The inaugural Europe Conference 2025, co-organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the European Chamber of Commerce Singapore (EuroCham), marks six decades of strong Europe-Singapore relations and reaffirms Singapore’s role as a trusted gateway to Southeast Asia. Successfully held on 14 October 2025, it drew more than ​​300 participants from 7 countries. 

 

Centred on the theme “Sustainability & Innovation”, the landmark Conference convened business leaders, innovators, and policymakers to exchange insights and chart strategies for a more resilient, future-ready, and sustainable global economy. Against a backdrop of persistent global uncertainties, the Conference highlighted the urgency and importance of cross-border collaboration and cross-sector partnerships to navigate structural shifts in the global economy and to strengthen long-term business resilience. 

 

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, opened the day with a keynote address highlighting how Singapore-Europe relations have strengthened and areas for further cooperation, such as the digital and green economies, reducing barriers to free trade and supporting multilateralism. He also addressed the importance of further developing ASEAN-EU collaboration and encouraged the presence of European companies in Singapore as a gateway to Southeast Asia.  

 

​​​​​In his opening remarks, Mr S. S. Teo, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, urged collective leadership in charting an inclusive, sustainable trajectory for economic growth. He reaffirmed Singapore’s pivotal role as a strategic hub and vital bridge between Europe and Asia, enabling businesses in both regions to seize collaborative opportunities. 

 

A special session, moderated by Mr Federico Donato, Managing Partner, MG PARTNERS MFO Pte Ltd, spotlighted the increasingly vital role of family-owned enterprises in strengthening Europe–Asia economic linkages. Speakers including Mr Peter Vyncke, Owner, Vyncke NV, and Dr Gan See Khem, Executive Chairman & Managing Director, HMI Medical, discussed how family businesses are balancing tradition and transformation – from navigating intergenerational leadership transitions, embracing sustainability, and driving innovation while preserving core values. 

 

In a panel discussion moderated by Mr Marcus Lam, Executive Chairman, PwC Singapore, business leaders explored how Singapore’s ecosystem can serve as a launchpad for scaling innovation and building cross-border partnerships. Speakers such as Mr Lawrence Wu, Chief Financial Officer, EDP Renewables APAC, Ms Juliana Kua, Director General (Americas, Europe and Central Asia). Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore, and Ms Gabrielle Tan, Assistant Director, Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University, shared actionable strategies tailored to enterprises at different stages of their transformation journey. 

 

Beyond dialogue, the Conference facilitated extensive networking opportunities, enabling cross-industry connections, exploration of overseas markets, and the establishment of partnerships aimed at building resilient, future-ready business ecosystems. 

 

“The inaugural Europe Conference 2025 spotlights Singapore as a gateway for bridging Europe and Asia. At a time when businesses face both challenges and unprecedented opportunities, the strong participation reflects the commitment of both sides to co-create sustainable, innovative, and future-ready solutions. By working alongside our European counterparts, we are laying the foundation of trust, innovation, and long-term collaboration,” said Mr S. S. Teo, Chairman, Singapore Business Federation. 

 

As a convening space for companies of all sizes, the Conference provided a level playing field for dialogue, knowledge and idea exchange, and the co-creation of practical solutions to meet evolving global challenges. 

 

The launch of the Europe Conference 2025 marked a significant milestone in strengthening Europe–Asia connectivity, promoting sustainable business transformation, and driving innovation. Its inaugural edition set the stage for businesses to engage more deeply on resilience, digitalisation, and sustainability, establishing these as core drivers shaping the future of international business. 

 

Supported by Gulf Air as Growth Partner; BPM LLP as Development Partner; Black Mountain Group and EDP as Engagement Partners; Jason Marine and PSA International as Supporting Partners; and German Centres Worldwide, Lahti Business Region and Polish Investment and Trade Agency as Marketplace Partners; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, Enterprise Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research Singapore (A*STAR) and ​​over 13 trade associations and chambers, the Conference reaffirmed its role in fostering integration and future-proofing the business landscape across the region and beyond.