SINGAPORE, 24 October 2025 — Canon Singapore concluded its Think Big Singapore 2025 Business Leadership Series with resounding success, drawing over 1,100 business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the region.
This year’s discussions centred on business resilience, regional collaboration, and how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can leverage innovation and cross-border opportunities amid mounting economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Amid renewed U.S. tariff discussions and shifting trade dynamics across Asia, panellists highlighted how SMEs are adapting to external shocks through technology adoption, supply chain diversification, and partnerships within high-growth corridors such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), which has already attracted S$5.5 billion in new investments.
Guest-of-Honour Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC, called on businesses to stay resilient through continuous upskilling and the responsible use of AI.
“The only thing that is certain today is uncertainty,” he said. “Singapore remains resilient because of our collaborative approach between government, unions, and employers. As we advance on our AI journey, it must create meaningful impact and remain inclusive so every worker can grow together.”
SMEs took centre stage as Singapore Business Federation’s Chief Policy and Operating Officer, Musa Fazal, underscored the role of small enterprises in navigating economic volatility.
“Through initiatives such as SBF’s Trade AI Advisor and our Navigating U.S. Tariffs playbook, we are equipping businesses, especially SMEs, to plan, manage costs, and secure long-term growth,” he said.
Industry leaders noted that while tariffs and inflation pose ongoing challenges, AI is emerging as a decisive advantage. Maybank’s Eddy Loh stressed that “AI adoption is no longer a choice but a necessity,” while AI Singapore’s Laurence Liew emphasised the need for a “human-AI partnership” to build a more resilient workforce.
The Johor–Singapore SEZ featured prominently in discussions as the next growth engine for Southeast Asia. The Singapore Business Federation’s Executive Director, Soo Wei-Chieh, highlighted the zone’s potential to “deepen cross-border collaboration and unlock new growth opportunities” across sectors from manufacturing to food production. OCBC Chief Economist Selena Ling added that the SEZ offers “a strategic avenue for firms to diversify operations, optimise portfolios, and tap into broader markets.”
Singapore Polytechnic’s Senior Director, Toh Ser Khoon, described the SEZ as a “living sandbox for technology adoption and cross-border innovation,” linking academic collaboration with SME-led digital transformation.
Canon Singapore’s Head of Operations, Andrew Koh, reiterated the company’s commitment to enabling business agility through technology.
“Businesses need smarter ways to drive efficiency and innovation,” he said, referencing the launch of Canon’s new imageFORCE C5100 series to help SMEs embrace AI-driven workflows.
Closing the event, Canon reaffirmed that uncertainty is now the new normal, and that the future will belong to businesses that invest strategically, collaborate regionally, and embrace intelligent tools to power sustainable growth in a changing economy.
