#FridayFive from the Executive Director: 14 August 2026

A short week? Well yes technically, but it doesn’t feel like it! Here’s my #FridayFive for Friday 14th August across the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham):

1.     Launch of Accelerate: What a brilliant evening, launching our second annual Accelerate programme. Accelerate is the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore's leadership development programme supporting the next generation of emerging business leaders. Entering its second year, the 2026 cohort brings together 20 high-potential professionals from across BritCham's membership network for a structured leadership development journey, combining facilitated learning, peer collaboration, leadership insights and professional networking. Hosted by the Leadership & Talent Development (LTD) Committee, the programme develops the core capabilities required for early-career leadership success: self-awareness, communication, presence, influence and career growth. Thank you to the committee, to Standard Chartered Bank for hosting us, to Hannah Lyons (Lennon) for moderating a superb panel, together with panellists Acting High Commissioner Lucy Hughes, Emma Loynes and Dushan Casie Chetty. Thanks to the committee, Thomas Streatfeild-James, Maxwell Davis, Damla Khan, Ph.D. MBA, and Joe Tofield. Such an impactful programme. 

2.     Environment: The team has been working hard on our Sustainability Dialogue which is looking AMAZING. Being held on the 3rd September, we've got a brilliant line up of speakers. I'll put a link in the comments below.

3.     Annual Business Awards: We’re getting close to the cut off for our 27th Annual Business Awards, being held on the 16th October. There is just one week to go to get the entries in...!

4.     Regional Influence: the regional Chambers met online this week to pick up engagement for our regional Britain in South East Asia | BiSEA conference in November (which will be in the Philippine, who hold the Chair role of ASEAN this year), and to share some best practice and plans on boosting regional trade. I also caught up with Stuart Dunn from the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (BritCham Shanghai) on a regular catch up as we’re looking at further collaboration. More to follow.

5.     Network: I met lots of members and companies this week. Thank you Rory McDaid from Henley & Partners - The Firm of Global Citizens® (looking forward to building our plans) and Noor Aladhami, Abhishek Chatterjee and Dilek Gulec Salzburg from HSBC on all things trade. 


I also had a British Chambers of Commerce Board call, and thanks to Steve O'Connor for your support on our #skills discussion, and to Janelle Gavin GAICD for coming back to see us (we miss you!), and some of the team held a strategy session as we look forward to delivering H2 for our members and the wider business eco-system. Its going to be an even busier few months ahead! Have a good weekend.