The inaugural Africa
Singapore Business
Forum (ASBF) is a
premier conference and
networking platform
for government officials,
business and thought
leaders to profile
their assessment of
opportunities in Africa
and explore how
Singapore’s experience
and expertise may be
tapped by Africa.
1
CONTENTS
t
Messages
3
Programme
7
Speakers’ Profiles
15
Organisers
30
Sponsors & Partners
33
MESSAGES
2
3
Giam Chin Toon
Chairman
Africa Singapore Business Forum 2010
Advisory Board
Singapore’s High Commissioner to
Ghana
Like the BRIC nations of Brazil, Russia,
In the wake of the economic crisis,
Is Africa the next big thing?
There is also healthy interest from
China and India, Africa has the vast
Singapore companies have shown
resources and a massive domestic
a growing appetite to seek out new
In the last few years, Singapore has
large corporations and small and
market representing 12 per cent of
partners for business growth. Africa,
made a significant effort to explore and
medium sized enterprises – in doing
the world’s population, to achieve and
with its immense potential, offers
understand markets in Africa. Last year
business in Africa, particularly in
sustain strong economic growth. Famed
opportunities for such growth. Through
alone, International Enterprise (IE)
sectors such as info-communications
as an exotic travel destination, its
the event’s various networking sessions
Singapore organised three business
technology, electronic goods and other
attraction as an investment destination
and site visits, ASBF hopes to fuel new
missions to various parts of Africa,
lifestyle products.
however, has also gained increased partnerships between Singapore and
recognition among foreign investors.
African companies.
Singapore-based companies – both
Chong Lit Cheong
Chief Executive Officer
International Enterprise Singapore
involving close to 40 companies from
diverse sectors. We saw for ourselves
As the lead agency promoting overseas
the many business opportunities
growth and international trade,
Africa has proven its resilience against
The inaugural ASBF has been privileged
available in sub-Saharan African,
we believe Africa holds strong promise
the global economic crisis. This is
to have the support of our Guest of
especially in sectors such as
for Singapore companies. As the
due to prudent macroeconomic
Honour, Minister of State, Lee Yi Shyan,
infrastructure and education.
co-organiser of the Africa Singapore
policies prior to the downturn which
the African Embassies, business and
have resulted in improved economic
trade associations as well as the
As the largest investor in Africa
to deepen our business relations
fundamentals in many African
sponsors. We are deeply honoured to
among ASEAN countries1, Singapore
with Africa and we will continue to
countries. Increased investments in
have a panel of distinguished speakers
companies are well positioned to
work closely with embassies, African
infrastructure and human development
and panellists to share with us their
expand in the continent. Already there
ministries and trade associations
by governments have also contributed
experiences and insights on business in
are some 40 Singapore companies with
to facilitate seamless exchange of
significantly towards setting Africa on
Africa and Singapore.
investments and projects across Africa,
information and business matching.
a positive growth trajectory.
Business Forum, IE is committed
spanning various industries including
This exchange of experiences and
agriculture, infrastructure, urban
The inaugural Africa Singapore
insights will certainly contribute
solutions and transport & logistics.
Business Forum (ASBF) provides a timely
significantly towards fostering greater
Singapore’s trade with Africa has been
platform for businesses in Singapore
links between Africa and Singapore.
increasing year on on year, with a
to learn about this great continent.
compound annual growth rate of
It provides an excellent platform for
12.9 per cent from 1999 to 2009.
Next stop, Africa.
African enterprises to discover what
Singapore companies have to offer,
and for both sides to explore potential
collaborations.
1
4
Based on the “Asian Foreign Direct Investment in Africa” 2007 report by United Nations
5
As the co-organiser of the inaugural
Therefore, we are taking this
Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF),
opportunity, on the occasion of the first
the Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
staging of Africa Singapore Business
is proud to be at the forefront of
Forum, to launch SBF’s Africa Business
Singapore’s engagement with Africa.
Group (AFBG). Going by the approach
of by the business and for the business,
Teng Theng Dar
Chief Executive Officer
Singapore Business Federation
As the APEX business chamber of
SBF’s AFBG will be the platform to
Singapore, one of the key roles of SBF
facilitate exchanges between the
is business facilitation. The Federation
Singapore business community and
proactively facilitates networking
their counterparts from the African
and business-matching between its
region. Through the resources and
members and companies in new and
services offered under SBF’s AFBG,
emerging markets. Since its inception
we aim to bridge the information and
in 2002, SBF has been playing a leading
connection gap between the business
role in fostering business and economic
communities in Africa and Singapore so
relations between Africa and Singapore.
as to develop greater economic ties.
We have established a good working
relationship with business (chambers
SBF’s AFBG has a host of initiatives
and trade associations), government
centred on Africa in the pipeline,
(trade and investment agencies,
activities that are to be carried out both
federal and provincial authorities),
in Singapore and in Africa. I strongly
non-governmental organizations, as
urge all Singapore companies to take
well as other multipliers like banks
advantage of the ASBF and AFBG
and academic institutions in Africa.
activities to broaden their understanding
Our partner network spans across key
of Africa, and to be ready to take
markets located in North, East, South,
advantage of the vast opportunities
and West Africa.
available in the region.
PROGRAMME
Based on our continuous interactions
with our partners and stakeholders,
we believe that the interest level from
and on Africa has been consistent, and
we also detect a growing intent to
pursue stronger trade, investment and
other forms of collaboration between
our business communities. 6
7
1
DAY
14 July 2010
Wednesday
0830
Registration
1100
Theme 1: Doing business in Africa – Mitigating risks
0900 Welcome Remarks by International Enterprise Singapore
and navigating the business environment
0905
Opening Address by Guest of Honour
Panellists: Mr Ebenezer Essoka, Chief Executive Officer, Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan
Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of Manpower
Mr Teo Siong Seng, Managing Director, Pacific International Lines
Ms Christina Tan, Managing Director, GMT-Investcorp Pty Ltd
0910
Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony
Mr Tim Turner, Director, Private Sector Development,
0930
Keynote Address: Africa – Fulfilling the promise of development
Mr Haresh Aswani, Managing Director of Tolaram Group Nigeria and Dr Mo Ibrahim, Chairman, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Moderator:Mr Paolo Gomes, President, Constelor Group
Standard Chartered Bank South Africa
African Development Bank
Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Nigeria Studies and reports are awash with the development potential and
This segment gives a broad overview of the foreign investment climate in Africa
optimistic growth trajectory of Africa. What do African states need to
and some key considerations for Singapore companies to note to navigate
do in order to set themselves on a path of sustainable growth? And
successfully in the African business environment.
what solutions and ideas can nations like Singapore offer?
1200
1000
1030
Theme 2: Singapore – Your link to Africa-Asia business
Presentation: Exploring the final frontier – One continent
and many markets
Moderator:Prof Kishore Mahbubani, Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Ms Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President for Africa Region,
Panellists: Mr Sunny Verghese, Group Managing Director and
Mr Anver Versi, Editor, African Business
Africa is a rapidly growing continent boosted by trade and
Mr Amadou Diallo, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Global Forwarding investment, with a population exceeding 1 billion across 53 countries.
This session outlines the key developments in different markets and
Mr Huw Collett, Director, Grindrod Trading (Asia) Pte Ltd
provides an overview assessment of the African landscape.
Mr Bao Yihong, Deputy Director, Department of Outward Investment and Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce,
The People’s Republic of China
The World Bank
Tea Break
Chief Executive Officer, Olam International
(South Asia Pacific and Angola)
With growing political and economic relations between Africa and Asia, there is
also increasing commercial interest in Africa from companies in countries such
as China, Japan and India. How can Singapore play a role in this ever-increasing
interaction between Africa and Asia? Hear from a panel of business and thought
leaders on their views.
1300
8
Lunch
9
Breakout sessions
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 (Ballroom 1)
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 (Boardroom)
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 (EDB Room)
1400 – 1405
Introduction of Breakout Session
Introduction of Breakout Session
Introduction of Breakout Session
1405 – 1430
Vega Foods: A Case Study on a Singapore Company Moving
into Africa
Connecting Africa & Asia
GMG: Expanding Successfully Into Africa
Mr Ahmet Adil Erener Vice President
Ocean Freight EMA, DHL Global Forwarding
Mr Elson Ng
President and Chief Executive Officer
GMG Global Ltd
Rising growth and development in the Middle East, Africa and Asia
are resulting in what can be seen as one of the dominating triangles of
trade that are expected to shape the global economy. The fast growing
economies of Sub-Saharan Africa have resulted in growing demand
for manufactured goods, particularly out of Asia, while Asia is looking
for trade partners to help fuel its continued growth and address its
demand for natural resources. Efficient and effective supply chains will
ultimately determine the speed of growth both between and within
Africa and Asia and this requires swift action by different stakeholders
– investments in infrastructure and logistics are key and so are support
from and collaboration among governments and customs authorities.
Mr Ng will share his experiences on doing business in several African
countries e.g. what he had learned about their cultures, the
idiosyncrasies, the challenges and how he had overcome them. Republic of Congo
Tunisia
Uganda
H.E. Mr Alain Akouala Atipault
Minister to the Presidency in charge of Special Economic Zones
H.E. Mr Nouri Jouni
Minister for Development and International Co-operation
H.E. Ms Nimisha J. Madhvani
High Commissioner
Uganda High Commission
H.E. Mr Bruno Itoua
Minister of Energy and Hydraulics
Tunisia, with its location in the heart of the Mediterranean, its
political and social stability and its emerging and dynamic economy,
is considered as one of the best sites for foreign investments in the
region and in the world. The presentation will focus on the investment
climate and opportunities on offer to Singaporean investors in various
sectors such as aeronautics, ICT and electronics as well as in services
and tourism.
(parallel tracks)
Mr Vikram Chand
Managing Director
Vega Foods
Mr Aditya Dharnidharka
Chief Operating Officer
Vega Foods
Mr Vikram Chand, Managing Director, and Mr Aditya Dharnidharka,
COO, Vega Foods, will share a case study of their experiences as a
Singapore entity moving into Africa, the opportunities they sought,
and how they overcame the challenges they faced.
1430 – 1455
H.E. Mrs Claudine Munari
Minister of Commerce and Supply
1455 – 1520
Botswana
Cameroon
Cote d’Ivoire
Mr Neo Nwako
President
Botswana Information Technology Society
Ministry of Transport
Mr Armand Akobe / Mr Mamadou Sarr
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Cote d’Ivoire (CCI-CI)
Botswana boasts a highly educated workforce, with a low tax regime.
It looks to develop the key growth sectors of ICT and Education, with
large investments needed in e-Government systems and the setting up
of a university.
10
The presentation will highlight Uganda’s consistent economic growth
since 1986 and its position as a safe investment destination through
investments in energy, rural connectivity (power and IT) and agroprocessing for food security.
The presentation will focus on the need for investment in transport
infrastructure in Cameroon. Opportunities include the expansion of
the railway network and the development of deep sea ports, especially
Limbe Port.
The presentation will touch on the operations of CCI-CI as well as
include an introduction to key investment opportunities in Cote d’Ivoire.
11
Breakout sessions
(parallel tracks)
1520 – 1550
Tea Break
Tea Break
Tea Break
1550 – 1615
Ghana
Mauritius
Nigeria
Mr Charles Aboagye
Chief Executive Officer
Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)
Mr Ken Poonoosamy
Director
International Business Services, Board of Investment
Ms Helen Emore
Project Director
Warri Industrial Business Park (Delta State)
The presentation will introduce business opportunities in the Ghana’s
priority investment sectors of oil & gas, energy, infrastructure and
agri-business.
Mauritius‘ economy is increasingly diversified with sugar, tourism,
manufacturing, ICT and financial services contributing to economic
growth. As an active member of various unions, Mauritius offers access
to a potential market of 500 million people.
The presentation will include an overview of Nigeria’s Delta State,
its economy and development strategy, followed by an examination of
investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure and agriculture
with specific reference to Industrial Parks, Free Trade Zones and a new
state Airport.
Rwanda
South Africa
Togo
Ms Clare Akamanzi
Chief of Operations
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Mr Iqbal Sharma
Chief Executive Officer
Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA)
Togo Bank for Trade and Industry (BTCI)
The presentation will highlight five reasons to invest in Rwanda, and
a review of the opportunities in the priority investment sectors which
include energy, ICT, infrastructure and real estate and construction.
The presentation will focus on the business and investment climate in
South Africa, highlighting key investment opportunities and incentives
that investors can tap on.
Zambia
International Enterprise Singapore
International Enterprise Singapore
Ms Florence Mumba
Director
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA)
The presentation will provide an overview of the schemes and incentives
that Singapore companies can tap on in their pursuit of the Africa
market. This will include details of the Exporter Development Programme
which can help charter a sustainable strategy, identify challenges and
suggest solutions for market entry into the African markets.
The presentation will provide an overview of the schemes and incentives
that Singapore companies can tap on in their pursuit of the Africa
market. This will include details of the Exporter Development Programme
which can help charter a sustainable strategy, identify challenges and
suggest solutions for market entry into the African markets.
1615 – 1640
1640 – 1705
The presentation will provide an insight into Zambia’s role as the business
hub of central southern Africa and a review of investment opportunities
in six projects across infrastructure, tourism and hydro-electronic energy.
12
1400
Business Matching
– 1705
A business matching session will take place concurrently.
Participants will be pre-matched to meet relevant Singapore or African counterparts.
Matching is carried out based on information provided during registration.
1705
Closing Remarks and Networking Cocktail
Programme subject to change without prior notice.
13
2
0830 -1230 Sharing the Singapore Experience
This half-day tour of Singapore will allow foreign delegates to gain
a better understanding of Singapore’s various sectoral strengths.
Comprising site visits and presentations, delegates can choose to attend
one of five visit programmes:
Infrastructure
DAY
15 July 2010
Thursday
• Visit to JTC Summit and International Business Park
• Meeting with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Visit to the Singapore City Gallery
Water
• Briefing by the Public Utilities Board and Visit to the NEWater Visitor Centre
• Visit to the Sustainable Singapore Gallery and Marina Barrage
Transport
• Visit to Changi Airport
• Visit to Land Transport Gallery
SPEAKERS’ PROFILES
Information Communications and Technology
• Visit to ST Electronics and Showcase of ST’s systems
• Visit to SingTel Business Solution Centre
Education
• Visit to Institute of Technical Education
• Visit to Informatics Campus
14
15
Dr Mo Ibrahim
Chairman
Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Keynote Address:
Presentation:
Africa – Fulfilling the Promise of Development
Exploring the Final Frontier – One Continent and
Many Markets
Dr Mo Ibrahim is a global expert in mobile communications with a distinguished
academic and business career.
Obiageli Ezekwesili
Vice President for Africa Region
The World Bank
Ms Obiageli Ezekwesili is the vice president of the World Bank, and is leading
the World Bank’s Africa operations, which lend about US$4.7 billion a year to
the continent.
In 1998, Dr Ibrahim founded Celtel International to build and operate mobile
networks in Africa. Celtel became one of Africa’s most successful companies
She began her career as an auditor and management consultant. She was one of
with operations in 15 countries, covering more than a third of the continent’s
the founding members of Transparency International, where she held the position
population and investing more than US$750 million in Africa. The company was
Director for Africa, and also served as Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria
sold to MTC Kuwait in 2005 for US$3.4billion.
on Budget Monitoring, and the Price Intelligence Unit, where she spear-headed
institutional reforms through the establishment of due process mechanisms
In 2006 Dr Ibrahim established the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to support great
and strategies.
African leadership. The Foundation focuses on two major initiatives to stimulate
debate around, and improve the quality of governance in Africa. The Ibrahim
Ms Ezekwesili subsequently served as Minister of Solid Minerals Development,
Prize for Achievement in African Leadership recognises and celebrates excellence;
with emphasis on reforming Nigeria’s mining sector to internationally recognized
and the Ibrahim Index of African Governance provides civil society with a
standards. She has also served as the Chairperson for the Nigeria Extractive
comprehensive and quantifiable tool to promote government accountability.
Industries Transparency Initiative since 2004 and pioneered the voluntary sign-on
of Nigeria to the EITI Principles, as well as the first ever audit of the oil and
Dr Ibrahim is also Founding Chairman of Satya Capital Ltd, an investment
gas sector.
company focused on opportunities in Africa.
Since June 2006, Ms Ezekwesili has been the Minister of Education where she
Dr Ibrahim has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of
was tasked with leading the country’s on-going comprehensive reform strategy
London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, an Honorary Fellowship Award
within the education sector. The track record attesting to her innovative success in
from the London Business School, Honorary Doctorates from the University of
this area culminated with the Nigerian stock exchange launch of “Adopt-A-Public
Birmingham and DeMontfort University in Leceister. He has also received the
School Initiative” earlier this year.
Chairman’s Award for Lifetime Achievement from the GSM Association in 2007
and the Economists Innovation Award 2007 for Social & Economic Innovation.
Ms Ezekwesili holds a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from University
of Lagos, as well as a Masters of Public Administration from the Kennedy School
In 2008 Dr Ibrahim was presented with the BNP Paribas Prize for Philanthropy, and
of Government, Harvard.
also listed by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
16
17
Paolo Gomes
President
Constelor Group
Theme 1:
Theme 1:
Doing Business in Africa – Mitigating Risks and
Navigating the Business Environment
Doing Business in Africa – Mitigating Risks and
Navigating the Business Environment
Mr Gomes is the president of the Constelor Group, a private company based in
Washington, D.C., and West Africa that forms partnerships to promote economic
development and wealth development in emerging markets.
Ebenezer Essoka
Chief Executive Officer
Standard Chartered Bank South Africa
Mr Ebenezer Essoka assumed his role as Chief Executive Officer of Standard
Chartered Bank South Africa in November 2008. Prior to this appointment, he
was Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Central and West Africa.
Mr Essoka holds a BSc. and MBA in Finance as well as a Diploma in International
Mr Gomes is currently working on a National Reconstruction Strategy for his
Business. Furthermore, he has attended senior development programmes at
home country of Guinea-Bissau. He is an active speaker on African issues such
INSEAD, London Business School, Templeton College, Oxford University and
as leadership, regional integration, and the continent’s green revolution. From
Cambridge University.
1998 to 2006, Mr Gomes was the World Bank’s executive director for SubSaharan Africa, and served on the group’s board of directors. He was also the
Mr Essoka’s banking career began in the USA with the Bank of Boston and
vice chairman of the board’s Committee on Governance, vigorously pursuing
his African professional experience began with Bank of Boston, Cameroon.
effectiveness, fairness, and efficient reform in the organization’s decision-making
He joined Standard Chartered Bank in 1986, and in 1993, was the first African
process. He began his career as an investment analyst at the French Center for
to be appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Standard Chartered Bank
Industrial Promotion in Paris, and subsequently returned to Guinea-Bissau to serve
subsidiary after 135 years of Group operations in the continent. Mr Essoka
as director of strategic planning, and director of public investment and debt in the
has successfully managed several of the Group’s strategic/ core subsidiaries
Ministry of Finance and Planning.
in Southern, East, Central, and West Africa. Furthermore, he has had broad
business experiences ranging from the establishment of greenfield operations
He received his bachelor’s degree from Institut d’Etude des Relations
to restructuring and repositioning mature operations for sustainable growth
Internationales in Paris, and a master’s from Harvard University’s Kennedy School
across the Group’s network in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Mr Essoka has
of Government.
served on twelve SCB subsidiary Boards, currently as chairman of SCB Cameroon,
previously Côte d’Ivoire and Non Executive Director of ten others including
Nigeria and Pakistan.
18
19
Teo Siong Seng
Managing Director
Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd
Theme 1:
Theme 1:
Doing Business in Africa – Mitigating Risks and
Navigating the Business Environment
Doing Business in Africa – Mitigating Risks and
Navigating the Business Environment
Mr Teo Siong Seng (S.S.Teo) graduated from Glasglow University in the United
Kingdom in 1979 with a First Class Honours Degree in Naval Architecture &
Ocean Engineering.
Christina Tan
Managing Director
GMT-Investcorp (Pty) Ltd
Ms Christina Tan first set foot in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1995 to join GMTInvestcorp to set up their luxury retail operations in Africa. After the initial years
fraught with management challenges, GMT-Investcorp grew steadily and today is
a respected purveyor of luxury goods in South Africa.
Mr Teo started his shipping career with his family owned business, Pacific
International Lines (Pte) Ltd (PIL) in 1979 and was appointed Managing Director
Among other luxury brands, GMT-Investcorp manages the exclusive franchise of
in October 1992. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and President of PIL’s
Gucci, Bally and Patek Philippe operating three boutiques including a multi-brand
subsidiary company, Singamas Container Holdings Limited, Hong Kong.
watch boutique in Johannesburg and one Gucci Boutique in Cape Town. Ms Tan’s
entrepreneurial spirit also sees the company exploring new opportunities within
In 1993, Mr Teo became a Council Member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of
Africa, in countries like Nigeria and Angola.
Commerce & Industry and was elected as its President in March 2009. On 20th July
2009, Mr Teo was appointed as a Nominated Member of Parliament representing
Ms Tan heads GMT-Investcorp as the Managing Director.
the commerce sector in Singapore.
Mr Teo’s other appointments in Government and Civic Organisations include:
• President, Singapore Shipping Association
• Chairman, Lloyd’s Register Asia Shipowners
• Chairman, Class NK Singapore
• Chairman, The Standard Steamship Owners’ Protection & Indemnity
Association (Asia) Ltd
• Director, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
• Director, Business China
• Independent Non-Executive Director, China COSCO Holdings Co Ltd
• Standing Council Member, China Overseas Exchange Association, Beijing
• Honorable President of Maris Stella High School Alumni
• Honorary Citizen of Foshan City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
20
21
Tim Turner
Director
Private Sector Operations,
African Development Bank
Theme 1:
Theme 1:
Doing Business in Africa – Mitigating Risks and
Navigating the Business Environment
Doing Business in Africa – Mitigating Risks and
Navigating the Business Environment
Mr Tim Turner, a Canadian national, is the director of the Private Sector Operations
at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Mr Turner joined the AfDB in 1996 as
the inaugural head of Risk Management. Previously, he worked for Smith Barney,
an American Investment Banking firm, in both London and New York. He holds
an engineering degree from the University of Toronto and an MBA from IMD
Haresh Aswani
Managing Director
Tolaram Group Nigeria and
Honorary Consul General of
Singapore in Nigeria
Mr Haresh Aswani has lived in Nigeria since 1988. With more than two decades of
hands-on experience, Mr Aswani understands Nigeria and the region well and has
been instrumental in helping the Group’s businesses grow there. The Tolaram
Group (www.tolaram.com) employs 5000 people and runs some of the most
successful brand businesses in Nigeria (Indomie Instant Noodles and Nobel Carpets).
in Switzerland.
A keen promoter of developing businesses in Nigeria, Mr Aswani has organized
and participated in many Nigeria Singapore Business Forums. For his efforts in
the socio economic development of Nigeria, he has been awarded many honours
including;
• The prestigious National Honour of MFR (Member of the Order of Federal Republic of Nigeria) in 2006.
• OUTSTANDING INDUSTRIALIST (Employment Generation) of the Year 2005
in Ogun State.
• Chieftaincy title *Baagbile Korede of Ota by the Olota of Ota.
(* He who came and contributed to the land and the people)
He has been the Honorary Consul-General of Singapore in Nigeria since 2006,
a role he fulfils earnestly to promote closer economic relationship between both
the countries.
Respected for his calm and transparent leadership, Mr Aswani is currently
spearheading the Group’s venture on infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Port@Lekki is the development of Nigeria’s first private and largest deep sea port.
Situated in Lagos, construction is to begin by end of 2010 (www.lekkiport.com).
Once completed, this milestone project will be the catalyst for further socioeconomic growth in the country and region.
22
23
Kishore Mahbubani
Dean and Professor in the Practice of Public Policy
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy,
National University of Singapore
Theme 2:
Theme 2:
Singapore – Your Link to Africa-Asia Business
Singapore – Your Link to Africa-Asia Business
Prof Kishore Mahbubani is currently the Dean and Professor in the Practice of
Public Policy at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School) at the
National University of Singapore.
Sunny Verghese
Group Managing Director
and CEO
Olam International
Mr Sunny George Verghese is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Olam International Limited.
Mr Verghese holds a post graduate management degree from the Indian Institute
Before this, he served in the Singapore Foreign Ministry from 1971 to 2004,
of Management, Ahmedabad and has also completed the Advanced Management
where he was Permanent Secretary from 1993 to 1998. He also served twice as
Program (AMP) from the Harvard Business School. He worked for the Unilever
Singapore’s Ambassador to the UN. Prof Mahbubani has published and spoken
Group in India before he joined the Kewalram Chanrai Group in 1986.
in all corners of the globe and is the author of “Can Asians Think?”, “Beyond the
Age of Innocence: Rebuilding Trust between America and the World”, and
In 1989, he was given the mandate to start from scratch an agricultural products
“The New Asian Hemisphere: the irresistible shift of global power to the East”.
export business for the Group, Olam. Mr Verghese is responsible for setting
the direction and providing the leadership to steer Olam through its ambitious
He graduated in philosophy from Singapore and Canada and served as a Fellow
expansion and growth plans. He is responsible for the strategic planning,
of the Center for International Affairs in Harvard University from 1991 to 1992.
business development and overall management for the Olam group of companies
The Foreign Policy Association Medal was awarded to him in New York in June
worldwide. In a short span of 14 years, Mr Verghese and his team have built this
2004 with the following opening words in the citation: “A gifted diplomat, a
business to a S$2.6 billion enterprise. Olam is today a multinational company with
student of history and philosophy, a provocative writer and an intuitive thinker”.
operations in 38 countries through wholly owned subsidiaries across 12 businesses,
employing over 3200 people worldwide. Olam enjoys a leading global position in
He was also listed as one of the top 100 public intellectuals in the world by
each of the major businesses that it participates in.
Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines in September 2005 and was also included
in the March 2009 Financial Times list of Top 50 individuals (including Obama,
Mr Verghese’s other involvements include Member, Standing Tax Advisory
Wen Jiabao and Sarkozy) who would shape the debate on the future of capitalism.
Committee (Singapore Government); Member, Action Community for
Entrepreneurship (ACE) (under the Minister for Entrepreneurship); Member,
International Business Advisory Council (IBAC) to the Director General of the
WTO; Member, Economic Review Committee (Singapore Government) and CoChairman of Logistics and International Trading Working Group.
24
25
Anver Versi
Editor
African Business
Theme 2:
Theme 2:
Singapore – Your Link to Africa-Asia Business
Singapore – Your Link to Africa-Asia Business
Mr Anver Versi is the editor of the longest established pan-African business
and economics publication, African Business. He is also editor of African Banker
magazine. Both are London-based.
Mr Versi was born in Kenya where he worked for the Nation Newspaper group
Amadou Diallo
Chief Executive Officer
South Asia Pacific and Angola,
DHL Global Forwarding
Mr Amadou Diallo is Chief Executive Officer of DHL Global Forwarding for
South Asia Pacific & Angola, and is a member of the DHL Global Forwarding,
Freight Executive Board. Based at the regional headquarters in Singapore, he is
responsible for the company’s performance and long-term strategic developments
across South East Asia, South Asia and South Pacific.
and Camerapix before moving to the UK. After a stint with broadsheets, he joined
the pan-African press. He has edited ArtRage for the London Arts Council, Entre
Mr Diallo has more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism, banking, express
Nous for the WHO and books for the German GTZ organization.
and logistics industries. He was appointed to head the South Asia Pacific region in
June 2008, prior to which he was Chief Financial Officer of DHL Logistics in the UK
He is also the author of the best-selling book, Football in Africa. Awards include
and Managing Director for the integration of Exel and DHL. Previous experience
the Diageo Best Journalist award and the US-based APARC award for Outstanding
included several senior general management, operations, IT and integration
Services to Journalism.
positions with DHL in France, and with Deutsche Post AG, Danzas, Nedlloyd and
Deutsche Bank in Germany.
Renowned for his expertise and forward-thinking approach towards corporate
integrations, Mr Diallo played a lead role in shaping the development and structure
of the DHL Logistics Division through the Exel integration, which remains the
largest corporate integration in the transportation and logistics industry to date.
Since 1 February 2010, Mr Diallo has been appointed as a Board Member of
the Singapore Economic Development Board. Born in Senegal and fluent in
languages including English, German, French, Fulani, Wolof and Spanish,
Mr Diallo has studied for advanced degrees in International Business,
IT and Process Management. When he has spare time, he enjoys sports and
music, and has his own foundation in Senegal providing educational support to
underprivileged children. He is married and has four children.
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Huw Collett
Director
Grindrod Trading (Asia) Pte Ltd
Theme 2:
Theme 2:
Singapore – Your Link to Africa-Asia Business
Singapore – Your Link to Africa-Asia Business
Grindrod Limited is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa and
celebrates its centenary in this year 2010. Grindrod Ltd has four operating
divisions Shipping, Trading, Freight Services and Financial Services.
Grindrod’s Trading Division trades in bulk commodities agricultural products,
industrial raw materials and marine fuels and lubricants. This division trades under
the Atlas, Oreport and Cockett Marine Oil brands.
Bao Yihong
Deputy Director
Department of Outward Investment
and Foreign Economic Cooperation,
Ministry of Commerce, The People’s
Republic of China
Mr Bao Yihong is the Deputy Director of the Department of Outward Investment
and Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic
of China. The department is mainly responsible for the macro-guidance and
specific policies of China’s overseas investment and other types of foreign
economic cooperation.
Mr Bao worked as a commercial officer of the Consulate General of China in
Mumbai from 2001 to 2005.
He received a Masters in Engineering in 2000. In the same year, he entered the
Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation – the predecessor of the
Ministry of Commerce, Government of China.
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Organised by
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is an agency under the Ministry of Trade
and Industry spearheading the development of Singapore's external economy.
Our mission is to promote the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises
and international trade. With a global network in over 30 locations and our 3C
framework of assistance – Connections, Competency, Capital, we offer services to
help enterprises export, develop business capabilities, find overseas partners and
enter new markets.
At the same time, we work to position Singapore as a base for foreign businesses
to expand into the region in partnership with Singapore-based companies.
Please visit www.iesingapore.com for more information.
ORGANISERS
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Organised by
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) was incorporated as a non-profit and
non-government organisation on 1 April 2002. It was inaugurated by the Prime
Minister of Singapore and its Council Members and Trustees are leaders of
industries from the private business sectors.
Vision
As the APEX business chamber, SBF champions the interests of the business
community in Singapore in trade, investment and industrial relations.
Mission
At the national level, SBF acts as the bridge between the government and
businesses in Singapore to create and enhance a conducive business environment.
At the international arena, SBF represents the business community in regional,
bilateral, and multilateral fora for the purpose of promoting trade expansion and
business networking.
To-date, SBF has more than 15,000 corporate members. Key chambers and
business associations are also SBF’s constituent members.
For more information, please visit www.sbf.org.sg.
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SPONSORS & PARTNERS
33
Strategic Partner
Standard Chartered in Singapore
The Bank’s global businesses –
is part of an international banking
Consumer and Wholesale Banking –
group with an extensive network of
are managed out of Singapore,
over 1,700 branches and outlets in
as is its global Technology & Operations
more than 70 countries in the Asia
function. Consumer Banking
Pacific Region, South Asia, the Middle
provides credit cards, personal loans,
East, Africa, the United Kingdom and
mortgages, deposit taking and wealth
the Americas.
management services to individuals
and small to medium sized enterprises. It is committed to building a sustainable
Wholesale Banking provides corporate
business over the long term and is
and institutional clients with services
trusted worldwide for upholding high
in trade finance, cash management,
standards of corporate governance,
lending, securities services, foreign
social responsibility, environmental
exchange, debt capital markets and
protection and employee diversity.
corporate finance.
The Bank’s heritage and values are
expressed in its brand promise,
Transaction Banking is an integral part
‘Here for good’.
of its Wholesale Banking business.
With a unique focus on enabling trade,
Standard Chartered has a history of
investment and supply chain financing,
150 years in Singapore, opening its
in and out from Asia, Africa and the
first branch here in 1859 and in
Middle East, the Bank combines deep
October 1999 was among the first
local knowledge and global capabilities
international banks to receive a
to offer a full scope of innovative,
Qualifying Full Bank (QFB) licence,
customised solutions in trade finance,
an endorsement of the Group’s long-
cash management and security services.
standing commitment to its businesses
Standard Chartered Bank supports tea and flower farming, amongst other agricultural products. In Kenya, agriculture is the
main contributor to the economy and flowers and tea are its top export products.
in the country. The Bank employs over
6,000 people in Singapore and has a
network of 18 branches, 29 ATMs,
and 6 Priority Banking centres. 34
35
Platinum Sponsor
The opportunities to do business with
In the oil and energy sector, DHL
the vast and vibrant continent that is
Africa today are growing as quickly as
Gold Sponsor
Pacific International Lines (PIL)
above vessel and container strength,
Global Forwarding brings its global
incorporated in 1967 has developed
PIL operates container liner services
industry expertise in chemical plants
from a coastal ship-owner/ operator
covering the whole of the Far East to
the challenges. Fuelling the growth are
and refineries, mining, on- and off-
in Singapore to become one of the
Europe, Black Sea, Canada, the Indian
extractive industries: 11 African nations
shore drilling, platforms and pipelines
largest ship-owners in Asia. Today,
sub-continent, Red Sea/Gulf, East
are top 10 sources for major minerals
and allies this experience to its
it is ranked 19th amongst the top
Africa, South/West Africa, Australia,
and by 2015 it will account for 13% of
connectivity and global coverage.
containership operators in the world.
New Zealand, East Coast of South
global oil production. Complementing
PIL has diversified into logistics
America and West Coast of USA. PIL
this is Africa’s huge domestic market
As the internationally recognized
related activities such as supply
has a dedicated network of feeder
potential: over 200 million Africans will
leader in logistics for the fashion and
chain management, consolidation/
services covering a comprehensive
have entered the consumer market by
retail industry, DHL provides flexible
distribution facilities, warehousing,
range of ports in South East Asia,
the year end.
and quick end-to-end solutions for
container depot operations, trucking as
the Bay of Bengal and the East Coast
customers in one of Africa’s fastest
well as having interest in ship agencies
of India.
While Africa is fast revealing a future
growing sectors. DHL is enabling
worldwide, container manufacturing,
worth investing in, to balance risk with
the expansion of both the booming
marine engineering and real estate.
reward, companies need a partner
domestic retail market and the
with first-mover knowledge, expertise
manufacture of fashion goods
As of April 2010, PIL owns and
vessels with a total capacity of 47,600
and experience: DHL. The world’s
for export.
operates a fleet of 111 vessels with
TEUs to be delivered by September
a total capacity of about 202,726
2012, PIL is well established to
number one in air and ocean freight
With a Group turnover of over
S$3.8 billion, and 11 new container
with a presence in 220 countries
Headquartered in Bonn, DHL manages
TEUs, and a marine container fleet of
continue its lead as a total
and territories, DHL has unsurpassed
Africa out of Singapore. With the
more than 337,884 TEUs. With the
transportation company.
coverage of Africa serving both global
largest group of logistics experts
clients and expanding domestic
dedicated to Africa and its major
companies.
trading lanes, particularly with Asia,
DHL has the world’s largest continent
Infrastructure is Africa’s priority and
well-covered.
DHL’s Industrial Projects division
partners some of the continent’s
biggest turnkey developers from
manufacturing and telecommunications
to major infrastructure investments
such as rail systems, air and sea ports
– the building blocks of the continent’s
new millennium foundations.
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37
Gold Sponsor
Tolaram Group has diversified
The projects that are being developed
business interests – manufacturing
of food, paper and textile, marketing
African Business has been the biggest
African Business is the proud
in Nigeria include:
selling Pan-African business magazine
winner of the 2005 Diageo Africa
• Building a multi-purpose port
for over 40 years. It has become the
Business Reporting Awards for “Best
& distribution and real estate
at Lekki.
yardstick for business reporting in
Publication” and “Best Journalist”
developments. Headquartered in
• Developing infrastructure and utilities Africa, bringing topical stories from
(Editor Anver Versi)
Singapore, the Group has its operations
in Lagos Free Trade Zone.
an African perspective within a global
across Asia, Africa and Europe.
• Petrochemical project to convert environment. Its sober yet engaging
natural gas to methanol.
style gives people understanding about
The Group has been operating in
Media Partner
Africa and the opportunities across the
the Nigerian market for over three
The Group is also building markets in
continent. African Business is respected
decades. Our existing operations in
Ghana for various products with a view
for its editorial excellence and
Nigeria include:
to manufacturing eventually.
contribution to African development.
• Manufacturing, marketing and
distribution of instant noodles,
Its award-winning journalists cover
the key economic and business issues
floor coverings, chemicals, dye stuffs
every month. The annual listings of
and printing inks.
the Top Banks and Top Companies in
• Importing, sales and servicing
the continent have become the
of office automation products,
essential indicators of the African
telecommunication equipment,
business climate.
medium and heavy commercial
vehicles.
• Technical services for power
transmission & distribution.
• Road modal logistics.
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Media Partner
The Business Times is firmly established
Written and edited by an established
as Southeast Asia’s leading business
team of journalists that are among
daily. Published by the Singapore
the best in SPH, the paper is also
Press Holdings, BT produces corporate
a key source of business reference
and financial news, analyses and
for investors, PMEBs (professionals,
commentaries that impact on decision-
managers, executives and businessmen)
making each business day. And in
in Singapore. its compact Saturday edition, it also
features personal finance; the relaxed
Since its launch in 1976, it has been
side of corporate personalities; and
connecting fluently with its readers,
the talk of town on lifestyle trends,
fulfilling their informational and
entertainment, shopping, motoring,
business intelligence needs productively.
health and the arts.
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