Upendra Choudhary
Senior Director, Business Development & Client Services
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Singapore for a whole week and immerse myself in the vibrant city-state. I deeply appreciate everyone who took out time of their busy schedule to host and indulge me during the trip. Special shout-out for the terrific, engaging discussions that left me with a lot of food for thought.
While the pandemic is behind us, it has left us with a lot of learnings, the most important of which is – there is no better way of exchanging ideas and forging collaboration than when people are together in offices, cafes and bars sharing first-hand experiences and learning from one another.
Through all my conversations, three prevailing themes emerged, each adding a unique layer to the tapestry of this remarkable destination. From the palpable sense of optimism to the growing emphasis on sustainability and inspiring gender diversity, Singapore truly showcased its dynamic fusion of qualities.
From the moment I set foot in Singapore, it was evident that an air of optimism permeated the city. Singapore's strategic location in Southeast Asia has attracted a plethora of investors from all corners of the globe. As a regional hub, the city-state has become a beacon of opportunity, propelling commercial activity to new heights. The streets were abuzz with a sense of excitement as entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors flocked to Singapore, eager to tap into its immense potential. The vibrant economy and supportive business environment have fostered a remarkable ecosystem where large banking groups, international corporations and pioneering startups were all driving growth and innovation.
In almost every discussion, the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices was extolled. Singaporean companies have embraced sustainability as a core pillar of their operations, recognizing the urgent need to play their part in addressing global challenges. From responsible supply chains to sustainable finance and impact investing, Singaporean businesses are proactively driving sustainable practices both within the Island and internationally, particularly in countries of the Global South. It was truly pleasing to hear business leaders talk about moving beyond mere rhetoric and taking directed action. The investment in upskilling data and analytics to monitor and report on progress at every level was particularly impressive.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my journey was the high level of gender-diversity I encountered. In more than two-thirds of the meetings, women were either the decision-makers or constituted the majority. This stark contrast to my experiences in Europe and North America left a lasting impression. Singapore's commitment to gender equality and inclusivity has created an environment where women thrive and excel in leadership roles. The presence of female leaders in various industries is not only inspiring but also a testament to the progressive mindset that permeates Singaporean society. It serves as a reminder that the world has much to learn from Singapore's strides in achieving gender diversity.
Reflecting on my week in Singapore, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and anticipation. The remarkable blend of high optimism, sustainability focus and gender diversity has left an indelible mark on my experience.
As SGAnalytics expands its footprint in the East, this trip served as an auspicious beginning, hinting at the many exciting journeys yet to come.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/singapore-dynamic-fusion-optimism-sustainability-choudhary-cfa/
Upendra Choudhary
Senior Director, Business Development & Client Services
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Singapore for a whole week and immerse myself in the vibrant city-state. I deeply appreciate everyone who took out time of their busy schedule to host and indulge me during the trip. Special shout-out for the terrific, engaging discussions that left me with a lot of food for thought.
While the pandemic is behind us, it has left us with a lot of learnings, the most important of which is – there is no better way of exchanging ideas and forging collaboration than when people are together in offices, cafes and bars sharing first-hand experiences and learning from one another.
Through all my conversations, three prevailing themes emerged, each adding a unique layer to the tapestry of this remarkable destination. From the palpable sense of optimism to the growing emphasis on sustainability and inspiring gender diversity, Singapore truly showcased its dynamic fusion of qualities.
From the moment I set foot in Singapore, it was evident that an air of optimism permeated the city. Singapore's strategic location in Southeast Asia has attracted a plethora of investors from all corners of the globe. As a regional hub, the city-state has become a beacon of opportunity, propelling commercial activity to new heights. The streets were abuzz with a sense of excitement as entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors flocked to Singapore, eager to tap into its immense potential. The vibrant economy and supportive business environment have fostered a remarkable ecosystem where large banking groups, international corporations and pioneering startups were all driving growth and innovation.
In almost every discussion, the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices was extolled. Singaporean companies have embraced sustainability as a core pillar of their operations, recognizing the urgent need to play their part in addressing global challenges. From responsible supply chains to sustainable finance and impact investing, Singaporean businesses are proactively driving sustainable practices both within the Island and internationally, particularly in countries of the Global South. It was truly pleasing to hear business leaders talk about moving beyond mere rhetoric and taking directed action. The investment in upskilling data and analytics to monitor and report on progress at every level was particularly impressive.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my journey was the high level of gender-diversity I encountered. In more than two-thirds of the meetings, women were either the decision-makers or constituted the majority. This stark contrast to my experiences in Europe and North America left a lasting impression. Singapore's commitment to gender equality and inclusivity has created an environment where women thrive and excel in leadership roles. The presence of female leaders in various industries is not only inspiring but also a testament to the progressive mindset that permeates Singaporean society. It serves as a reminder that the world has much to learn from Singapore's strides in achieving gender diversity.
Reflecting on my week in Singapore, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and anticipation. The remarkable blend of high optimism, sustainability focus and gender diversity has left an indelible mark on my experience.
As SGAnalytics expands its footprint in the East, this trip served as an auspicious beginning, hinting at the many exciting journeys yet to come.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/singapore-dynamic-fusion-optimism-sustainability-choudhary-cfa/
