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#FridayFive from the Executive Director: 21 August 2026

Lots in the frame this week for my #FridayFive for the 21st August across the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham):

1.     Future: We had an exco meeting this week, looking at the solid performance of the Chamber overall, with a look to H2. We have some excellent Ministerial engagements coming up, four trade missions, and some excellent events that make up a truly brilliant plan for the rest of the year. I also filmed our short introduction to our new membership campaign which will be coming online soon. Exciting steps ahead. 

2.     Opportunities: It was great to meet with Paul Shea and Stephen Holden from Beechbrook Capital as we look at the opportunities between the UK and Singapore. Some really exciting opportunities. Look forward to welcoming you both to Singapore and thank you Jonathan Caldwell for the introduction. 

3.     Connections: Brilliant to see Albert Lim from Singapore Environment Council (SEC) (and to hear about your Chamber linkages and interest in our Sustainability Dialogue), and Michael Zimmel (thanks for enduring my coffee making skills and look forward to engaging you within the Chamber community). I had our weekly 1-2-1 with Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade's Niall Ahern this week too.

4.     Understanding: One of the impactful parts of the Chamber, is unpicking some business challenges and opportunities for members. I’ve had two specific examples this week, offering the Chambers support on how businesses can navigate certain challenges. It is always good to get a greater understanding of the need, and then connecting to our wider network of influence to support business objectives.

5.     Supporting Business Resilience: The Chamber worked with UK in Singapore on a supporting business resilience event, as part of the Horizons programme, at Eden Hall. Opened and hosted by H.E. Nikesh Mehta, it was great to hear from Prof Dennis Novy, Chief economist Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, talking about fragmentation in the global economy, the three policy shifts across the EU, US and China, what the UK is doing to support firms, pricing and supply chain resilience and tariffs. It was interesting to hear about how goods and services are tracked, especially with the services equating to just under 50% of UK exports. 

That’s the picture for this week. Have a good weekend when you get there and see you next week.