#FridayFive from the Executive Director: 20 June 2025

My #FridayFive covers a few weeks across the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham). And what a few weeks...

1. Such a good network: With thanks to Martin, it was a pleasure to meet Dame Sarah MacIntosh, British High Commissioner to Australia as we talked about regional connectivity and some of the opportunities for British business. Continuing the Australia theme, I also had a call with the AMAZGING Ticky from the Australian British Chamber of Commerce as we talked about our respective plans. It a pleasure to work with such excellent leaders of the British Chambers overseas who really are a major part of Team UK, and whilst in London had the delight of meeting up with UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC)’s Ian Gibbons OBE.

2. Promoting Education: We had a Skills Education Working Group meeting together with UK in Singapore and the British Council this week. Its an important forum championing the opportunities for British education both in the #UK and #Singapore and across the region. It was excellent to support new members QS Quacquarelli Symonds with their EduData conference. Inspiring , and always a pleasure to see Lissy, and H.E. Nikesh Mehta who delivered a key note address at the conference. Some exciting plans developing. Thank you to Monica and the team at QS for all of your engagement over the last few months.

3. Incredible Chambers: members are the heartbeat of the Chamber, and it was brilliant to catchup with Adam and Ruth from Santa Fe Relocation. Another superstar is Jingjing Xu of Fuel Ventures 🚀 Ventures, as we discussed future opportunities. Great to catch up with Jack from VenCap and in the UK met up with Thomas Tilley and the superb Daniel Sawko at London Tech Week which I also ahd the pleasure or moderating a session at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) session. I attended a British Chambers of Commerce Board meeting and it was great to welcome Alison McRae and Drew Crisp as newly co-opted Board members to the team.

4. Company is key: a note of thanks to a number of members who checked in with me this week, but in particular to Dr. Michael Yap who caught me before my London trip. Thank you Michael for being so thoughtful and supportive. Great to also see Damian Adams MBE and Søren Nikolajsen in the UK. And lovely to see my grand parents and Aunty in too.

5. Entering the world of work: and lastly, we welcomed Christian who has joined us as an intern. Thank you Christian for joining me and the team in meetings across the Chamber, you’ve made a brilliant start and look forward to seeing you when I get back from the UK.

Lastly, Shout out to two amazing humans, Martin Rimmer (if you saw the link in the above!) and Lucy Haydon. Here for you both, and thank you for your support. And well done to those in the Birthday Honours list, particularly to Damian Adams MBE and Shevaun Haviland for their achievements.

See you next week :)