Opening Ceremony
CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM, unable to travel to Singapore for the Conference, delivered his opening remarks via a pre-recorded video. In his address, Mr. McMullin encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Singapore Conference to share views on strategies that businesses may adapt for addressing the challenges – and embracing the opportunities – posed by the current global market environment through the three-pronged SET principle that defines his CACCI presidency, namely, sustainability, entrepreneurship and trade.
Mr. McMullin emphasized sustainability as a crucial factor for SMEs to gain a competitive edge, manage risks, strengthen their brand, and improve access to capital. He highlighted the role of entrepreneurship, particularly inclusive entrepreneurship, in empowering individuals with innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Finally, he underscored the importance of trade support, a core service provided by chambers of commerce, in facilitating global trade and fostering cross-border relationships.
Mr. McMullin expressed his strong belief that chambers of commerce and regional business organizations such as CACCI will have a role to play in helping their respective members address the challenges before them. He emphasized the importance of business networking to encourage greater interaction among individual companies and business communities in the Asian region, enabling collective progress.
The Special Keynote Speaker was Dr. Tan Khee Giap, Chairman of the Singapore National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation and Economic Advisor for SMF. In his Keynote Address, Dr. Tan presented a global economic scenario, identifying opportunities and challenges in the Asia Pacific region arising from the recent US elections results.
