#FridayFive from the Executive Director: 28 February 2025

My #FridayFive this week has been full super visitors, and some interesting learnings across the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham) and a maritime market briefing:

1.  Continually supporting members – Lucy and I were delighted to welcome both @Lin Kai Ng and Pooi Fun Lum to our office as we continued our regular dialogue, sharing our updates and keeping updated on both our activities across Singapore Gov. We cherish the regular interactions where we represent the British business community. Thank you both for coming to see us from the Ministry of Manpower.

2.  US Macroeconomics – thank you Søren Nikolajsen and NatWest for hosting a brilliant closed-door event discussing critical developments in US macroeconomics and politics. So much talked about, including NATO, the Federal workforce (and how some departments are income earning), ASEAN politics, DOGE, reshoring industries, and multi-lateral agreements vs 1-2-1 trade negotiations. Super insightful and thank you to your colleagues Michelle Girard and Brian Daingerfield.

3.  People visiting Singapore: Thank you to those popping in and spending time with us, including friend and former colleague Paddy Parvin, the awesome and energetic Ann Swain from APSCo and Gareth Bibby; the education building Mark Peters (Westbourne College Singapore) and a treat from my maritime days: Gavin W Roser, the Ambassador at Large for the Freight and Logistics Leaders’ Forum, and his wonderful wife Linda. Tech, Talent, Teaching and Trade Logistics! The 4 T’s of this week!

4.  Pleasant Company: It was super to meet Sue-Ann Wilson from AustCham Singapore – so good touch base and see you very soon.

5.  Assisting a Trade Briefing: We were invited to deliver a market briefing on the Singapore marine and maritime sector to the members of Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) ahead of their trade mission in late March.

On a lighter note, I did my wordle within two tries today (Ashni!). Who else starts with the same word everyday?

Have a good weekend and look forward to updating you again next week.