SBF helped 13,800 businesses build future ready capabilities amid global trade headwinds and economic uncertainties; Membership increased to 34,200
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) supported 13,800 companies in 2025 through programmes across its six Action Agendas, an increase of more than 70% from 2024. Despite a challenging global environment shaped by trade tensions and economic uncertainty, SBF’s membership grew by about 7% to 34,200 members.
The significant increase in companies supported was driven by the expansion of programmes across our internationalisation, human capital, sustainability and social impact action agendas. Strategic initiatives – including the Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment, Overseas Market Immersion Programme and the Jobs-Skills Integrator for Wholesale Trade Sector – strengthened business capabilities and enabled job placements both locally and overseas. The expansion of Singapore Emission Factors Registry and the scaling of social impact initiatives such as EmployWell, together with the introduction of VolunteerInc. also broadened our engagement across the business community.
Key achievements in 2025
• Scaled Internationally: SBF facilitated 232 overseas projects in 27 countries and delivered 1,659 trade and investment advisories to help companies navigate shifting global trade conditions. Two new Singapore Enterprise Centres were established in India and the United Arab Emirates, expanding support for companies exploring emerging markets.
• Skills Empowered: 432 placements were facilitated through the Career Conversion Programmes, of which 124 placements were under the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme. SBF also co-organised the Career Health Summit and the SkillsFuture Human Capital Conference with a total of more than 1,800 participants.
• Smart Enabled: To boost cyber‑resilience, SBF co‑organised the inaugural Nationwide Business Phishing Exercise with MINDEF, involving 7,000 employees from about 200 companies. It also announced a partnership with CSA, SCCCI and SGTech to establish the Cyber Resilience Centre, supporting firms in strengthening cyber defences.
• Sustainability Centric: SBF expanded the Singapore Emission Factors Registry by more than 90 emission factor datapoints, and enhanced features on NetZeroHub.SG, benefitting more than 800 companies with their carbon accounting and other sustainability transformation needs.
• Socially Impactful: SBF launched VolunteerInc. in partnership with MCCY and SBF Foundation (SBFF) to mobilise the Singapore business community toward structured, high impact corporate volunteering; SBFF’s inaugural EmployWell Walk for Work raised S$1.48 million from 30 corporates to support inclusive hiring initiatives.
• Synergistic TACs: SBF launched the Trade Associations and Chambers (TAC) Sector Transformation Map. The Digitalisation of TACs (Digi-TAC) programme enabled more than 20 TACs to modernise their operations such as HR and accounting, and 50 TAC leaders underwent the SBF-SID Leadership Programme for TAC Councils.
Beyond these milestones, SBF’s flagship events in 2025 - including the Singapore Budget Symposium, the ASEAN Conference, the Institute of Policy Studies–SBF SG60 Conference, and the Singapore Regional Business Forum held in Bangkok – drew more than 3,000 participants.
Mr. Kok Ping Soon, CEO of Singapore Business Federation said, “In a year of global turbulence, SBF moved swiftly to help Singapore businesses stay competitive—strengthening trade support, expanding overseas pathways, and driving workforce, digital and sustainability capabilities that deliver real results. The sharp rise in companies supported underscores the strength of our public-private partnerships and our shared commitment to building a future- ready business community.”
Annex B: 2025 Year In Review Infographic
