SBF honours individuals, businesses and TACs for significant and impactful contributions at its 15th anniversary celebrations
- SBF Appreciation Awards were presented to two individuals
- SBF Recognition Awards were given to five individuals, two companies and two trade associations and chambers (TACs)
6 October 2017 [Singapore] - The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) gala dinner this evening capped its 15th anniversary celebrations a month after the official opening of its new premises at SBF Center, where the Federation announced its repositioning as a growth platform to better serve the business community.
Gracing the gala dinner was Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore (September 2011 to August 2017). Government leaders who attended include Minister for Manpower Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Mr Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs Dr Maliki Osman, and Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth Ms Sim Ann.
In his speech, Dr Tan called on “the business community to collaborate more effectively among themselves and with the Government and other partners to co-create solutions for Singapore’s continual growth and prosperity”. He encouraged business leaders to come forward to serve on SBF’s Issues Committees, share their experience and ideas and be part of the conversation. He added, “By working together, we can help to shape developments, give back to the community and build a better future for our economic prosperity.”
A major highlight of the gala dinner was the presentation of the SBF Appreciation Awards and the SBF Recognition Awards (refer to Annex) to individuals, businesses and trade associations and chambers (TACs) who have contributed significantly to the development and accomplishments of SBF.
The SBF Appreciation Awards, which honour individuals for their sustained and exceptional contributions and service to SBF, were presented to the following:
1. Mr Tony Chew
Chairman (June 2008 - June 2014)
Council Member (April 2002 - June 2014)
Executive Chairman, Asia Resource Corporation
2. Mr Philip Ng
Honorary Secretary (June 2010 - June 2016)
Council Member (June 2008 - June 2016)
CEO, Far East Organization
The SBF Recognition Awards acknowledge the contribution and support of individuals and organisations to the Federation. These Awards are also intended to encourage members of the business community to collaborate more closely with SBF so as to foster a closer and stronger network.
Receiving the SBF Recognition Awards are the following five individuals, two companies and two TACs:
Individual
1. Mr Gautam Banerjee
Vice Chairman (since June 2011)
Council Member (since June 2010)
Chairman and Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Singapore Pte Ltd
2. Mr Shabbir H. Hassanbhai
Vice Chairman (August 2003 - June 2004; June 2012 - present)
Council Member (July 2002 - June 2004; August 2010 - present)
Director, Indo Straits Trading Co (Pte) Ltd
3. Mr Lawrence Leow
Honorary Treasurer (since March 2014)
Deputy Honorary Treasurer (June 2010 - June 2012)
Deputy Honorary Secretary (June 2008 - June 2010)
Council Member (since June 2006)
Chairman of SBF-led SME Committee (since 2011)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Crescendas Group
4. Mr Bob Tan
Honorary Treasurer (June 2008 - March 2014)
Deputy Honorary Treasurer (June 2006 - June 2008)
Council Member (August 2004 - June 2014)
Chairman, Jurong Engineering Limited, Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd, Singex Holdings Pte Ltd, Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited and the Institute of Technical Education
5. Dr Robert Yap
Vice Chairman (November 2011 - June 2014)
Council Member (June 2008 - June 2014)
Chairman, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Singapore
Executive Chairman, YCH Group
Company
1. DBS Bank Ltd
2. Olam International Ltd
Trade Association & Chamber
1. Singapore Hotel Association
2. Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
SBF Chairman Mr SS Teo said, “The theme for SBF’s 15th anniversary ‘Collaborating to Shape the Business Future’ is a celebration of the journey SBF has taken together with all our partners as part of our shared belief that by working closely together we can be a better enabler for the business community. This is our aspiration for the future. Together, we look forward to enhancing collaboration with businesses, TACs and the Government to chart more important milestones for the growth of businesses and Singapore’s future.”
Held at The Ritz Carlton-Millenia Singapore, the gala dinner was attended by some 750 guests comprising sponsors, member companies, partners and stakeholders.
Annex - Citations for Award Recipients
Speech by Guest-of-Honour Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Speech by SBF Chairman Mr SS Teo
