The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) organised a Singapore-China Trade and Investment Forum (SCTIF) today in Shanghai, held alongside the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), marking a new chapter in bilateral economic collaboration. The event saw the signing of 16 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) — including 15 B2B agreements and 1 strategic MOU between SBF and the Bank of China Singapore Branch — collectively valued at about SGD 17 million (approximately CNY 92.8 million). These MOUs strengthen partnerships in cross-border trade, healthcare innovation, education, and sustainable consumer products. 

Singapore’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mr Peter Tan, emphasised the strategic importance of bilateral ties in navigating global economic shifts, highlighting Singapore’s role as a hub for ASEAN digitalisation and sustainable supply chains.

The strengthened partnerships also reinforce Singapore’s role as a gateway for chinese enterprises expanding into ASEAN, where demand for digital solutions, clean technologies, and healthcare innovation continues to accelerate.

SBF and Bank of China Singapore Branch also signed an MOU to establish a collaborative framework to support Singapore-based companies in their efforts to internationalise and expand into overseas markets, particularly in China. With ASEAN emerging as one of the fastest-growing digital economies globally, the MOUs signed today open new channels for companies to scale across the region through Singapore as a trusted launchpad.

Mr S.S. Teo, Chairman of SBF said, “We encourage Singapore and Chinese enterprises to strengthen collaboration and jointly explore opportunities in third markets — especially in Southeast Asia. Singapore’s strategic location, bicultural strengths and extensive global connectivity place us in a strong position to support businesses from both sides in unlocking new avenues for sustainable growth and value creation. As our economic ties deepen, we can expect to see more high-quality opportunities emerging in new industries and future-oriented sectors.”

A high-level panel at the Forum featured Ms Lorraine Ng, Regional Head at Grab, Mr Chia Kim Huat, Regional Head of Corporate and Transactional Group at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, Mr Alvin Ong, Managing Director and Head of Department of Wholesale Banking at Bank of China Singapore Branch. Moderated by Mr Soo Wei-Chieh, Executive Director of the International Business Division at SBF, the discussion explored emerging investment opportunities and strategies for scalable, future-ready business models. 

At the panel, the speakers shared insights on how Singapore plays a pivotal role in connecting China with ASEAN markets through finance, legal infrastructure, and digital innovation. The panel also explored how Singapore companies can maintain competitiveness amid rapid advancements in AI and high-tech industries, and how strategic partnerships with China can unlock new growth opportunities in the digital economy and green transformation.

Supported by Enterprise Singapore and the Bank of China Singapore Branch, the hybrid event was broadcasted live across multiple regions, attracting a distinguished audience of senior executives, investors, and policy influencers, testifying to its stature as a cornerstone of Sino-Singapore economic diplomacy.