magnificent gala dinner , the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore ’ s Annual Business Awards was forced to transform its traditional affair into its first ever virtual ceremony .
More than 300 guests attended the live-streamed ceremony from the comfort of their homes in October last year to celebrate the inspiring enterprises being recognised for their accomplishments . Rolls-Royce Singapore , Just After Midnight and Transform Your Conversations were among the esteemed line-up of companies acknowledged during the 21st Annual Business Awards .
For the first time in its history , Singapore ’ s business excellence was on full display during a special virtual awards ceremony featuring guest of honour Chan Chun Sing ( above ), Minister for Trade & Industry . In the lead-up to announcing the winners , Minister Chan took part in a closed-door roundtable discussion with business leaders across the Chamber network to discuss the road to post-COVID-19 economic recovery in Singapore .
As the longest-running awards initiative by an international Chamber in Singapore , the prestigious event highlights the significant longstanding collaboration between the nations .
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WORDS EMILY PIDGEON
“ Our Annual Business Awards have a long tradition of celebrating business excellence , no matter the external circumstances impacting the economy at the time ,” David Kelly , British Chamber of Commerce Executive Director , said on the evening .
“ We proceeded with the decision to run the Awards this year despite the difficult year this has been for many , knowing that we would uncover stories of success and inspiration from our network of members and connections that everyone would be happy to celebrate .
“ We have been especially pleased this year with the support from the Singapore Government in recognising the importance of the Awards , with Enterprise Singapore , the Singapore Economic Development Board and Singapore Business Federation all acting as Supporting Partners alongside our long-term support from the British High Commission , Department for International Trade and this year ’ s event partners .”
Hosted by BBC World News Presenter Sharanjit Leyl with guest speakers Richard Warburton , President at British Chamber of Commerce Singapore ; HE Kara Owen CMG CVO , British High Commissioner to Singapore ; and Dennis Tan , Prudential Singapore CEO ; the eight inspiring winners were announced throughout the evening , including the UK Impact in Singapore award , which was voted live on the night .
Freddie Heygate
Don Rapley
Simon Bennett theceomagazine . com | 55
THE 21ST ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS :
PRESENTING THE WINNERS OF THE 21ST ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS
Congratulations to the winners of our 21st Annual Business Awards !
This year ’ s awards were presented to the winners in nine categories during our first ever Virtual Awards Ceremony on Thursday , 29 th October 2020 , accompanied by Richard Warburton , President of the Chamber , Her Excellency Kara Owen CMG CVO , British High Commissioner to Singapore and Guest of Honour , Chan Chun Sing , Minister for Trade & Industry .
We would also like to thank our Judging Panel , consisting of Darius Lim , Assistant CEO of the Singapore Business Federation , Lim Kok Kiang , Executive Vice President of International Operations for the EDB , and Steve Firstbrook , Country Director for the Department for International Trade .
21 st Annual Business Awards Virtual Awards Ceremony
In this year of COVID-19 , the awards provided an opportunity for organisations to showcase their resilience , flexibility and innovation during such challenging times .
We would like to thank everyone who submitted their entries this year . All your entries are truly inspirational , motivating and we would like to congratulate everyone on your efforts .
Here ’ s to another year of celebrating the everprogressive business excellence within Singapore !
The Straits Times
Recognising excellence | INSPIRE
ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2020 WINNERS
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
THE WINNERS OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SINGAPORE ’ S 21ST ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED DURING A SPECIAL VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY .
he past year has certainly been a challenging one for businesses everywhere , making it all the more
T important to celebrate the incredible achievements of Singapore ’ s leading enterprises . Usually held during a
Sustainability Champion of the Year Technological Impact of the Year Business Transformation of the Year Seven Clean Seas was recognised for its
Rolls-Royce Singapore was crowned for its Transform Your Conversations was recognised exceptional sustainable and green business state-of-the-art technology while showcasing for being a business that showcases excellence strategies which contribute to and assist in next-level innovation and breakthrough in growth , technology and innovation , and for investing in the community while adhering solutions with significant market impact . being a market leader in its sector . Managing to legal standards .
Director Don Rapley says the prestigious Customer Service Provider of the Year award was an incredible achievement for
Diversity & Inclusion Champion Collecting its second award for the evening , the brand – especially during the testing of the Year
JAM was recognised for its excellent customer year . “ The moment it became clear that For its exceptional practices and contributions experience , which has benefited the business face-to-face training was no longer possible towards improving diversity and inclusion and its customers with measurable results . as COVID-19 unfolded , we were confident we in the industry , Shell Eastern Petroleum was “ Historically , customer service in the could go all-in with digital workshops ,” Don awarded for its long-term commitment to technology industry , and more specifically , the reflects . “ We had not only the experience , equality while pushing diversity and inclusion . managed cloud sector , has a reputation for but also a strong base of partner clients who lifeless call centres stationed somewhere in the were willing to make the transition with us .
Start-up of the Year world that is nowhere near the actual company This award is a fantastic recognition by the Awarded to an outstanding start-up business , you have contracted ,” Freddie says . “ JAM panel of what we have achieved .” Just After Midnight ( JAM ) was honoured for wanted to change all that . Our support calls its innovation , growth and profit performance are always answered by real people .”
Employer of the Year beyond its initial projections . “ One of the
Prudential Singapore was crowned the challenging aspects of running a startup is Individual Contribution of the Year Employer of the Year for leading the way in validation ,” CEO Freddie Heygate explains . Simon Bennett , General Manager for supporting the opportunities , development
“ Sure , winning new clients and expanding Sustainable Development , Swire Pacific and wellbeing of its employees . our remit with existing clients is a key measure Offshore and the China Navigation Company , of success , but from a broader perspective , was awarded the prestigious accolade for his UK Impact in Singapore it can sometimes be difficult to objectively achievements in the workplace throughout Judged live throughout the evening , Femtech know that we are moving in the right direction . the past 12 months . “ It is humbling and
Partners was awarded for its relationship It gives us even more impetus to work hard and heartwarming to be recognised for what we between the UK and Singapore , which has continue to innovate , knowing that our hard do , without having blown our own trumpet made a significant impact to Singapore ’ s work up to this point has all been worth it .” in search of recognition ,” he reflects . economy and society .
The CEO Magazine
We spoke to the winners on our podcast . Click to listen to the episodes :