An evening with Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew
On the 8th of January 2004, the British Chamber of Commerce hosted an evening with Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the Shangri-La Hotel. The event marked the beginning of a year of events celebrating the 50th Anniversary of BritCham.
After a champagne reception, guests took their seats in the Island Ballroom. Guest of honour Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee, who was attending her first public event since her recent stroke. Speakers included, Shanker Iyer, President of the British Chamber of Commerce and Alan Collins, the British High Commissioner. Lee, who himself celebrated his 80th birthday, addressed an audience of high commissioners, ambassadors, chamber presidents, senior business leaders and BritCham members. The gala dinner and address by the respected statesmen was a most appropriate wat to begin the year of festivities.
Welcome speech by Shanker Iyer OBE
On the 8th of January 2004, the British Chamber of Commerce hosted an evening with Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the Shangri-La Hotel. The event marked the beginning of a year of events celebrating the 50th Anniversary of BritCham.
What we now know as the British Chamber of Commerce was established in 1954 as the United Kingdom Manufacturer's Representatives Association. In 1974, the Association was renamed the British Business Association and in January 1998 it was re-branded as the British Chamber of Commerce.
Today the British Chamber of Commerce has approximately 1000 members representing companies of all shapes and sizes, from small, locally-based service firms to larger multinational manufacturers. Looking to the future, British businesses remain confident of Singapore's long-term success and Iyer expressed his conviction that UK companies will continue to stay in Singapore through thick and thin.
The recently founded Community Relations Committee has given the Chamber a new focus: corporate social responsibility. With this in mind, the BritCham Disability Job Trial Fund' project has been launched. Under this project, BritCham is working with local charity BizLink to help people with disabilities to achieve independence, dignity and integration into society through sheltered employment. BritCham has already allocated $20,000 to the project.
lyer finished his speech by expressing his thanks to Chamber staff Alex, Michelle, Yolanda, Jane and Claire; British High Commissioner Alan Collins; and guests of honour Senior Minister Lee and wife Mrs Lee.
Remarks by HE BritishHigh Commissioner, Alan Collins CMG
Following the Chamber's 50th anniversary celebration video, British High Commissioner Alan Collins took to the stage. In his speech, Collins highlighted the close relationship that Singapore and Britain have enjoyed over the years and how this partnership can be carried forward into the future, most notably in the field of counter-terrorism.
With two-way trade between the countries valued at more than S$10 billion a year, Collins underscored the importance of the British Chamber of Commerce and expressed his congratulations on the Chamber's 50th anniversary.
The High Commissioner then read messages from the British Prime Minister and HRH Prince Andrew before introducing the guest of honour, Senior Minister Lee.
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