Singapore and the Netherlands mark 60 years of diplomatic relations at the Winsemius Awards 2025, celebrating impactful business and community achievements.

Singapore, 13 May 2025 – The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DutchCham) has announced that the Winsemius Awards 2025 will be held on Monday, 26 May 2025 at the Fairmont Singapore, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Netherlands and 35 years of DutchCham’s presence in the country.

Named after the late Dutch economist Dr Albert Winsemius – who played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s early economic development – the awards recognise outstanding achievements in sustainability, innovation, business excellence, and community impact by Dutch and Singaporean companies.

The event will welcome several esteemed guests of honour, including Ms Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, H.E. Mrs Anneke Adema, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Singapore and Brunei, and Mrs Petri Hofsté, Chair of the Nyenrode Foundation and Supervisory Board Member at Achmea, Rabobank, and FrieslandCampina. The evening will be hosted by Joel Tng.

Three awards will be presented at this year’s event:

  • Winsemius Red Orange Award, which recognises enduring bilateral collaboration. Nominees include ING Bank, VDL/Signify/WEnergy, and Royal HaskoningDHV.
  • Winsemius Business Achievement Award, which highlights excellence in business growth and innovation. Nominees include Walraven, Witteveen+Bos, and VDL.
  • Winsemius Community Impact Award, which honours contributions to Singaporean communities. Nominees include Holland International School (HIS), Fairmont Hotel/Swiss Hotel, and Witteveen+Bos.

The awards also commemorate the legacy of Dr Albert Winsemius (1910–1996), who served as Singapore’s economic advisor from 1961 to 1984 and collaborated closely with founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His guidance helped transform Singapore from a trading post into a hub of manufacturing and economic resilience.

The Winsemius Awards remain the highest accolade for Dutch and Singaporean enterprises that exemplify innovation, partnership, and responsibility, celebrating the enduring friendship and shared values between both nations.

For more information about the Winsemius Awards, click here.