With strengths in various industries, the Republic aims to attract global companies to make it their home.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit 2009, held in Singapore in November, brought together the leaders of the 21 APEC economies and over 800 of the world’s business movers and shakers.

The Summit addressed the economic crisis and key points such as strengthening corporate governance, harnessing the economics of climate change, leveraging on the power of sovereign wealth funds and free trade agreements in Asia-Pacific. Dialogues discussed the future of the global economy after the crisis, hurdles faced by foreign investors and different challenges to anticipate in order to better prepare ourselves in the future.

The discussions between the leaders of different nations and top business players were highlighted by interactive open dialogues and panel discussions, paving the way for the alignment of APEC goals and policies. The gathering allowed the sharing of vibrant ideas and insights, vital in shaping the world’s future.

APEC’s theme “Sustaining Growth, Connecting The Region” aims to target balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth for all participating countries. And for Singapore, the host country, it was the perfect opportunity to highlight its role as a key player in the region - thanks to numerous developments in various sectors.

Ideal Environment for Work and Play
In order to provide a more tangible vision of Singapore’s growth, APEC Leaders’ Week 2009 delegates were treated to the Singapore Showcase, an interactive multimedia display at the Suntec Convention Centre.

On Level 1, the Business Clock exhibit was inspired by the country’s pro-business environment and global talent. On Levels 2 and 6, washroom mirrors were equipped with a motion-activated installation that talked about sustainable Singapore, letting people understand how a country without any natural resources developed innovations to meet its water needs. Delegates could rest and relax at The Living Lounge on Levels 2 and 6 which was decorated with furniture created by Air Division, the country’s award-winning furniture design company.

Through this exhibit, it is hoped that global businesses will be enticed to invest their resources in Singapore, and to also appeal to global citizens to make the country their home.

Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry, Lim Hng Kiang, says, “The Singapore Showcase is a celebration of the people of Singapore, and how their efforts have transformed us to who we are today.”

Leader in Urban Solutions
The Republic’s ingenuity and achievements in urban solutions make it a rich knowledge source and important business partner. To see how the country works, international journalists present for the APEC Summit were treated to a tour that highlighted sustainable development, and visited places such as Marina Barrage, the Building & Construction Authority (BCA), the Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

One project being developed is Singapore’s joint initiative with the World Bank. This collaboration builds on the country’s extensive city management and public-private partnership experience, which will help developing nations as they take advantage of the economic opportunities that come with rapid urbanisation.

CDM, a global infrastructure and environment firm, recently set up its regional headquarters in Singapore. CDM has also partnered with the Public Utilities Board (PUB), the country’s national water agency, for innovative management efforts which include the Marina Barrage Project.

Another highlight is the opening of three environment and water technologies (EWT) centres at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in October 2009. The centres will collaborate with Singapore’s environmental agencies, overseas universities and industry partners, serving as major resources for the country’s environment and water industry.

In November 2009, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) launched a pilot project for an Intelligent Energy System (IES) which will test a range of smart grid technologies to enhance Singapore’s strength in power grid infrastructure. The project also aims to further improve the capabilities of the country’s power grid.

These projects show how the Republic is leading the way in urban solutions, despite the fact that it hardly has any natural resources. It is rich, however, in human resource and continuously develops its pool of talents to ensure that the country remains a key player in the global economy.