UKABC in Singapore 2026 – A roundup
A UKABC delegation, led by Chief Executive Ian Gibbons OBE, returned to Singapore from 15–18 September for a packed programme of engagement ahead of Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, meeting with government and business partners across the week preceding the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Manila.
The visit brought together conversations with key government bodies, business federations, and UKABC partner companies, reflecting the breadth of relationships that underpin UKABC's work in the region. It was also a valuable opportunity to explore Singapore's priorities as incoming ASEAN Chair, and to strengthen the partnerships that will shape UKABC's programme for the year ahead.
Ian was joined by Stuart Tait, UKABC’s Vice Chair and Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC UK; Natasha Schou, HSBC’s Head of Global Trade Policy; Suwei Jiang, Partner, Strategic International Markets, PwC UK; and UKABC colleagues Allen Lai, Director, ASEAN, and Clarissa Winata, Associate Director, ASEAN.
Highlights from our busy programme are detailed below:
HMTC Reception
The week began with a reception hosted by HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent CMG, bringing together UKABC partners with contacts from across the region. With over 25 guests in the room, it was a strong turnout and a great chance to connect UKABC members with new and familiar faces from the regional business community.
Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
UKABC met with senior representatives from Singapore's Economic Development Board to discuss shared priorities ahead of 2027, including energy, advanced technology and the exchange of talent and ideas. The meeting builds on an already strong relationship between UKABC and EDB, marked by an annual Chair’s lunch hosted by EDB that continues to generate new connections for both organisations.
Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
The team held its first substantive meeting with the Singapore Business Federation, UKABC's key interlocutor for ASEAN's 2027 Chairmanship year. It was a warm and productive introduction, with both sides keen to work in partnership as plans for the year ahead take shape.
UKABC Partners Roundtable, hosted by Standard Chartered
UKABC partner companies came together for a roundtable discussion hosted by Standard Chartered, sharing candid views on the UK-ASEAN business relationship and priorities for the future.
BritCham Singapore
UKABC met with BritCham Singapore to explore opportunities for closer collaboration between the two organisations' programmes in the region, ahead of a busy year of regional engagement for both.
Monetary Authority of Singapore & Ministry of Finance
The team also met with senior officials from the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Finance, continuing UKABC's engagement ahead of the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) in Singapore in 2027.
Patrick Lee, Standard Chartered
UKABC also met separately with Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and CEO, ASEAN & South Asia at Standard Chartered, discussing the strength of the partnership and UKABC's continued growth as an organisation.
Mott MacDonald
The team caught up with Mott MacDonald's Singapore leadership to discuss the market and the growing momentum behind the UK-Singapore relationship.
British High Commission
Ian met with British High Commissioner Nik Mehta OBE and separately with Rhiannon Harries, Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), BIST, and Niall Ahearn, BIST Country Director for Singapore, to discuss UKABC's ongoing programme of activity in Singapore and across the region.
Looking ahead to 2027
With Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship approaching in 2027, UKABC is planning a full calendar of activity for the year, including a new business forum in Singapore delivered in partnership with Standard Chartered, building on the success of UKABC's ASEAN-UK Business Forum model.
UKABC would like to thank all those who hosted and met with the team in Singapore for their time and engagement.
Please do get in touch with Clarissa Winata at clarissa.winata@ukabc.org.uk if you would like to learn more about UKABC’s Partner offer.