1 or 2 next year in collaboration with Hyper Island, 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. We’d love to hear from you! |
|
Initiated and founded in Sweden, The Inner Development Goals - a non-profit, open-source initiative, brings the power of inner development to global challenges faced by humanity. Recognising that a systemic change requires inner capacities and values, a group of researchers, experts, and practitioners launched the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) to drive purposeful, sustainable, and productive lives. Today, over 1000 organisations have integrated the IDGs, and with over 500 IDG hubs over the world, the Inner Development Goals has become a global movement. The IDG framework empowers leaders and provides tools to cultivate personal growth, enhancing their ability to drive sustainable change, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Register for this free online information session here. Open to SwedCham members and non-members. |
|
| Unique Christmas bundles for your corporate needs |
|
|
|
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. |
|
| Subscribe to K2's immigration updates |
|
|
|
Many of us already benefit from the invaluable Singapore immigration email updates that our Silver Sponsor K2 Corporate Mobility sends out monthly. These communications, crafted by K2's in-house experts, provide up-to-date insights and guidance to help organisations stay compliant with the latest immigration policies in Singapore.
To join K2's Singapore immigration distribution list at no cost, simply register using this link. |
|
| 2024 Lynxeye Purpose Index™ available now |
|
|
|
SwedCham member Lynxeye, a management consultancy and corporate purpose expert, has measured purpose among companies and brands since 2015. In this year’s Lynxeye Purpose Index™, more than 550 companies and brands were surveyed in eight markets, incorporating a total of around 17,000 respondents. And the data is clear: Purposeful companies consistently score higher on all relevant business metrics. Purpose drives business success as purpose-driven brands are strategically positioned to win.
For insights on why purpose-driven companies are more likely to succeed, download the full report here. |
|
| Help shape the next year of W4W! |
|
|
|
SwedCham's Women4Women Forum (W4W) has evolved into an inspiring network of female business professionals in Singapore. W4W harnesses the power of collective action to empower women and strengthen communities across the nation.
We are seeking 1-2 inspirational women to join our committee for the upcoming year and help elevate the W4W network to new heights. If you're interested in learning more, please reach out to Helena Gilmour. |
|
|
| Mix & Mingle: SwedCham's latest events in pictures |
|
|
|
Thank you to H.E. Ambassador Anders Sjöberg for hosting this event at his residence. |
|
This year is especially significant for Alfa Laval as they celebrate 50 years in Singapore, making it a true honor for SwedCham to host its quarterly AW on September 12 at their stunning new offices. The evening was marked by engaging conversations and the chance to forge many new connections.
Here’s to Alfa Laval's continued success in Singapore and the region! |
|
Three external speakers enlightened us on important topics for anyone building a business in Singapore: - On 3 September, Professor Jungpil Hahn, Deputy Director, and Eric Orlowski, Research Fellow for AI Governance at AI Singapore discussed the country’s strategic direction and pioneering initiatives in the AI landscape
- On 27 September, Professor Henrik Bresman, INSEAD, shared new research on the dynamics of diverse teams and their performance, emphasising the critical importance of psychological safety for teams to thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and rapidly changing world.
|
|
SwedCham's Young Professionals network hosted a traditional Swedish crayfish party on 6 September, complete with singing, hats, snaps, and all the festive elements. Attendees enjoyed delicious crayfish cooked 'the Swedish way', creating a memorable autumn celebration in the tropics for all involved! |
|
Swiss Chamber of Commerce
Looking to expand your network? Here’s an exciting opportunity: SwissCham Singapore has graciously invited SwedCham's members to join its inaugural Flying Dinner during Swiss Wine Week on Thursday 10 October from 6:45 PM to 10:30 PM.
A Flying Dinner offers a unique dining experience where guests switch tables and restaurants between courses, allowing you to enjoy different settings and company with each course. The evening will kick off at Latteria Mozzarella Bar for an apéritif, followed by a culinary journey through some of Singapore's finest restaurants, including L'Entrecôte, and Coucou. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to savour a selection of exceptional Swiss wines. Don’t miss this chance to meet new people and celebrate in a truly social spirit together with our friends at SwissCham.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit this link.
European Chamber of Commerce
The SEA IP SME Helpdesk (Southeast Asia Intellectual Property SME Helpdesk) is an initiative funded by the European Commission and provides free, practical support to European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to protect and enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights in Southeast Asia. The Helpdesk offers services such as IP advice, training, and online resources tailored to the challenges faced by European businesses operating in the region.
Key offerings of the SEA IP SME Helpdesk include: - Confidential Advice: SMEs can receive free-of-charge, confidential advice on intellectual property issues related to their business activities in Southeast Asia.
- Monthly Training Workshops and Live Webinars
- The Helpdesk website gives you access to a wide range of Publications in terms of country factsheets, industry specific IP guides, or general IP guides on various IP topics.
- Enquiry Helpline: You can send any IP questions related to South-East Asia to the Helpdesk and receive a reply within three working days.
For more information, visit the official website of the SEA IP SME Helpdesk here. |
|
Wednesday 10 October: SwedCham HR community round table: How to unlock HR's strategic role in driving organisational success. Organised by SwedCham's P&C Committee. By invitation only.
Saturday 9 November: SwedCham's Annual Midwinter Ball at Sofitel Sentosa.
Wednesday 15 January: Market Outlook on the Philippines with Johan Lennefalk, Acting Country Manager for the Philippines. More information will follow.
Friday 14 February Optimise your LinkedIn profile with Sorelle Henricus. More information will follow.
Tuesday 18 March: Lynxeye on purposeful branding of B2B businesses. More information will follow. |
|
|
