New Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, Lee Jianhui: Focus on Business Resilience and Future Development

Sing Lun Holdings CEO Lee Jianhui was elected as the new chairman of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), succeeding former chairman Cheong Sun-sheng, who earlier announced a temporary departure and did not seek re-election.

The SBF held its 24th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday (June 24) and elected the 13th Council, with a term of two years until 2028.

In a statement, the SBF said the new council comprises 24 members, including 12 elected councilors, 11 councilors representing trade associations and chambers, and one co-opted councilor.

Among the six new councilors are Adam Click, Chairman of AmCham Singapore; Moses Mok, President of the Restaurant Association of Singapore; Lee Teck Ming, Chairman of SGTech; and Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin, CEO of hedge fund Quantedge Capital.

During the AGM, the SBF also held the fifth Future Ready Business Dialogue, with guest of honor Chan Chun Sing, Minister-in-charge of the Public Service and Minister for Defence.

Themed 'System-Wide Readiness: What Changes Must Government and Businesses Make', the dialogue brought together business executives and policymakers to discuss how businesses can enhance resilience, build future-ready capabilities, and address growing uncertainties.

Lee Jianhui: Ensure Businesses Remain Competitive and Resilient for Future Development

New Chairman Lee Jianhui, also a Nominated Member of Parliament, said in the statement that geopolitical tensions, rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the global economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses.

Lee said: 'My top priority is to ensure businesses remain competitive, resilient, and future-ready. We will work closely with companies, the government, and industry partners to develop practical solutions, foster a conducive business environment, and help companies build the capabilities needed for innovation, internationalization, and sustainable growth.'

He also noted that Singapore will assume the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN next year, presenting a great opportunity to deepen regional economic integration and strengthen ASEAN as a key engine of global growth. 'The SBF will work with regional partners to turn these opportunities into concrete business outcomes and promote a more connected, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN.'

Lee previously served as Deputy Chairman and Treasurer of the SBF. He also acted as Chairman during Cheong Sun-sheng's temporary leave.

Cheong, now 71, announced in May that he would not seek re-election after his term as SBF Chairman ended on June 24. He had earlier temporarily stepped down from his roles as SBF Chairman, Executive Chairman of Pacific International Lines, and other positions to address charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. Previously, Lianhe Zaobao reported that he was accused of involvement in manipulating dry container prices.