Dear Members and Friends

Throughout this year we will be shining a spotlight on Chamber members who form member-exclusive Interest Groups on topics and themes important to them and the wider membership. Each Interest Group (IG) is led by a Chair, or co-Chairs, who provide the energy, drive and rallying power for what are totally voluntary groups.

In this issue we are featuring the ASEAN IG chaired by the Chamber’s First Deputy Chairman Martin Hayes of Robert Bosch SEA. It is no accident Martin chairs this IG given his company’s operations across ASEAN. It is also no accident we focus on a region vital to the sustainability of many businesses across multiple sectors and, therefore, to the sustainability of Singapore.

Members of the ASEAN IG benefit from networking and the mutual exchange of one another’s expertise across multiple disciplines relating to investment law and doing business in ASEAN, as well as potential solutions to issues such as talent, investment protection and customs and excise issues. The IG facilitates learning and collaboration among a diverse set of industries for mutual benefit in the global supply and value chains.

The IG regularly engages Singapore’s economic policy decision makers in the Ministry of Trade and Industry for updates on the latest economic developments in ASEAN. In return, the IG has been able to provide inputs and suggestions on how ASEAN joint economic initiatives can bring about better outcomes for businesses, for example: RCEP, ASEAN Digital Trade and the ASEAN Investment Facilitation Framework (AIFF).

Apart from issues related to ASEAN as a bloc, the IG also focuses its meetings on topics specific to member countries depending on members’ preferences and needs. This has led to meetings on the post-COVID-19 investment opportunities in Malaysia, investment protection concerns in Myanmar and the investment climate in Vietnam.

These shared insights from high-ranking government officials, diplomats, trade associations and business leaders, are important as they inform members of the IG about both local and regional trends and challenges, potential business opportunities and how members can navigate them smoothly.

This year the ASEAN IG plans to increase its engagement with other Interest Groups in the Chamber for cross-fertilization of ideas and business opportunities. Discussion topics involving ASEAN will also include its key dialogue partners the US, China, the EU and Japan. With Martin’s leadership and the IG members’ continued commitment, the ASEAN IG will bring greater value and benefits to its members and to fellow members of the Chamber.

Yours faithfully
Victor Mills
Chief Executive