SMESummit 2024 - Empowering SMEs to Transform Challenges to Opportunities
SINGAPORE, 03 January 2025 - The Singapore SMESummit (“SMESummit”) 2024 was held on 27 December 2024 at Sands Expo and
Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, with the attendance of over 800 Singapore business
leaders, policymakers and innovators.
Under the theme of “Transforming Challenges into Opportunities”, the SMESummit served as a
dynamic platform for meaningful trade and industry discussions, practical insights and
strategic collaborations aim at driving the growth and development of Singapore’s small and
medium enterprises (SMEs).
The SMESummit was opened with an address by Ms Sharon Tan, Chief Operating Officer of DBS
Singapore. In Ms Tan’s opening address, she shared that “it is therefore important for
associations, government agencies, and even banking partners to come together to build a
supportive ecosystem. Events like this – the SMESummit helps SMEs access the resources,
networks and knowledge that are essential for growth.”
Attendees participated in a series of conference and keynote sessions and engaged in panel
discussion to discuss on the most pressing challenges that SMEs face today. Covering topics
from digitalisation, sustainability, local workforce and internationalisation, industry experts
also shared on practical solutions and success stories that inspired participants to implement
actionable strategies within their own organisations.
A major highlight of the SMESummit was the exhibiting section, where our partners showcased
innovative solutions and supports tailored to the need of SMEs. From cyber security,
transformation and capability building, working capital support to talent development
programmes, exhibiting partners provided valuable resources to help SMEs develop and thrive in
an increasingly competitive landscape.
The SMESummit’s evening session hosted more than 300 SMEs from diverse industries and trade
sectors. The opening address was led by Mr Chen Ze Ling, Managing Director and Head of
Corporate Banking of DBS Singapore, which he highlighted the importance of SMEs’ pursuing
digitalisation, sustainability and regionalisation.
Many SME owners and representatives engaged directly with the summit’s exhibiting partners,
gaining insights, exploring collaboration and forging supportive network that will aid in their
business development plans in the coming year.
The SMESummit 2024 also provided networking opportunities for participants to connect with
peers, industry leaders and potential collaborators. Attendees left the summit equipped with
new partnerships and ideas to navigate the business challenges ahead and many have expressed
optimism in applying the insights gained at the summit to drive their business forward.
As the full day event drew to a close, participants of the SMESummit shared a renewed
commitment to fostering a resilient and future-ready SME community. SMESummit 2024 has set the
stage for a year of growth and collaboration, reaffirming Singapore’s position as a hub for
innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more information about the SMESummit, please visit https://smesummit.sg.
The SMESummit is organised by the Association of Trade and Commerce (ATC). For more information
about ATC, please visit https://atc.sg.
About the Association of Trade and Commerce (ATC)
The Association of Trade and Commerce (ATC) is a business association dedicated to advocating and representing the interests of Singapore’s enterprises across diverse industries and trade sectors.
As an enterprise-centric and community-based organisation, ATC actively advocates for the growth and development of businesses, focusing on key pillars such as capability building, transformation, globalisation, and community engagement. ATC is committed to fostering a pro-enterprise trade environment in Singapore. We engage closely with the business community, as well as private and public sector partners, to design and implement relevant programmes that supports enterprises to innovate, transform, and expand internationally.
As a trusted advocate, strategic partner, and dynamic network, ATC plays a pivotal role in enabling enterprises to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
For more information on this media release, please contact ATC's corporate communications divison at comms@atc.sg