Singapore Manufacturing Federation, SUSS, and UOB collaborate to equip local leaders with skills to thrive on the global stage.
Singapore, 19 September 2025 – The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), in collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and UOB, hosted a symposium themed “Global-Ready Leadership” to explore how Singaporean talent can be prepared to lead effectively in an increasingly complex international landscape.
The symposium examined the skills, mindsets, and strategies necessary for leaders to remain rooted in their local identity while navigating the uncertainties of today’s fragmented geopolitical and economic environment. Speakers and panellists emphasised that cultivating globally attuned leadership is not only an advantage but a necessity for ensuring sustainable growth, resilience, and competitiveness.
In his opening address, SMF President, Mr. Lennon Tan, highlighted Singapore’s role as a command post for Asia, underscoring trade flows exceeding 300% of GDP and Singapore’s attractiveness as a global headquarters hub for multinational corporations such as Dyson, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and ByteDance. He cited reports from Bloomberg and Reuters showing Singapore’s edge over regional competitors, noting the nation’s strong talent pool, connectivity, and trusted pro-business environment.
The symposium also reflected on Singapore’s global leadership achievements, referencing figures such as Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok; Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization; and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Singapore’s top rankings in areas including AI readiness, innovation outputs, and shipping leadership were showcased as further evidence of its role as a global hub for talent and ideas.
One of the highlights was a keynote session titled “Unlocking Global-Ready Leadership: Opportunities and Challenges in Internationalisation”, featuring Ms Claire Chiang, Co-founder & Senior Vice President of Banyan Group, and moderated by Ms Yeo Lay, Dean of Students, Student SUcceSS Centre, SUSS. The fireside chat discussed the importance of cultural intelligence, agility, and purpose-driven leadership in building international impact, while acknowledging the challenges of navigating volatility and complexity.
Quoting thought leaders such as Joseph Nye on soft power and Peter Drucker on future creation, the symposium underscored the importance of trust, ingenuity, and adaptability in shaping the next generation of Singapore’s global leaders.
