The Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC), established in 1837, is the oldest chamber of commerce in Asia, as well as the oldest commercial organisation in Singapore. It is also unique in the local context in that membership is open to companies and individuals of all races and nationalities. Four of the Chamber's original members are still members of the Chamber.

Currently, over 40 nationalities are represented in the Chamber membership, which encompasses both multinational corporations with operations in Singapore and locally-owned business enterprises. Singaporean companies form the largest single national group (39%), followed by American (14%), Japanese (7%), and British (7%).

Virtually all of Singapore's GLCs are members of the Chamber, including the Development Bank of Singapore Ltd, Keppel Corporation Ltd, PSA Corporation Ltd, Singapore Power Ltd, Singapore Telecommunications Limited, Singapore Technologies Pte Limited, Singapore Airlines Ltd and Temasek Holdings (Pte) Ltd. Several of Singapore's best known family firms are also members of the Chamber, as well as a wide cross section of smaller companies, especially traders.

The Chamber provides a respected and effective voice for the business community in Singapore. It is accepted by the Government as representing the multinational investment interests in the Republic. At the same time, the Chamber's substantial local membership gives it firm roots in Singapore.

The high credibility and status enjoyed by the Chamber give it access to key areas of government where policy decisions are made. Not only is the Chamber regularly consulted on matters that have a bearing on the interests of the private sector, such as draft legislation and new or revised government rules and regulations, but it also has members on numerous government advisory committees and statutory boards.

The Chamber constantly monitors and, where appropriate, speaks up on issues or developments of concern to its members.

As a constituent member of the Singapore Business Federation, the Chamber also actively participates in an on-going dialogue with the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Here again, diverse issues that affect the private sector are regularly raised for clarification and possible remedial action by government departments and statutory bodies.

In these ways, the Chamber combines its "watch-dog" role with that of acting as a catalyst for improvement of the business and investment environment in Singapore.

Besides issues of general concern to businessmen, members can seek the Chamber's assistance in their individual dealings with official organisations. They can also look to the Chamber for a wide range of facts and figures to help them in their business planning. Such information is readily available from the Chamber's extensive reference library, the contents of which are regularly updated to meet present needs.

Similar assistance is extended to foreign businessmen, trade delegates, journalists and other visitors who call at the Chamber.

Given the wide cross-section of private sector interests that it represents, the Chamber is well placed to advise these visitors on Singapore's investment opportunities.

Other valuable sources of information are the Chamber's publications, namely, The Investor's Guide to Singapore, Expatriate Living Costs in Singapore and Business Minds. For details, please click here.