A Trade Association is a not-for-profit organisation made up of a collection of companies and/or individuals with common interests or who work in the same industry. The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) works with and supports Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) who are associate members through networking opportunities, spearheading collaborative initiatives, and pooling resources on joint initiatives.
Under the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Act, which was established in October 2001, all Singapore-registered companies with a share capital of $0.5 million and above, will be considered members of SBF. Thus, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) acts as the apex business chamber, representing over 30,000 companies, as well as over 40 key local and foreign business chambers advocating for the interests of the business community in the areas of trade, investment, and industrial relations.
What are Trade Associations and Chambers?
As Trade Associations and Chambers have close connections to companies and understand the needs of the industries, they act as a bridge for the Government to engage businesses and vice versa. In the words of our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, “Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) are aggregators and multipliers in the business eco-system”.
By supporting SMEs to overcome their size limitations and to work together, TACs help to advance Singapore’s economy, grow its companies, and create better jobs for workers.
What Are The Benefits For SMEs Joining a Trade Association and Chamber?
TACs can be excellent marketing avenues as they are target-rich environments. For an SME, joining a TAC of their main clients or potential clients can open more opportunities through face-to-face networking sessions and trade shows to link up and market to other similar businesses.
Furthermore, SMEs can gather better market intelligence on the pain points of their clients’ industries and tailor solutions to solve these issues. TACs also hold trade exhibitions, seminars, roadshows and overseas study trips, where businesses can network with other businesses in the industry. Such networking opportunities may give rise to further collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.
Joining a TAC will highlight your values as an organisation alongside what the association stands for. For example, the REDAS mission statement states that it aims to contribute to the development of Singapore as a global city of distinction. Therefore, members will also be held in equal regard in terms of their vision.
Moreover, an association with a trusted TAC can help build credibility and trust in the member’s business from the clients’ perspective.
Read Also: 4 Business Awards In Singapore That Recognise SMEs Capabilities
As mentioned, TACs try to bridge the gap between companies and the government. In this regard, even smaller companies can have their voices and views represented. As members, SMEs or sole proprietors can also tap on the collective bargaining power of the TAC for preferential rates on advertising, training and other exclusive partner events.
For new and growing SMEs, joining a TAC can be an opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of the industry’s leaders. Furthermore, TACs are able to also share insights on the licencing and business regulations in overseas countries for SMEs looking to expand into foreign markets.
Read Also: Guide To Understanding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – And How It Helps Companies And Businesses
TACs also work to raise the standards of the workforce in the industry by introducing skill upgrading programmes. Such programmes raise the productivity levels of the workforce and elevate the overall standards of the industry. Members can tap into such programmes to retain, attract and grow the talent pool of the workforce in the industry.
What Are The Different Trade Associations And Chambers (TACs) In Singapore
SBF works together with the different TACs in Singapore to represent businesses on SME advocacy and provide Budget recommendations through the SBF-led SME Committee. Below is a list of the TACs that are Associate Members of the SBF:
#1 Action for Community Entrepreneurship (ACE)
#2 Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association
#3 Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore)
#4 Association of Catering Professional Singapore (ACAPS)
The Association of Catering and Professional Singapore (ACAPS) was founded to be the voice of caterers and food suppliers and represent the food services industry in Singapore.
#5 Association of Certified Security Agencies (ACSA)
The Association of Certified Security Agencies (ACSA) was established to become the leading security association in Singapore, representing licensed security agencies and their employees.
#6 Association of Information Security Professionals
#7 Association of Process Industry
#8 Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)
The Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. The association provides wide-ranging services and programmes that equip member SMEs with business knowledge and market opportunities to help them grow their businesses.
ASME also champions pro-enterprise Singapore initiatives and acts as a bridge between the public and private sectors to promote a more conducive business environment. ASME also has two flagship awards – The Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Singapore Prestige Brand Award, as a means to give recognition to the successes of SMEs.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Businesses registered and incorporated in Singapore, with either an annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million or less than 200 employees, can join under the corporate membership plan, which costs around $180 – $380 (excluding GST).
#9 Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore (AustCham)
The Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore (AustCham) serves as a platform for representing Australian businesses and connecting its members with the Singapore business community and government.
#10 AutomationSG
#11 British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham)
The British Chamber of Commerce seeks to drive British business growth in Singapore and create opportunities for its members.
#12 Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (CanCham)
Members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CanCham) have access to its large network of over 3,000 key Singaporean and Canadian business contacts.
#13 China Enterprises Association (Singapore) (CEA)
The China Enterprises (Singapore) Association or CEA is the only non-governmental organisation of Chinese enterprises in Singapore. It is open to all Chinese-funded enterprises registered in Singapore and aims to enhance the commercial interests and mutual exchanges and cooperation of Chinese-funded enterprises. It also seeks to provide comprehensive and multi-level assistance and services to Chinese-funded enterprises in Singapore.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Ordinary membership is open to Chinese Enterprises and Chinese Agencies operating in Singapore. Otherwise, Singapore Enterprises having business interests with Chinese Enterprises can join as associate members. Membership fee will be determined by the Council at each General Meeting.
#14 Design Business Chamber
#15 European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) (EuroCham)
The European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) or EuroCham is an independent non-profit organisation that represents the common interests of the European business community in promoting bilateral trade, services and investments between Europe, Singapore and the region. It also acts as a bridge for its members linking them to local government bodies and other reputable stakeholder organisations.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Membership is open to European companies that are also members of a listed National Business Group. Membership fees start at $1,200 for a company with no more than 20 employees worldwide and range to $7,700 for its highest tier, Gold membership.
#16 Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS)
The Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) was founded to be the leading sustainability platform and to help businesses operate responsibly by aligning their operations and strategies with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
#17 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association of Singapore
#18 Institute for Human Resource Professionals
#19 Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (Singapore)
#20 Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) envisions itself as a world-class accountancy body of trusted professionals, contributing towards an innovative and sustainable economy. It also serves to represent its members on matters affecting and of interest to the profession.
#21 Irish Chamber of Commerce (Singapore)
#22 Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (ICCS)
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (ICCS) supports the expansion of Italian companies in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia by assisting to identify a business partner and through its networks and experiences in distribution agreements, joint ventures, direct investments and the transfer of know – how.
#23 Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore (JCCI)
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the first of its kind was launched outside Japan to foster a harmonious relationship between Singapore and Japan. It seeks to promote and cultivate friendship and mutual cooperation among the members of the Chamber and also contribute to the expansion of both trade and investments between Singapore and Japan.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: It is open for Japanese companies operating in Singapore and to Japanese individuals working in non-Japanese companies in Singapore. The highest category of membership which provides 10 votes, will require a payment of $500 for the entrance fee and a $200 monthly membership fee.
#24 Kazakhstan-Singapore Business Council
#25 Latin American Chamber of Commerce (Singapore)
#26 Pro Audiovisual and Lighting Integration Association of Singapore
#27 Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS)
REDAS aims to be the leading professional and representative body for the real estate industry by providing effective leadership in the advancement of the industry and to contribute to the development of Singapore as a global city of distinction. The association rewards final year students engaged in projects with practical application to the real estate industry and its REDAS members through its REDAS Awards Scheme. The Award is packaged in a way so that it is associated with quality, excellence, creativity and innovation.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Any company listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX) carrying on the business of real estate development and /or real estate investments in Singapore can join as a member. The entrance fee has been set at $1,000 (before GST) and annual subscription fees starts from $1,500 for companies with assets under $500 million.
#28 Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS)
Purpose: The Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), represents the entire food and beverage industry, serving members from numerous sub-sectors and related trades. The RAS seeks to be the go-to knowledge hub for smarts and intelligence within the F&B industry. Furthermore, the association value-adds to its members by acting as a bridge between business and government.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Membership is open to any sole proprietor, partnership or company engaged in the operation or management of a restaurant or similar establishment and duly licensed by the relevant authorities. An ordinary membership for a business with a turnover of less than $2 million will cost an annual subscription fee of $129.60 and a one-time entrance fee of $108 (inclusive of GST).
#29 Security Association (Singapore) (SAS)
The Security Association Singapore (SAS) is the first trade association to represent the security and private investigation industry. It acts as a leading voice in the sector by working with government agencies, fellow associations and related organisations to represent their interests and improve the professionalism and standards in the industry.
#30 SGTech
The SGTech strives to create an ecosystem that anticipates trends for the tech industry in Singapore and develops sustainable initiatives to strengthen and grow the community.
#31 SAAA@Singapore
#32 Security Solutions Association of Singapore
#33 Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE)
The Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE) is an inclusive industry association for the private education industry, as the association represents all private education providers in Singapore. It seeks to promote access and excellence in private higher education and to ensure the private education industry in Singapore exhibits the highest level of professional conduct and undertakes the best business practices.
#34 Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers
#35 Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia
#36 Singapore Chartered Tax Professionals
#37 Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI)
Purpose: The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) seeks to be the Chamber of choice for the business community, providing members with an influential global Chinese network for business, culture, educational activities and community services in Singapore.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Individual membership is open to ethnic Chinese professionals who are residing in Singapore for a fee of $385.20 (inclusive of GST) as a trade association member. Whereas, a corporate membership is open to any Singapore registered company, firm or professional company, and costs $256.80 to join.
#38 Singapore Computer Society
#39 Singapore Fashion Council
#40 Singapore Fintech Association (SFA)
#41 Singapore Furniture Association
#42 Singapore Furniture Industries Council
#43 Singapore Green Building Council
#44 Singapore Human Resources Institute
#45 Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI)
Purpose: The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry aims to be a gateway of opportunities for Indian business in Singapore, helping both home-grown and international companies grow both locally and internationally.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: An ordinary membership is open to any Singapore-registered business where the majority of the share capital is held by persons of Indian origin at a cost of $460.10, otherwise, individuals who are not of Indian origin can join as associate members at a cost of $353.10.
#46 Singapore Institute of Directors (SID)
#47 Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC)
The Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC) is one of the longest-serving and independent voices of the private sector in Singapore as it seeks to promote free and fair trade, multiculturalism, multilateralism, an open economy and responsible businesses.
#48 Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
Purpose: The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) represents the interests of manufacturing and manufacturing-related industries. It serves the manufacturing community by driving digitalisation, innovation-led productivity, business transformation and internationalisation towards enhancing the competitiveness of its members.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Membership is now open to companies in the manufacturing as well as non-manufacturing industries registered under the Singapore law. Annual membership starts at $360, which is applicable for companies with fewer than 50 employees, plus a further $200 for the entrance fee.
#49 Singapore-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
#50 Singapore Motor Cycle Trade Associations
#51 Singapore Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
#52 Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF)
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) seeks to advance tripartism and enhance labour market flexibility to enable employers to implement responsible employment practices.
#53 Singapore Nightlife Business Association
#54 Singapore Retailers Association (SRA)
Purpose: The Singapore Retail Association (SRA) is a not-for-profit organisation that strives to advance the retail industry through various events and platforms to forge a closer relationship between businesses and government agencies. It also assists with networking and market intel for its members and seeks to give recognition through awards. The association also provides training and masterclasses, local learning journeys and overseas study missions, as well as professional guidance and mentorship for businesses to drive business success and growth.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: An ordinary membership is open to Retailers operating in Singapore with a physical store presence or e-retailers, with the costs starting for a company with an employee size of no more than 25 at an annual subscription fee of $250 and a one-time entrance fee of $250.
#55 Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)
The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) represents a wide spectrum of shipping companies and other businesses allied to the shipping industry. It serves to promote the interests of its members and enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as an international Maritime Centre.
#56 Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC)
The Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC) was formed to promote bilateral German-Singapore trade, advise German and Singaporean companies on investment and market opportunities in the respective countries and assist these companies in developing international business contacts.
#57 Spanish-Singaporean Chamber of Commerce
#58 Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore
#59 The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham)
Purpose: The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Singapore serves as the voice of American business in Singapore and the region. It also claims to be the largest and most active international business association in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The association aims to provide the information and facilitate the access and connections that its members need to gain insight into the local, regional and global operating environment by enhancing their professional capabilities to make well-informed decisions.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: American companies and Singaporean and third-country companies that are 50% or more American-owned and with more than 50 employees worldwide can join under the corporate enterprise membership for $5,000, otherwise, they can join as an associate member for the same cost.
#60 The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS)
The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) functions to promote Singapore’s reputation as an international financial centre and be a focal point and sounding board for consultation on relevant legislation and regulatory matters.
#61 The Cosmetic, Toiletry, & Fragrance Association of Singapore
#62 The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS)
The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS) is the official “Team France Export” representative and serves as a one-stop shop for French companies in their export and development in Singapore.
#63 The Korean Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (KorCham)
The Korean Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (KorCham) aims to strengthen and revitalise Korean-Singapore relations through economic cooperation and information exchange. It also acts as a representative of Korean companies to Singapore government agencies.
#64 The Law Society of Singapore
The Law Society of Singapore seeks to represent, protect and assist its members of the legal profession in Singapore. It also serves to protect and assist the public in all matters ancillary or incidental to the law.
#65 The Singapore Coffee Association
#66 The Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)
The Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL) serves as the voice of the construction industry in Singapore by being a bridge between government agencies and its members to foster closer working relationships.
#67 The Singapore Hotel Association (SHA)
The Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) serves as the collective body and voice of Singapore’s hotel industry to promote the interest of its members with the common objective of advancing sustainable growth.
#68 The Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI)
Purpose: The Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) seeks to nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial culture amongst local enterprises. Moreover, the association hopes to serve as a platform to create invaluable opportunities for its members through regular business missions, conferences, networking sessions, and other activities.
Who can Join and How much it Cost: Any Malay/Muslim merchant or firm, company or business (with at least 1/3 Malay holdings) or any other business of a commercial character carrying out the business in Singapore can join as an ordinary member of the association for an annual fee of $180 plus an application fee of $25.
#69 The Singapore South Asia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
#70 UAE Singapore Business Council (UAESBC)
The UAE Singapore Business Council (UAESBC) aims to promote, support and enhance the development of commerce and business initiatives between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore.
#71 Vietnam Chamber of Commerce
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