Dear Subscriber,
On 6 April 1974 - 50 years ago this month - ABBA clinched victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton, United Kingdom. Simultaneously, Sweden marked its inaugural #1 on the US Billboard charts with "Hooked on a Feeling", performed by Björn Skifs and his band, Blue Swede. This dual triumph marked the start of what has come to be known as the "Swedish pop wonder," a phenomenon that continues to thrive to this day. The question arises: How does a seemingly small country like Sweden consistently churn out an endless stream of successful musicians, songwriters, and producers, including giants like Max Martin, Avicii, Roxette, and Swedish House Mafia? According to insights from sweden.se, several key factors contribute to this baffling Swedish musical wonder: - Free music education: Swedish students enjoy access to instrumental education throughout their primary and secondary schooling, nurturing talent from a young age
- Digital innovation: Early adoption of digital technology, exemplified by platforms like Spotify, has significantly propelled the growth of Sweden's music industry
- International outlook: Sweden's compact size has compelled many musicians to pursue international opportunities from the outset, fostering a global mindset
- Cultural environment: Sweden's unique blend of dark winters, vast forests, and rich folkloric traditions has infused its pop music scene with a distinct and captivating allure.
For enthusiasts keen on exploring Sweden's musical heritage, SVT Play offers a plethora of programs right now, celebrating icons like ABBA and the broader success of Swedish pop music. Recommendations include (NB Programs mainly in Swedish language): ...and for those just seeking a dose of positivity to kick-start their week, have a listen to the Swedish music elite's 4 min tribute to ABBA's music here.
SwedCham would also like to thank ABBA for its enduring musical legacy this year. Save the date 9 November 2024, as SwedCham's Annual Midwinter Ball, hosted at Sofitel Sentosa Resort & Spa, promises a memorable tribute to Sweden's pop icons. An evening not to be missed. Stay tuned, follow us on LinkedIn.
Please find below the latest news from our business community.
Your dedicated SwedCham team,
Lisa & Anna
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RVM Systems: Sweden’s leading designer and manufacturer of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Headquartered in Stockholm, the company has more than 20 years’ experience in developing, producing, manufacturing and maintaining RVM machines and systems globally.
Chief Representative: Derrick Thng, Business Development Manager.
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The Beauty Co-Lab: A co-creative powerhouse developing distinct beauty brands tailored for Asian consumers, in partnership with prominent digital creators/influencers in the region.
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| Are you following us on LinkedIn? |
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In the last 30 days, our LinkedIn account has grown by over 500 new followers, a record month for SwedCham Singapore. Thank you to all our supporters from near and afar - you mean the world to us.
And to those of you who haven't connected with us yet on our preferred platform: Make sure you don't miss out on anything happening in the Swedish business community in Singapore - follow us on LinkedIn. |
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| Supply chain headaches? Come and share! |
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In every business, the intricate network of the supply chain forms the backbone, holding an immense potential for sustainability within its grasp. Even those not directly involved in supply chain activities can contribute significantly to shaping a more sustainable future. But how can we shift our perspective to embrace a broader understanding of driving sustainability through our supply chains?
On 16 April, we will dig into how we can foster a deeper understanding of the collective impact of supply chains on sustainability, shifting focus from individual businesses to a broader, collaborative approach. We invite you who are dealing with supply chains in your daily work, either directly or indirectly, to bring your successes and challenges to the table.
This business simulation workshop, facilitated by Celemi, will provide an excellent platform for participants from different industries to connect, share experiences, and explore solutions in driving sustainability across diverse supply chains.
Register for this event here. |
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Are you considering Vietnam as your next business venture? Or perhaps you're already established there and eager to gain fresh insights on advancing your operations in the country? Look no further.
Join us on 25 April for SwedCham's next Market Outlook, in collaboration with Business Sweden, where we will have the honour of hosting Sweden's Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Ann Måwe, and Sweden's Trade Commissioner to Vietnam, David Lidén. Together, they will dive deep into Vietnam's business scene, offering their insights and perspectives on the factors propelling the country's remarkable economic growth.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in Vietnam's dynamic market.
Register for this event here. |
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| Swedish exchange students unite! |
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Calling all Swedish exchange students in Singapore!
SwedCham's Young Professionals network is hosting a rooftop cocktail night just for you at Mortar & Pestle on Friday 12 April. Come join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars, with a DJ rocking the beats from 8 pm until the wee hours. See you there!
Register for this event here. |
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| CEO-dialogue on mental health |
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Did you know that Singapore's local economy loses an estimated S$15.7 billion annually to lost productivity due to stress and anxiety? Despite this, businesses are slow to prioritise wellbeing in the workplace. In a recent parliamentary address, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recognised mental health and wellbeing as a key priority on the national agenda.
Together with WorkWell Leaders, a prominent non-profit in Singapore dedicated to championing workplace wellbeing, SwedCham is organising a cross-chamber session for our member CEOs on 30 April to explore the topic of mental health and why it makes business sense to make it a strategic priority, beyond an HR responsibility. With this CEO-dialogue, we aim to create a platform for CEOs to engage in meaningful discussions among peers and explore how they can lead the change within their organisations to foster positive transformations surrounding mental health.
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| Axis invites us to the 41st floor |
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The next SwedCham Connect - our quarterly After Work - will be hosted at Axis Communications' offices on Thursday 9 May at 6:30 pm. Get ready for a great night out with the Swedish business community - and brace yourself for a breath taking view of Singapore from the 41st floor of Suntec Tower One.
Register for this event here. |
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| Save the Date: Midwinter Ball 2024 |
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AstraZeneca wins award for the GIC
Under this initiative, AstraZeneca and partners worked together with South West CDC and its grassroot organisation in Bukit Batok to transform a community garden into a sustainability showcase by installing a closed solar energy loop, smart rodent traps, a rainwater harvesting system, low-carbon concrete pathways, and a net-zero outdoor living room made of recycled materials. AstraZeneca also hosted a community workshop for cancer survivors that integrate therapeutic horticulture and skills development to foster mindfulness and positive social interactions amongst patients.
“The bottom-up collaborative approach allows for flexibility and inclusivity, ensuring the initiative stays attuned to the evolving needs of the community. The incorporation of diverse elements, from smart technologies to therapeutic horticulture, reflects a dynamic strategy,” the company said.
This prestigious awards programme spotlights exceptional medtech companies across Asia that have consistently gone above and beyond to serve their customers with groundbreaking innovations.
More information can be found here. |
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Swedish presence at APM 2024 A number of Swedish companies could be found among the exhibitors at the 18th Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2024 which took place on 13-15 March at Marina Bay Sands. APM is the leading maritime trade show in Asia, showcasing a comprehensive overview of vessel sector services and solutions, technology, vessel equipment, supplies and much more. The event this year saw an extraordinary turnout with 710 exhibitors and 15,717 attendees in Singapore. Among those, the following Swedish companies were spotted: |
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EuroCham on corporate philanthropy
On 17 April, EuroCham will host a panel discussion on Corporate Philanthropy: Embracing Needs-Based Initiatives for Lasting Impact in partnership with AstraZeneca Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, NVPC and RDSS. The discussion aims to shed light on the importance of adopting a needs-based approach to philanthropy, aligning corporate giving with societal needs, urging companies to actively engage in addressing pressing issues. We welcome all SwedCham members interested to learn more to join in this panel discussion to drive impactful CSR into 2024.
This event is free of charge. Register here. |
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Tuesday 3 September: SwedCham Silver sponsor K2 Corporate Mobility will give us the latest on work passes and immigration in Singapore.
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Thursday 4 April: SwedCham Young Professionals met up for an AW at SG Taps.
Thursday 14 March: HR roundtable on authentic leadership hosted by Joanna Bilewicz, Vice President People & Culture APAC & MEA, Electrolux Group.
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