Press Release: Recognising the British business community’s impact in Singapore at the 20th Anniversary of the British Chamber’s Annual Business Awards
OCTOBER 4, 2019, SINGAPORE: Yesterday evening, October 3rd, 250 leading representatives of the British business community in Singapore gathered to celebrate 20 years of excellence and contributions to the growth of the country in a special anniversary edition of the British Chamber’s Annual Business Awards.
The Guest of Honour, S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, began the evening by meeting the finalists, judges and the award partners alongside the British High Commissioner Her Excellency Kara Owen, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific Natalie Black, and British Chamber President Bicky Bhangu in a special reception, before handing out of the trophies for the special UK Impact in Singapore Award, which was voted for live on the night, to Dover Court International School represented by Principal Christopher Short, and the Enhancing the Journey Award to construction contractor 8Build, represented by Andy Marr, Director of 8Build’s Asia office.
After opening formalities hosted by the emcee, BBC presenter Sharanjit Leyl, a speech from Chamber President Bicky Bhangu and a special video created for the evening illustrating the growing significance of the Awards over the past two decades, the Minister’s address spoke of the British businesses’ long history of involvement in Singapore, citing several examples:
These and many other British businesses brought with them an outward-looking and venturing spirit, and seized opportunities by using Singapore as a strategic trading hub. They have left a lasting legacy which is manifested in the open and global-minded outlook that Singapore espouses to this day.
Going on to talk of the changing business and economic models and future opportunities for collaboration, the Minister stated:
I believe the British reputation for fortitude, gumption and stoicism will hold British businesses in good stead. I also look forward to enduring UK-Singapore business ties in the years ahead.
Earlier in the evening the Chamber received a message of support from Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Investment at the UK’s Department for International Trade:
I want to extend my congratulations to the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore for their 20th Annual Business Awards. These awards are a great example of successful UK-Singapore partnerships in business. This year is the Bicentennial of the founding of modern Singapore, an important year for the UK-Singapore relationship, which will see both our nations building on our historic links by celebrating our shared achievements and cementing our plans for further partnership into the future. I value the work the Chamber does to bring businesses together, and I particularly welcome the ‘UK Impact in Singapore’ award which recognises our long-standing collaborative relationship. I wish all the participants the best. Good luck to you all.
Further awards were handed out by the Chamber President and British High Commissioner alongside the category partners to the following:
- Digital Innovation – awarded to SQREEM Technologies, represented by Ian Chapman-Banks
- Diversity and Inclusion – awarded to Diageo, represented by Preeti Arora Razdan
- Start-up Excellence – awarded to ERCE, represented by Stewart Easton
- Success in ASEAN – awarded to Aggreko, represented by Anthony Smith
- Future Leader – awarded to Michelle Lim of BT
The importance of the evening was summarised by the Chamber President in his comments:
There are now more than 4,000 British companies that have offices in Singapore; SMEs and MNCs. These awards continue to highlight the value of the UK-Singapore relationship by recognising special achievements, such as the ‘UK Impact in Singapore’ award. Today, we have no reservations and believe firmly that it is important and worthwhile to recognise enterprises, small and big, that help to strengthen and shape the bilateral relationship between Singapore and the UK, a precious and strategic partnership that began exactly 200 years ago.
-END-
About the 20th Anniversary Annual Business Awards:
Open to all, The British Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards welcome applications from all business and sectors, regardless of size and industry, in a celebration of business excellence and high levels of achievement. This year we are celebrating a very special anniversary - the 20th year of our Annual Business Awards which highlights the excellence of businesses in Singapore. As the longest-running awards initiative by an international Chamber in Singapore, we have been showcasing the best of business for the past 20 years and this year will include a special UK Impact in Singapore award recognising the long-standing collaborative relationship between the two countries.
Companies must be a Singapore registered enterprise to submit an entry to any category; or the employee of such for individuals entering the Future Leaders category. Entries opened April 1st 2019 and closed June 20th 2019. Entries were shortlisted before judging by British High Commissioner Kara Owen, Prudential Singapore CEO Wilf Blackburn, and entrepreneur and EY Digital Partner Margaret Manning OBE.
The Categories and Finalists:
Enhancing the Journey - This award recognises organisations that deliver an exceptional experience through the customer journey, both online and offline. Judges will be looking for evidence that organisations have created and implemented a strategy that has benefited both the business and their customers with measurable and demonstratable results. Finalists: 8Build, M Moser Associates; Rolls-Royce Singapore.
Start-up Excellence (Category Partner Vistra) - This award recognises organisations who were incorporated less than 5 years ago (from 1 April 2019). Judges will be looking for organisations that showcase vast development and achievements based on growth, innovation and impact with their products/services. Finalists: ERCE, Flexenet, Lion Brewery Co, Ten Feet Tall.
Future Leaders - This award recognises the transformation of talent of an individual. This is the only category to be awarded to an individual (30 or under) and may be entered through self-submission or by nomination.
Success in ASEAN (Category Partner Jardine Cycle & Carriage) - This award recognises success in ASEAN. Judges will be looking for companies making an impact on the national economy and workforce in one or more countries in the region, demonstrating collaboration examples and achievements in ASEAN. Finalists: BT, Aggreko, Gammon.
Diversity & Inclusion (Category Partner Barclays) - This award recognises an organisation's exceptional contribution towards improving diversity and inclusion within their industry. Judges will recognise organisations that demonstrate a holistic and long-term commitment to equality and have delivered significant progress in both creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and pushing the inclusion agenda forward. Finalists: Mott MacDonald, BP, Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee, Diageo.
Digital Innovation (Category Partner Standard Chartered Bank) - This award represents the pinnacle of the digital revolution, encouraging and recognising those organisations who are pushing the limits of what is possible, making a difference in business, culture and society. Judges will be looking for best-in-class technology and entrants must show why their work is considered innovative. Finalists: BlueMeg, MSIG, SQREEM Technologies.
UK Impact in Singapore (Category and Title Awards Partner Prudential; supported by the SG-UK Partnership for the Future) - This award represents the important relationship between the UK and Singapore as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the relationship between the nations and the 20th Anniversary of the Awards. Judges will be looking for UK organisations who have made an impact on Singapore's economy and society at a business, community or CSR level, contributing to the strengthening of the UK-SG partnership. Finalists (live voting on the evening): Aggreko, BP, Mott MacDonald, Dover Court International School.
About the British Chamber of Commerce:
The Chamber is an independent membership organisation with over 3,400 members committed to strengthening the ties between the UK and Singapore. We have done so since 1954. Our goal is to deliver member value through the services we offer, that all work towards supporting our members in achieving their business objectives and aligning with our mission of Building Networks, Connecting Businesses and Creating Opportunities. Whether a company is just starting research into ASEAN by scoping the market opportunities in Singapore, have established their business and seeking growth, building connections to the UK Government, or looking for brand exposure and employee development activities, the Chamber is available to support their needs at every stage of the journey.
With a full calendar of activities throughout the year including events, publications and opportunities to collaborate with our members, the Chamber team is available to help as a point of resource, introductions, networking, learning and profile-raising. Ultimately, our entire network benefits from our leading position as a strong and credible voice for our members and British businesses in Singapore and beyond. For further information visit http://www.britcham.org.sg.
For any enquiries, please contact:
Lucy Haydon, Head of Marketing, Communications & Partnerships / Deputy Executive Director
Tel: 67180535 / 90047035 | Email: lucy@britcham.org.sg