FCCS FOCUS Magazine SG50 - May 2015

FOCUS

The Magazine of the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

A Toast to Singapore | Enabling Singapore’s Industries for Over a Century | Flying the French Food Flag | French Milestones in Singapore | Singapore’s First French Bank

May 2015

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www.fccsingapore.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

May 2015

GUEST EDITOR’S NOTE

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SHORT NEWS

FOCUS MAGAZINE

French Companies in Singapore

May 2015

La Cure Gourmande Opens First Store in Singapore

SHORT NEWS

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La Cure Gourmande Opens First Store in Singapore Yves Rocher Celebrates First Anniversary in Singapore EstheClinic Opens First Singapore Outlet ESSEC Opens New Campus at one-North Business Park SDV’s First Hybrid Shuttle Hits the Roads of Singapore Turbomeca Opens New State-of-the-Art Facility AXA Adds General Insurance Solutions at 34 Post Offices Voilah! 2015 Festival Invites All to Discover Their Inner French with its Largest Edition to Date

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has ever built. The shop has a triangular shape due to the configuration of the mall. The boutique is mostly made of glass in order to achieve the transparency requested by the architects. Hennebert says that “This shop may be the jewel of our worldwide network as it still carries the shoppers back to their childhood and a universe of tastes and emotions.” The “Sunshines” (retail associates) organise the journey in this magical world of cookies and madeleines.

La Cure Gourmande, a European leader of confectionary has opened its flagship store in Singapore at the renovated third floor of Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

As usual, La Cure Gourmande favoured a luxurious non-food environment to showcase its filled cookies creations, mantecaos, navettes, caramels, calissons,

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

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La Cure Gourmande is expanding fast, having opened in Berlin, Montreal, New York and Seoul in the last three months.

In Asia, Hennebert has teamed up with M2 Management’s May Tan and Michel Beaugier for their extensive luxury business experience in the region. F

Yves Rocher Celebrates First Anniversary in Singapore As a botanist, harvester, manufacturer and distributor, Yves Rocher controls the entire production cycle to offer quality, safe and affordable products to all women.

By drawing on the richness of nature, Yves Rocher understands women and support the beauty needs through botanical beauty products ranging from fragrance to body, hair and skin care.

Passionate about the botanical world, Mr Yves Rocher made his first plant-based beauty product in 1959, in his hometown of La Gacilly, in the Brittany region of

France. With its expertise in Botanical Beauty, Yves Rocher reproduces life mechanism of plants while formulating effective beauty products.

In December 2013, Yves Rocher arrived in Singapore with its first store opening in Westgate. Yves Rocher’s flagship store subsequently opened in Ngee Ann City, with an additional store in BHG Bugis by May 2014. F

EstheClinic Opens First Singapore Outlet manent hair removal, anti-aging, body shaping and cellulite, acne, stretch marks and hair loss. With a focus on high standards of customer service, this original and unique concept bases its expertise on highly technical aesthetic procedures, always at the cutting edge of technology.

EstheClinic opened its first Singapore outlet in April. A new generation of beauty clinics, EstheClinic combines

Looking Back on Seven Years as President of the FCCS Meet French Entrepreneurs in Singapore

madeleines and choupettes, all presented in collectable tin boxes, including the Singapore edition designed especially for Singapore 50th anniversary. Edouard Hennebert who created the brand 26 years ago with Christian Berlan stated that the Singapore shop is probably the most complex shop that La Cure Gourmande

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groundbreaking technologies with highperforming cosmeceuticals for extremely effective treatments that deal with per-

Widely recognised in France, founding doctors of EstheClinic Paris, Dr Leone and Dr Boutboul, have been pioneers and catalysers of innovative technologies of

PATRON MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

FOCUS MAGAZINE

Interview with a FCCS Patron Member

May 2015

Looking Back on Seven Years As President of the FCCS Interview with Pierre Verdière, FCCS President (2008-2015), and MD, Hermès South East Asia Pte Ltd

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French Milestones in Singapore Trading History, from South America to Southeast Asia Lights for Sights and Sites Singapore in Pictures and Words Singapore, Mobile and Moving France Is in the Air Singapore by Design Singapore’s First French Bank Enabling Singapore’s Industries for Over a Century Leading the Semiconductor Industry Flying the French Food Flag Procuring Key Players in the Oil & Gas and Aeronautic Industries Water Management for the Industries A Toast to Singapore Ensuring Safety, Mobility and Security in Singapore for over Four Decades The Language with a Certain Je ne Sais Quoi...

Learning and Teaching à la Française A French Base for Newcomers to Singapore 30 Years of Partnership with Singapore

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FCCS BUSINESS SERVICES

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Newly Set Up Companies

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FCCS CLUB EVENTS

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Singapour Je T’aime Gala Dinner Brings Together 1,000 Guests Asia Committee / French Maritime Cluster Aeronautics, Space, Defence & Security Committee Energy/Infrastructure Committee Banking & Finance Committee Healthcare Committee / Sourcing & Supply Chain Committee ICT Committee / R&D Committee Luxury & Premium Retail Committee / Marketing & Communication Committee Human Resources Committee Platform for SMEs & Entrepreneurs Legal & Tax Committee Business Women Committee / French Gourmet Committee Sustainability Committee Networking Events New FCCS Members French Chamber Privilege Card

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After joining Hermès, I indicated to the company my desire to work abroad and

The FCCS has grown significantly over the last seven years, and its membership base has more than doubled.

two years later, my desire became a reality when I was sent to New York to take on the role of Chief Financier Officer of Hermès’s US subsidiary.

Four years later, I came back to Europe and stayed there for two years before coming to Singapore in 1998.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE FCCS I had always wanted to be involved in extra professional activities and when a friend of mine told me that it would be a good idea to try to join the board of the FCCS, I said to myself “why not?”. I soon became Vice President and went on to become the President, thanks to the back up support from the former President, Mr Jean Luc Anglada.

WHAT ROLE DO THE FCCS AND ITS BOARD MEMBERS PLAY? The FCCS plays a key role as part of the French institutions present in Singapore.

Firstly, it animates the French business community, organising breakfast talks, a gala dinner and all kinds of informative seminars. There are 18 committees that are the backbone of these activities.

Secondly, the FCCS promotes and helps French companies settle down in Singapore, sourcing them in France, carrying out market studies, organising commercial missions, helping to set up companies, obtaining visas, and so on.

Thirdly, it helps French citizens find jobs in Singapore.

The board is elected by our members and the executive committee is elected by the board members. Their role is to define a strategy that is then put in place by the permanent staff under the supervision of Carine Lespayandel, the chamber’s Executive Director. From my experience, all of the board members must work hand in hand and there should be a strong fit between the President and the Executive Director.

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COVER STORY

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SG50

May 2015

Singapore in Pictures and Words Interview with Didier Millet, Publisher, Editions Didier Millet Editions Didier Millet (EDM) publishes illustrated, general, and reference books, with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asia. These books distinguish themselves thanks to their design quality, and pictorial and editorial excellence, with many EDM projects showcasing Singapore’s history and identity.

WHEN WAS EDITIONS DIDIER MILLET ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE? WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE HERE? Editions Didier Millet (EDM) was established in 1990. I worked in Singapore from 1984 to 1988 for a company called Times Edition which, in those days, was part of the Straits Times group.

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COVER STORY - SG50

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WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? I started my career as an industrial financial controller at the Yves Saint Laurent Perfume manufacturing site in the north of Paris. I was then promoted to Cost Controller for the whole group and started travelling to the United States, Spain and Australia... the travel bug definitely got to me.

I soon had the opportunity to embark on new book projects in Southeast Asia.

In 1989, I went back to France and started a new publishing company in Paris, but I soon had the opportunity to embark on new book projects in Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, of course. So I came back here and started EDM. As a foreigner, it was very easy to set up your own company in those days. It took me three hours to register EDM. This was exactly 25 years ago.

HAS YOUR COMPANY EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE TO TODAY? The 90s and the first part of years 2000 were the golden age of publishing in Southeast Asia, at least for us. With the emergence of digital publishing and the closing of many bookshops in the region, things have been much more difficult since 2008. It is the same for most traditional publishers everywhere in the world...

FOCUS MAGAZINE

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? We have completed several major projects in collaboration with Singapore institutions such as the National Archives, the National Library Board, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, National Parks, the National University of Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Raffles Museum, and the National Museum.

Naturally, most of these projects showcase Singapore’s history and identity. They include Pictorial History of Singapore, Singapore Sketchbook, The Encyclopaedia of Singapore, Singapore Biodiversity, The Memoirs of SR Nathan (An unexpected Journey), and The Wit and Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew. Some time ago, we also published The French in Singapore, a book on the history of the French in Singapore, with help from the French Embassy and contributions from several French companies based here. F

FCCS CLUB EVENTS

May 2015

Aeronautics, Space, Defence & Security Committee|

Airbus Achievements & Challenges in South East Asia Mr Thomas Friedberger (CEO, Airbus Group Singapore and SVP, Sales Asia, Airbus, gave an enlightening presentation on the achievements and challenges ahead for Airbus, with a focus on Southeast Asian market trends,

opportunities for Airbus and an overview of the aerospace sector.

Although European ‘by birth’, Airbus has become the most international aerospace and defence company in the world. The

Asia Pacific region is a core market for Airbus, representing 30% of all Airbus orders to date and 33% of total backlog.

This trend for internationalisation is set to continue: Airbus forecasts Asia-Pacific to lead in world traffic by 2033. F

Site Visit at Thales Solutions Asia The Aeronautics, Space, Defence & Security committee was invited to a very insightful site visit of Thales Solutions Asia. We were presented with an overview

of Thales’ engineering and industrial activities. We had the opportunity to visit the Innovation Hub and both the avionics manufacturing and repairs centres. Our

20 participants were then guided through a demonstration of maritime security systems and also discovered Thales’ lesser known activities in cinema zooms. F

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FCCS PATRON MEMBERS

FOCUS MAGAZINE

May 2015

The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore would like to thank its Patron Members for their continuous support.

Focus Magazine is published by the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS).

The views and opinions expressed in its columns do not necessarily reflect those of the French Chamber’s members and management.

director of publication Carine Lespayandel chief editor Nicolas Avril editorial contributors Candice Gregorini Caroline de Villèle Anne Validire design & layout Jonathan Meur advertising Nicolas Avril Jonathan Meur

colour separation & printing Toppan Security Printing Pte. Ltd.

cover image Jonathan Meur

May 2015 4,000 copies MCI (P) 179/07/2014

French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore 541 Orchard Road #09-01 Liat Towers Singapore 238881 Tel: +65 6933 1350 Fax: +65 6933 1398 www.fccsingapore.com info@fccsingapore.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE

GUEST EDITOR’S NOTE

May 2015

Happy Birthday Singapore!

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s a resident of Singapore for the past 14 years, I feel extremely privileged and honoured to be able to participate in the country’s 50thanniversary celebrations.

And as Director of the FCCS for 12 years now, I have been able to witness the amazing journey and fantastic economic growth of this Island State thanks to its ability to keep moving forward and constantly innovate in a wide range of sectors.

Proof of this is apparent for instance in the city’s adventurous architecture, its increasing number of leading R&D centres, and its capacity to train and attract the best talent. The latter includes a large number of French companies that have benefited from, contributed to, and admire Singapore’s unstoppable progress.

The country’s evolution is reflected in the Chamber’s, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception more than 35 years ago: a team of 20 permanent staff serve a

network of close to 4,000 individuals who represent more than 600 company members.

Through more than 150 events each year, we facilitate the French business community’s efforts to meet and establish partnerships with the Singapore and larger international communities.

In this issue of Focus, we share with you stories of successful French companies that have been fortunate to get to work hand in hand with local partners and government agencies for decades. Still, more French companies are setting shop here, all in the hope of supporting the City-State’s vision of becoming the world’s first smart nation.

Happy birthday Singapore, and here’s to 50 more exceptional years!

Mrs Carine LESPAYANDEL Executive Director, The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

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SHORT NEWS

FOCUS MAGAZINE

French Companies in Singapore

May 2015

La Cure Gourmande Opens First Store in Singapore has ever built. The shop has a triangular shape due to the configuration of the mall. The boutique is mostly made of glass in order to achieve the transparency requested by the architects. Hennebert says that “This shop may be the jewel of our worldwide network as it still carries the shoppers back to their childhood and a universe of tastes and emotions.” The “Sunshines” (retail associates) organise the journey in this magical world of cookies and madeleines.

La Cure Gourmande, a European leader of confectionary has opened its flagship store in Singapore at the renovated third floor of Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

As usual, La Cure Gourmande favoured a luxurious non-food environment to showcase its filled cookies creations, mantecaos, navettes, caramels, calissons,

madeleines and choupettes, all presented in collectable tin boxes, including the Singapore edition designed especially for Singapore 50th anniversary. Edouard Hennebert who created the brand 26 years ago with Christian Berlan stated that the Singapore shop is probably the most complex shop that La Cure Gourmande

La Cure Gourmande is expanding fast, having opened in Berlin, Montreal, New York and Seoul in the last three months.

In Asia, Hennebert has teamed up with M2 Management’s May Tan and Michel Beaugier for their extensive luxury business experience in the region. F

Yves Rocher Celebrates First Anniversary in Singapore As a botanist, harvester, manufacturer and distributor, Yves Rocher controls the entire production cycle to offer quality, safe and affordable products to all women.

By drawing on the richness of nature, Yves Rocher understands women and support the beauty needs through botanical beauty products ranging from fragrance to body, hair and skin care.

Passionate about the botanical world, Mr Yves Rocher made his first plant-based beauty product in 1959, in his hometown of La Gacilly, in the Brittany region of

France. With its expertise in Botanical Beauty, Yves Rocher reproduces life mechanism of plants while formulating effective beauty products.

In December 2013, Yves Rocher arrived in Singapore with its first store opening in Westgate. Yves Rocher’s flagship store subsequently opened in Ngee Ann City, with an additional store in BHG Bugis by May 2014. F

EstheClinic Opens First Singapore Outlet manent hair removal, anti-aging, body shaping and cellulite, acne, stretch marks and hair loss. With a focus on high standards of customer service, this original and unique concept bases its expertise on highly technical aesthetic procedures, always at the cutting edge of technology.

EstheClinic opened its first Singapore outlet in April. A new generation of beauty clinics, EstheClinic combines

groundbreaking technologies with highperforming cosmeceuticals for extremely effective treatments that deal with per-

Widely recognised in France, founding doctors of EstheClinic Paris, Dr Leone and Dr Boutboul, have been pioneers and catalysers of innovative technologies of aesthetic medicine for over 20 years. F

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SHORT NEWS

May 2015

French Companies in Singapore

ESSEC Opens New Campus at one-North Business Park It has since welcomed over 5,000 students and professionals in various academic and executive programmes.

Established in 1907 in Paris, France, ESSEC Business School is an academic institution characterised by a pioneering spirit. A centennial institution with a partnership network of companies and academic institutions across the globe, ESSEC focuses its strategic development on three principles: innovation, involvement and internationalisation.

Headquartered in Singapore since 2005, ESSEC’s operations in Asia-Pacific present the perfect foothold for ESSEC to be part of the region’s vibrant growth and bring to its expertise in management.

With the expertise of a multicultural faculty based in Singapore and in France and a regional network of academic and corporate partners, ESSEC Asia-Pacific offers degree and executive programmes with Asian insights and global perspectives. Academic programmes offered by the school include the Executive MBA Asia-Pacific, the Master of Science in Management, the Global BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration), a series of specialised masters in Finance, International Strategy, Management of Health Industries, Business Analytics and Consulting etc. ESSEC has also begun to implement “design learning”, a new innovative pedagogical approach that will allow students, from existing full-time and executive programmes, to define their own learning path.

In addition, the school delivers executive courses in strategic fields such as Design Thinking, Innovation Strategies, Financial Modelling, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Urban Management, Digital Marketing and Luxury Brand Management.

In the spirit of involvement, ESSEC has begun to implement “design learning”, a new pedagogical approach that will allow students to build their own courses.

With the support of the Singapore government the school’s commitment to the region was further cemented by the completion of a 6,500m² campus at oneNorth Business Park and opened its doors in January 2015. The one-north area around Nepal Hill has been developed to promote entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, skills and talent development.

ESSEC Asia-Pacific will be the hub for all activities of the school in Asia. The new building will allow ESSEC Asia-Pacific to expand its activities and propose more executive programmes to students and professionals from Singapore, the region and the rest of the world. F

SDV’s First Hybrid Shuttle Hits the Roads of Singapore SDV pursues its commitments towards a more eco-friendly supply chain by announcing its very-first hybrid shuttle from its “Green Hub” in order to serve the fashion and luxury industry in Singapore downtown.

“The new hybrid shuttle is a key milestone under the company’s commitment to design innovative and cleaner supply chain solutions two years after the opening of our “Green Hub”, the first warehouse in Singapore to be Green Mark Platinum certified* and the largest logistics centre in Asia to be under LEED Gold Certification**”, said Fabien Giordano, Managing Director of SDV Singapore.

The Mitsubishi Canter Eco Hybrid Euro 5 was selected to meet the autonomy energy objectives and the loading capacity by combining a highly efficient diesel engine with an electric motor to serve the iconic retail stores in Singapore’s Marina Bay area and Orchard Road. The vehicle will cover a total of nearly 26,000 kilometres each year.

A perfect fit in the urban context of Singapore, the truck is powered by an electric motor at speeds of up to 50 km/ hour, after which the diesel engine takes over. The kinetic energy produced during the braking action is converted to electric power for greater autonomy.

Consequently, it reduces the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions up to 23%.

It also reduces suspended particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by as much as 30%, in comparison to a conventional diesel-

powered truck. In addition to reducing atmospheric emissions, the quality of sound environment is significantly improved for the users’ comfort in both loading and unloading bays. F NOTE * Green Mark Platinum accreditation delivered by the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore ** Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification developed by the US Green Building Council.

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SHORT NEWS

FOCUS MAGAZINE

French Companies in Singapore

May 2015

Turbomeca Opens New State-of-the-Art Facility TURBOMECA Asia Pacific (TAP) is the first helicopter engine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) presence in the Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP), setting up their headquarters and MRO facility for helicopter engines at SAP by the first quarter of 2016.

TAP is one of 15 TURBOMECA sites providing supports for more than 175 operators with more than 900 engines over 17 countries (ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan, and India).

The site is the regional headquarter supervising maintenance centres in

its 15 sites, 30 proximity maintenance centres, 18 Repair & Overhaul Centres, and 90 Field Representatives and Field Technicians.

Singapore, Malaysia, India, the Philippines and Korea with more planned. Six Field Representatives are deployed all over the region. TAP will have been established in Singapore for 25 years when it moves in next year. It has extensive expertise in Asian offering products and services and support for helicopter engines. Its parent company TURBOMECA (SAFRAN), is the #1 helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced 70,000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded.

The new state-of-the-art facility will comprise 3,500m2 of industrial and office space and host other SAFRAN companies. The new facility will be a unique opportunity for TAP to provide their employees with a modern work environment and tools to ensure the best service to its customers.

Offering the world’s widest range of engines to 2,500 customers, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to

On April 20th, TAP employees celebrated the new facility’s ground breaking with Safran, JTC and EDB representatives. F

AXA Adds General Insurance Solutions at 34 Post Offices AXA introduced its general insurance solutions, in addition to its current life insurance solutions offerings, to AXA@ POST branches.

General insurance solutions are now available at AXA@POST, a move that comes after AXA, one of the world’s largest insurers, announced in July 2013 an exclusive 10-year postassurance partnership with Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) to sell life insurance in 34 post offices across Singapore.

Whether they are seeking insurance solutions for their cars, homes, or travels, or savings, life protection and investment plans, customers can head to any of its current SingPost’s 34 AXA@POST branches to make enquiries and purchase insurance for all types of coverage to suit their needs.

Mrs Doina Palici-Chehab, CEO of AXA Insurance Singapore, said, “AXA@POST is an important part of our business strategy to expand our customer touch-points and bring insurance closer to our customers in Singapore. I am pleased to be able to

complete our insurance protection efforts by adding general insurance solutions.

AXA is introducing mobile device systems for customers at AXA@POST outlets, offering ease of applications and browsing of information at one touch.” F

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SHORT NEWS

May 2015

FCCS News

Voilah! 2015 Festival Invites All to Discover Their Inner French with its Largest Edition to Date As Singapore and France celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, a plethora of all things French awaits everyone in Singapore with Voilah! 2015.

Until 21 June 2015, the festival’s biggest edition to date will present the best of French creativity and innovation in culture, science and gastronomy.

Organised by the Institut Français Singapour and the French Embassy in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, the festival was launched on May 4th by Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, and Ambassador of France to Singapore, Mr Benjamin Dubertret, at the transformed Fort Canning Arts Centre, which will be home to Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Benjamin Dubertret said, “The sustained and multifaceted relationship between Singapore and France over the past 50 years has allowed us to develop an appreciation of the different aspects of our communities, and foster firm collaborations between the two countries. We also recognise Singapore as a critical gateway to showcase French culture and innovation to the rest of Asia.

Continuing in that spirit, Voilah! 2015 will bring people together, cross boundaries, and allow us to contribute to the cultural vibrancy here.”

MORE THAN 40 PROGRAMMES, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE This year’s edition invites members of the public to discover their inner French,

enjoying what they like about French culture while uncovering the interesting parallels between the two countries’ pursuits in the areas of food, science, arts, and creative expressions.

Sharing on the extensive range of the programming this year, Voilah! 2015 Festival Director Bertrand Pous said, “We have put together a line-up that is very varied to showcase the many facets of the French culture, while ensuring that they can be thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.

With more than 40 programmes, events and activities, the festival will bring to you aspects of France that one can enjoy in greater depth and breadth.”

Voilah! 2015 will also see a gathering of many prominent French thought-leaders and renowned personalities. From

the first European female astronaut in space, to documentary and photography veterans, and award-winning musicians, they bring with them some of their latest and most renowned works, and will share valuable perspectives at the different conferences and forums of the festival.

As a nod to COP 21, the critical international climate change summit to be held in France at the end of 2015, the festival will also feature content relating to sustainable development and Antoine de Saint Exupéry. The latter is the award-winning author best remembered for his beloved novella The Little Prince, and his stance towards the pursuit of sustainability.

Voilah! 2015 has rallied support from more than 120 French and Singaporeans organisations and partners. The collective effort has allowed to create many touchpoints across Singapore for everyone interested in the French savoir-faire over the next seven weeks. It aims to engage with festival goers meaningfully, establishing Voilah! as a must-attend perennial festival not only for the French community, but everyone in Singapore. F NOTE The Voilah! 2015 festival takes place from 4 May to 21 June 2015 across the island, and more information on the festival can be found on www.voilah.sg

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PATRON MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

FOCUS MAGAZINE

Interview with a FCCS Patron Member

May 2015

Looking Back on Seven Years as President of the FCCS Interview with Pierre Verdière, FCCS President (2008-2015), and MD, Hermès South East Asia Pte Ltd WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? I started my career as an industrial financial controller at the Yves Saint Laurent Perfume manufacturing site in the north of Paris. I was then promoted to Cost Controller for the whole group and started travelling to the United States, Spain and Australia... the travel bug definitely got to me.

After joining Hermès, I indicated to the company my desire to work abroad and

“

The FCCS has grown significantly over the last seven years, and its membership base has more than doubled.

two years later, my desire became a reality when I was sent to New York to take on the role of Chief Financier Officer of Hermès’s US subsidiary.

Four years later, I came back to Europe and stayed there for two years before coming to Singapore in 1998.

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HOW DID YOU COME TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE FCCS? I had always wanted to be involved in extra professional activities and when a friend of mine told me that it would be a good idea to try to join the board of the FCCS, I said to myself “why not?”. I soon became Vice President and went on to become the President, thanks to the back up support from the former President, Mr Jean Luc Anglada.

WHAT ROLE DO THE FCCS AND ITS BOARD MEMBERS PLAY? The FCCS plays a key role as part of the French institutions present in Singapore.

Firstly, it animates the French business community, organising breakfast talks, a gala dinner and all kinds of informative seminars. There are 18 committees that are the backbone of these activities.

Secondly, the FCCS promotes and helps French companies settle down in Singapore, sourcing them in France, carrying out market studies, organising commercial missions, helping to set up companies, obtaining visas, and so on.

Thirdly, it helps French citizens find jobs in Singapore.

The board is elected by our members and the executive committee is elected by the board members. Their role is to define a strategy that is then put in place by the permanent staff under the supervision of Carine Lespayandel, the Chamber’s Executive Director. From my experience, all of the board members must work hand in hand and there should be a strong fit between the President and the Executive Director.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

PATRON MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

May 2015

HOW HAS THE FCCS EVOLVED DURING YOUR PRESIDENCY? WHAT MILESTONES STAND OUT? The FCCS has grown significantly over the last seven years, and its membership base has more than doubled. Its offer of services has also expanded considerably and the team is three times bigger.

Among all the significant milestones I would mention : • the setup of new committees, in all areas that could be of some interest to

Interview with a FCCS Patron Member

our members. This has considerably increase the numbers of events, with up to 150 gatherings each year and a total of 5,500 attendees. This includes a very prestigious gala dinner, which is organised on a yearly basis and showcases the exquisite elegance of France; • the enhanced services provided to the French companies willing to set up a business in Singapore including a 44desk state-of-the-art incubator. The FCCS is very focused on supporting SMEs as well as entrepreneurs who

represent 22% of today’s membership; • the strong development of our Recruitment services, which include a training offer.

All in all, the Chamber is now a big player in the economic environment in Singapore and is highly praised by its counterparts in Paris as well as its customers.

HOW DO YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR TIME AS PRESIDENT OF THE FCCS? These past seven years have been fantastic for me as they have broadened my perspective on economic issues in Singapore and France.

With Carine Lespayandel and her team, we have developed a very efficient tool to service our fellow French people. We have also managed to establish excellent relationships with our partners, CCI in France, the French Embassy and Business France in Singapore as well as the EuroCham. And of course, we have developed very close partnerships with all Singaporean government agencies.

ON A MORE PERSONAL LEVEL, WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORIES WILL YOU KEEP FROM YOUR TIME AT FCCS? When I think about these seven years, a lot of memories come to my mind.

First of all, my close relationship with Carine Lespayandel has enabled us to drive the Chamber efficiently.

Secondly, the excellent ambiance at board meetings and executive committee meetings has enabled us to work very hard in a friendly manner.

Thirdly, the great contact that I have enjoyed with entrepreneurs, people with strong will who are the ones who can create jobs in the future.

And, finally, the pleasure of wearing a different disguise at each gala dinner, which allowed me to somewhat surprise audiences in a very formal environment. F

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Outgoing FCCS President Pierre Verdière at the launch of So Chic 2015; hosting the FCCS Gala Dinner 2013; and officiating at the Welcome to Singapore 2011

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHTS

FOCUS MAGAZINE

Interviews with FCCS Entrepreneur Members

May 2015

Meet French Entrepreneurs in Singapore The FCCS is a great platform for French entrepreneurs in Singapore. We believe that diversity creates dynamism and that experience sharing benefits each and every entrepreneur. In this context, we have launched a series of interviews called “Entrepreneur Spotlights” where we invite our Entrepreneur members to share their tips and advice in order to facilitate the entrepreneurial journey.

Interview with Gregory Imbert, Co-Founder, uniQgift.

WHAT REASONS BROUGHT YOU TO SET UP YOUR COMPANY?

external referrals and take part in n selected trade fairs and events.

I co-founded uniQgift in 2009 with Christian Hauville. At that time, we were both working in the experience gifting industry and the European market was saturated. Hence, we decided to bring the concept of experience gift boxes to Singapore.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFICITIES OF UNIQGIFT?

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF YOUR BUSINESS? We trade under three brands in Singapore and Hong Kong. uniQgift specialises in putting experiences together in a form of a gift. We offer a selection of 17 experience gift boxes, ranging from dining to hotels, spas and outdoor activities. uniQrewards is an online rewards platform used by companies for loyalty, incentive and recognition programmes.

John Paul is the expert in premium client relationship, and a full-fledged concierge service at the heart of our offering. It is available 24/7, in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Our main clients are financial institutions, telcos, government bodies and companies from the automotive sector.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR OFFER? As we focus mainly on corporate clients, we have a business development team that is in charge of prospecting new clients. We also benefit from internal and

We are able to develop fullyy customised gift packs according to our clients’ budget and target audience. We take care of the design, the sourcing of the vendors, the printing and the fulfilment of the programme.

We give our clients the opportunity to offer choice with one single voucher.

WHY DO YOU CONSIDER SINGAPORE A FAVOURABLE PLACE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUR PROJECT? It is an English-speaking country, it offers a business friendly environment and it is ideally located to expand in the region WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO OVERCOME ON YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY? The most difficult challenge is to attract talent and to retain it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE REGARDING THE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF TALENT? That remains a challenge for us. I guess there is no magic formula. We try to

hire via our network and we encourage referrals from our team members.

We organise regular bonding activities to create a good team spirit and we do not retain anyone that would have a negative influence over the team.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR COMPANY? To position our three brands uniQgift, uniQrewards and John Paul as leaders on their respective markets and to expand regionally. F

FOCUS MAGAZINE

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHTS

May 2015

Interviews with FCCS Entrepreneur Members

Interview with Patrick Veron, Founder and Director, East West Innovative Solutions (EWIS) WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? EWIS provides a complete suite of services ranging from strategic consultancy to sales and business development outsourcing.

We provide complementary services to Chambers of Commerce or Trade Missions. While they help companies understand markets in general and provide guidance on how to establish their presence in foreign countries, we at EWIS provide customised approaches to help companies best target their markets and expand their business.

More specifically, we help our customers grow their sales with effective go-tomarket strategies. We bring market knowledge and insight to help them prosper in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, big data, cloud, network and cyber security or Internet of Things. We engage their prospects jointly or on their behalf. It is critical to ensure that our customers enjoy their journey towards rewarding results with us.

WHY DID YOU SET UP YOUR BUSINESS IN SINGAPORE? The ease of doing business and geographical location! The country provides excellent infrastructure and a sound investment climate. Incorporating a company in Singapore is a walk in the park. The government also offers attractive tax incentives and grant schemes, especially for start-ups.

Besides, the country is located at an advantageous location geographically, allowing easy accessibility to the rest of the Asian countries.

Last but not least, the sound educational system and safe environment encourages investors with children to settle down in Singapore easily.

YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH START-UPS. ANY PARTICULAR REASON? I have been in that boat throughout my life. I should say I am quite seasoned when it comes to walking unchartered territories and living these growth terr challenges. cha And I take passion in sharing that experience, expertise and knowexp ledge. I focus on advising entrepreled neurs on how to best bring their ne solutions to the global market with so the right business strategy and goth to-market. to There are a lot of intricacies that Th textbooks alone won’t offer them. te HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GROW H YOUR BUSINESS? Y I envision expanding EWIS’s pressence around Asia, with Singapore as headquarters. In so doing, we a will continue to hire the right w ttalent and expand our service offerings, dancing a waltz with our customers’ needs as they progress with us.

In all that we do, we are guided by our core values. We believe in integrity, honesty and transparency. I see these as key to earning our clients’ trust. We tailor our business solutions by listening attentively to our clients’ needs.

Being in the tech realm, we must be nimble to keep up with the fast changing dynamics of the industry.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO OVERCOME ON YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY? Uncertainty is omnipresent! However great our determination, things happen slower than we anticipate. The road to success is paved with setbacks, delays, unfulfilled expectations, trials and tribulations.

I have to keep reminding myself to be prepared for slow days. This is inevitable and dealing with that is part of any entrepreneur’s journey, but it’s not easy, especially for action-driven people like me.

Time management and focus are important. As the saying goes, success is derivative of hard work, pragmatism and ingenuity at play. We draw lessons from failure and stay charted on achieving the end goals.

COULD YOU SHARE A FEW TIPS FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURS? First and foremost, have a clear vision of what we want to do. Loving what we do is important. We have to be absolutely resilient. One needs to have a can-do spirit, flexibility, creativity, an appetite for risks and a willingness to go the extra mile to understand the target markets.

To that end, we have to constantly differentiate ourselves and revisit our value propositions. Our clients must believe that their money is well spent! Last but not least, build a team that shares our aspiration and is equally passionate about our ventures. F

Head to www.fccsingapore.com to read the full versions of these Entrepreneur Spotlights and more!

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ADVERTORIAL

Globaleye

FOCUS MAGAZINE

May 2015

Pourquoi faire appel à un conseiller financier à Singapour ?

Rencontre avec Jeremy Grey, Directeur Adjoint et conseiller financier francophone chez Globaleye, un des leaders mondiaux dans le conseil financier aux expatriés et aux résidents interna onaux. L’occasion d’aborder quatre grands domaines auxquels il recommande à ceux qui vivent à l’étranger de prêter a en on, indépendamment de leur âge et de leur niveau de rémunéra on.

Pourquoi faire appel à un conseiller financier ?

Les interna onaux, d’une manière générale, qu’ils résident à l’étranger dans le cadre d’une expatria on ou d’un contrat local, se trouvent dans une situa on excep onnelle par rapport à celle qu’ils avaient dans leur pays d’origine.

C’est important qu’ils en comprennent les par cularités, en termes de risques ou d’opportunités liés au contexte du pays dans lequel ils résident et à leur statut de résident à l’étranger. En fonc on de la situa on des personnes, de leurs objec fs et des risques contre lesquels elles souhaitent se prémunir, le conseiller financier peut les guider et leur apporter une exper se pour faire les bons choix.

Globaleye propose une aide et un suivi personnalisé aux par culiers et aux entreprises dans quatre domaines clés: la protec on, l’épargne, l’inves ssement et la transmission de patrimoine. La démarche commence le plus souvent par un bilan patrimonial complet et gratuit, qui permet de bien comprendre et établir les spécificités et les probléma ques du client, ses objec fs et son profil de risque.

Vous insistez sur l’importance d’être bien protégé.

Les interna onaux d’une manière générale font-ils suffisamment a en on à cet aspect?

La protec on est le premier élément sur lequel les conseillers de Globaleye a rent l’a en on. Quelle couverture face aux risques santé - invalidité - décès ? Les personnes bénéficient souvent d’une couverture, plus ou moins importante, mais, le plus souvent, ils n’en connaissent pas le détail.

Même dans le cas d’une expatria on, la couverture

assurée par l’employeur peut comporter des limites ou des imperfec ons. C’est encore plus important quand on vient à Singapour en contrat local ou qu’on passe d’un statut d’expatrié à un contrat local. Un problème récurrent qui peut se révéler désastreux pour les intéressés est celui des frais médicaux quand ils dépassent les limites de l’assureur.

Il faut aussi se poser la ques on en termes d’opportunités.

Par exemple, il est intéressant, quand on est à Singapour, de souscrire une assurance-vie car elles coutent la moi é de leurs prix en Europe.

L’épargne, l’inves ssement et la transmission de patrimoine sont trois autres thèmes que vous couvrez. Y-a-t-il un seuil ou des moments par culiers pour s’y intéresser ?

Là encore, le besoin d’épargne varie selon les situa ons de chacun. Les objec fs peuvent être liés à la retraite, à l’éduca on des enfants, ou à un projet immobilier. Dans ce domaine comme dans le précédent il y a beaucoup de mécompréhensions. Nombreux sont ceux qui confondent épargne et bas de laine. Or dans un contexte comme celui de Singapour caractérisé par une infla on de l’ordre de 5%, une épargne qui n’est pas convenablement placée et qui ne rapporte rien est en réalité une épargne qui diminue.

Savez-vous que 90% des gens n’épargnent pas assez pour leur retraite ? Pour les gens qui vivent depuis longtemps à l’étranger, il y a un manque de transparence.

Les Français n’ont souvent aucune idée de ce qu’ils toucheront concrètement au moment où ils prendront leur retraite. Les Suisses, par contraste, en ont la plupart du temps une idée très précise.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

ADVERTORIAL

May 2015

Quels avantages le fait de vivre à Singapour présente-t-il pour ceux qui veulent se cons tuer une épargne ou inves r ?

Il y a de nombreuses et diverses raisons.

Bien sûr, le fait de vivre dans un pays différent implique de faire des choix et de se poser les bonnes ques ons quant au régime de retraite, aux couvertures santé que l’on va choisir. Ne pas avoir de sécurité sociale oblige à se cons tuer une épargne personnelle, par exemple avec sa propre caisse de pension. Il en est de même si l’on décide de se créer une retraite complémentaire.

Avec la situa on actuelle en France des régimes de retraites complémentaires qui est très préoccupante, c’est d’autant plus le moment d’y penser. En effet, le régime Arcco (complémentaire de tous les salariés du privé) pourrait ne plus avoir de réserves en 2027, alors que celles-ci s’élèvent actuellement à 55.4 milliards d’euros. Pire encore : l’Agirc (complémentaire des cadres) pourrait avoir épuisé les siennes (9 milliards d’euros) dès 2018.

Les taxes peu élevées, les assurancesvie moins chères, le package ‘’expat’’, ou tout simplement le fait de profiter d’être à l’étranger, sont autant d’autres raisons qui doivent vous encourager à cons tuer une épargne afin de bénéficier d’un tremplin financier.

Pour finir, Singapour présente l’avantage d’avoir un contrôle accru et une règlementa on très stricte de son marché financier. Tout est encadre par l’autorité monétaire (Monetary Authority of Singapore – MAS, l’équivalent de la Banque Centrale) et les conseillers sont personnellement responsables sur leurs biens des erreurs qu’ils comme ent. Cela est très sécurisant pour les inves sseurs.

Il est aussi important de souligner qu’à Singapour, en cas de décès et s’il n’y a pas de testament, les enfants se retrouvent automa quement mis sous tutelle par l’Etat.

Raison de plus pour nous rencontrer pour vous aider à vous prémunir de ce risque-là.

Globaleye

créée il y a 15 ans et possède aujourd’hui 17 bureaux dans le monde. A Singapour, Globaleye emploie un effec f de 35 personnes auxquelles s’ajoutent 10 autres collaborateurs basés à Kuala Lumpur.

Dans la mission de Globaleye, il y a le conseil et le souci d’éclairer le client, de lui faire prendre conscience des réalités.

Aucune banque, compagnie d’assurances ou d’inves ssements n’influence les solu ons que nous offrons. Nous avons accès à toutes les offres du marché. Cela est un véritable avantage pour nos clients qui reçoivent un conseil non biaisé et sur-mesure, adapté à leurs besoins.

Ce qui fait aussi notre force, c’est la compétence de nos conseillers financiers de connaitre parfaitement les spécificités et les probléma ques des francophones, grâce à une équipe qui leur est spécialement dédiée et qui les comprend bien.

La fiabilité, la confiance et le haut niveau de personnalisa on envers nos clients sont trois engagements essen els pour nous. Le bilan patrimonial complet, en amont des proposi ons de protec on, d’épargne ou d’inves ssement, permet d’établir et de proposer une recommanda on au client, qui lui perme ra d’avoir un diagnos c exhaus f de sa situa on financière et lui proposera des solu ons afin de l’op miser. Ce bilan patrimonial, ainsi que ce e recommanda on sont gratuits et n’engagent en rien le client.

Ce qui fait la valeur de notre approche et notre fierté, c’est d’être capables d’accompagner nos clients dans la durée, aux différentes étapes de leur existence, en les aidant à ajuster leurs priorités d’inves ssement en fonc on de l’évolu on de leur situa on.

Si vous aussi, vous voulez bénéficier d’un bilan financier complet et gratuit, contactez:

Marion Elisé Chargée de Clientèle +65 6632 8370 melise@globaleye.sg

Propos recueillis par Bertrand Fouquoire

Jeremy Grey

Quel support concret les personnes trouvent-elles auprès de Globaleye ?

Globaleye est l’un des leaders mondiaux dans le conseil financier aux expatriés et aux résidents interna onaux. La société a été

Directeur Adjoint +65 6632 8547 jgrey@globaleye.sg

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COVER STORY

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SG50

Some information from The French in Singapore - An Illustrated History (1819-today), courtesy of its authors Maxime Pilon and Danièle Weiler.

French Milestones in Singapore 1964 A UTA Douglas DC-8 lands at the civilian airport of Paya Lebar on June 1st, on his way to completing the world’s longest air route linking Paris to L.A. via Singapore, Noumea, and Tahiti (Unions des Transports Aériens merged with Air France, and Air Inter in 1990 to form Air France Group).

1968 First a Consul General, then a Chargé d’Affaires, Edouard Hutte becomes the first Ambassador of France to Singapore on November 23rd.

1976 Claude Blangero, founding father of the French Business Association (now FCCS), persuades the Monethary Authority of Singapore to feature the Concorde on the $20 note.

1977 Former Chief Minister of Singapore David Marshall becomes the first Singaporean Ambassador to France.

1972 The “Singapore Girl” term is coined when Singapore Airlines commissions French couturier Pierre Balmain to update the “Sarong Kebaya” to be worn by its flight attendants.

The world’s most famous cabaret, Moulin Rouge, performs in Singapore for the first time in March as part of Singapour je t’aime , a tribute from France to Singapore for its 50th anniversary.

2015 Scheduled to open in May, Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris is Singapore’s first French museum and the first Pinacothèque venue outside of Europe.

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COVER STORY

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SG50

May 2015

Trading History, from South America to Southeast Asia

By Hervé Simon, Group Marketing Director, Denis Asia Pacific From Asia, Denis Group manages, markets, and provides services to Asia and Europe, primarily in the production, import/export, and distribution of consumer food products under Ayam Brand, Duchef, Alce Nero, Richman, and Guinea’s Trade Marks. Its story started as early as the middle of the 19th century.

In 1862, Alphonse Denis, established the foundations for a trading and industrial empire, mostly based first in Indochina.

In 2012, the Denis Group rented the whole Singapore Old Parliament building to celebrate its 150th anniversary. More than 800 guests of 24 nationalities were invited to this historic event. It demonstrated how Singapore has become central to the group’s operations, even though the group’s history originated elsewhere.

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FROM SOUTH AMERICA TO SAIGON

In the 1970s, the revolutions in both locations seriously affected the whole company. Denis Group had to reinvent itself and it chose to do so mainly with Clouet Trading, a Singapore food manufacturing and trading company founded in 1892 and taken over by Denis Group in 1954.

Denis Group’s story started with the US civil war, when sea blockade put an end to Etienne Denis’s trading business with South America. The entrepreneurial deep-sea Captain decided to invest all his remaining wealth in a 227-tonne clipper called The Seagull, so his children could try to seek fortune in Southeast Asia.

They reached Saigon in 1862 and created the first Denis company there. The oldest three sons perished during the task, because of the difficult climate and the rough living conditions. But the fourth son, Alphonse Denis, established the foundations for a trading and industrial foundation

BOTTOM Three of the six limited-edition designs for Ayam Brand™ sardines, chosen from submissions from the public in celebration of Singapore’s 50th anniversary

empire, mostly based first in Indochina and later also in Madagascar.

GROWING IN SINGAPORE As the food business expanded and Singapore became Southeast Asia’s main hub, the group established its operational office in the Lion City. Today, through Denis Asia Pacific Pte Ltd holding, the group heads its imagery and nuclear medical business in Japan, its distribution business in the Indian Ocean, and its food manufacturing and marketing businesses in Asia.

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The group’s crown jewel is Ayam Brand™, famous for its consistently high standard of quality and its unique iconographic rooster design. Ayam Brand™ now produces about 60 million cans a year and these are distributed to more than 30 countries.

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS To celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary in 2015, Ayam Brand™ launched a limited edition of six designs of its most iconic product: the sardines in the oval can.

The beautiful designs have been chosen through a contest opened to all residents of Singapore. The illustrations depict the achievements of Singapore, the harmony in the multicultural society, and fond memories of Singapore National Service.

Today the seagull in the group’s logo refers to the name of the clipper that started the company’s adventure. Denis Group remains a fully family-owned company, with the fifth generation of shareholders presiding over its destiny. F

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COVER STORY

May 2015

SG50

Lights for Sights and Sites Interview with Pascal Petitjean, Managing Director, Partex International Partex deals with Airstar lighting balloons used for commercial events, exhibitions, emergency operations, road paving and mining, construction and civil works, and movie and TV shootings. In Singapore, the company has helped light up numerous events and landmarks.

Partex International Pte Ltd was established on July 17th 1993. At that time, I had already been in Singapore for more than five years, selling metallic poles for streets and stadium lighting.

Our interest in Singapore was to develop our Asia Pacific business and during that time Singapore was already the most efficient place to work from in the region.

HAS YOUR COMPANY NAME EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE? No, our name has remained the same for the past 22 years, although our customers sometimes refer to us as Airstar, which is the brand name of our core lighting balloons business.

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WHEN WAS PARTEX ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE HERE?

[In 1993] Singapore was already the most efficient place to work from in the region.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? In Singapore, we have notably provided 100 industrial lighting balloons for one year on the construction sites of Resorts World Sentosa as well as Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. We have also worked on the lighting of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix since 2008 with 600 lighting balloons and related products.

In the region, we have taken part in key events such as Hong Kong’s Handover in 1997, celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in Tiananmen Square in 1999, the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony in

2000, the Singapore Airlines inaugural Airbus A380 flight in 2007 and the ASEAN summits in Myanmar last year.

On the global stage, Airstar was commissioned to light the night shots of James Cameron’s Titanic in Rosarita Beach, Mexico, in 1996, providing moonlight as the Titanic appeared to sink.

The same effect was accomplished for the Pirates of Caribbean movie when Airstar was the sole source of lighting during the film’s mostly night shoots. F BOTTOM Airstar lighting balloons provided by Partex to light up Singapore’s Istana for garden parties

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COVER STORY

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SG50

May 2015

Singapore in Pictures and Words Interview with Didier Millet, Publisher, Editions Didier Millet Editions Didier Millet (EDM) publishes illustrated, general, and reference books, with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asia. These books distinguish themselves thanks to their design quality, and pictorial and editorial excellence, with many EDM projects showcasing Singapore’s history and identity.

WHEN WAS EDITIONS DIDIER MILLET ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE? WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE HERE? Editions Didier Millet (EDM) was established in 1990. I worked in Singapore from 1984 to 1988 for a company called Times Edition which, in those days, was part of the Straits Times group.

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I soon had the opportunity to embark on new book projects in Southeast Asia.

In 1989, I went back to France and started a new publishing company in Paris, but I soon had the opportunity to embark on new book projects in Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, of course. So I came back here and started EDM. As a foreigner, it was very easy to set up your own company in those days. It took me three hours to register EDM. This was exactly 25 years ago.

HAS YOUR COMPANY EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE TO TODAY? The 90s and the first part of years 2000 were the golden age of publishing in Southeast Asia, at least for us. With the emergence of digital publishing and the closing of many bookshops in the region, things have been much more difficult since 2008. It is the same for most traditional publishers everywhere in the world...

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? We have completed several major projects in collaboration with Singapore institutions such as the National Archives, the National Library Board, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, National Parks, the National University of Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Raffles Museum, and the National Museum.

Naturally, most of these projects showcase Singapore’s history and identity. They include Pictorial History of Singapore, Singapore Sketchbook, The Encyclopaedia of Singapore, Singapore Biodiversity, The Memoirs of SR Nathan (An unexpected Journey), and The Wit and Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew. Some time ago, we also published The French in Singapore, a book on the history of the French in Singapore, with help from the French Embassy and contributions from several French companies based here. F

FOCUS MAGAZINE

COVER STORY

May 2015

SG50

Singapore, Mobile and Moving

By Jean-Noel Quillet, Managing Director, Michelin Asia-Pacific, Société des Matières Premières Tropicales

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The Michelin Group established a natural rubber procurement entity in Singapore as early as 1948.

Ltd, also known as MAP, is the Finance and Treasury Centre for Asia Pacific.

Michelin Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd was established in 17 June 1997 as regional office in Singapore. Currently, it provides corporate functions for Asia-Pacific, mainly in the fields of accounting, finance, legal, and tax. Michelin Asia-Pacific Pte

With the mission to bring better mobility to Singapore, Michelin has been present in Singapore since 1948 as Société d’Export Michelin (SEM) and Michelin Asia (Singapore) Co. Pte Ltd was established on 22 December 1989.

Our partner, Chin Seng Hin Pte Ltd, has been importing and distributing Michelin

tyres since 1927 and was officially appointed as a Michelin authorised distributor in Singapore in 1967.

The Michelin Group established a natural rubber procurement entity in Singapore as early as 1948. It became a Singaporean registered company named Société des Matières Premières Tropicales Pte Ltd (SMPT) in June 1992. SMPT’s main activity involves natural rubber trading and purchasing. F

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May 2015

France Is in the Air Interview wih Matthieu Tetaud, Commercial Director for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia & Brunei, Air France KLM Air France KLM is a global leader in each of its three businesses: passenger transportation, cargo transportation and aeronautics maintenance. The Group is recognised as the sustainable development leader in the air transport sector. From Singapore, Air France offers daily flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle and daily flights between Singapore and Jakarta operated with Boeing B-777-300 aircraft, while KLM offers daily flights between Singapore and Denpasar, Bali.

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In November 1949, Air France flew between Saigon and Singapore once a week, with tickets issued at 66 The Arcade at Raffles Place.

On January 12th 1990, Air France, Union des Transports Aériens (UTA) French Airlines and Air Inter merged to form one of the world’s largest air transport groups, the Air France Group.

WHEN WAS AIR FRANCE FIRST ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE AND HOW HAVE YOUR COMPANY AND ITS NAME EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE? In the first half of the 20th century, France was present in the air transport industry in the form of two different entities.

Air France was established in October 1933 from a merger between Air Orient, Air Union, Compagnie Générale Aéropostale, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne (CIDNA) and Société Générale des Transports Aériens (SGTA).

Transports Aériens Intercontinentaux (TAI), established in 1946, flew from Paris to Indochina in the early 1950s and merged with Union des Transports Aériens (UTA) and Union Aéromaritime de Transports (UAT) in 1963.

In November 1949, Air France flew between Saigon and Singapore once a week, with tickets issued at 66 The Arcade at Raffles Place. Thanks to the purchase of 24 Caravelles, which could carry up to 90 passengers, flights later increased to five per week to Australia and Tahiti via Bangkok, Rangoon, or Saigon. An order for 17 Boeing 707 in 1959 would serve Far Eastern routes, including Malaya and Singapore.

In 1993, UTA became Air France in Singapore.

WHAT ARE SOME OF UTA’S KEY MILESTONES IN SINGAPORE BEFORE IT MERGED WITH AIR FRANCE? UTA had a number of firsts in Singapore.

On October 26th 1964, UTA introduced services via Singapore to Australia, which extended to Darwin-Sydney-Noumea and Tahiti. UTA’s DC 8 jets started flying directly from Paris to Singapore on June 15th 1965, with a total flight time of only 11 hours and 35 minutes. In May 1973, UTA debuted its first airline commercial DC10 to Singapore and ten years later in 1983, UTA introduced the B747-300 in Singapore.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF AIR FRANCE KLM’S RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SINGAPORE AND THE REGION? In November 2014, Air France presented the La Premiere suite in the Singapore Flyer and recreated the luxury experience of ‘France in the Air’ without leaving Singapore: a limo picked you up outside your office and took you to the Flyer, where you boarded the La Première suite and experienced flying La Premiere with the same space, same dining, same entertainment, and same service.

We now have four La Première suites on board Air France flights between Paris, Singapore, and Jakarta. F

TOP A UTA carrier BOTTOM The new La Première suite, available on board flights between Paris, Singapore, and Jakarta

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SG50

Singapore by Design Interview with Jacky Deromedi, Managing Director, APRIM Interior Design APRIM pioneered interior design with a French touch in Singapore 25 years ago. Jacky Deromedi, its founder and Managing Director, tells us about the company’s journey.

APRIM was established in Singapore in 1989. Singapore was one of the four Asian Tigers with exceptional growth rate and economic perspectives. Aside from that, the Lion City also offered: • An extremely stable political environment; • A clear priority given by the government on economic growth fostering entrepreneurship; • Great perspectives for French designers as none was present in Singapore and the overall offer for design and build services was very limited.

Twenty-five years on, we still think that Singapore was the smartest choice to establish the company. The government kept its promises and even went beyond.

On top of purely economic considerations, the overall environment has had a significant positive impact. The city remains one of the safest place to live in, with excellent infrastructure and is conveniently located within Southeast Asia.

HOW HAVE YOUR COMPANY AND ITS NAME EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE TO TODAY? When APRIM was first launched in Singapore, we were handling all kinds of design and architectural projects. One of our early projects was the recognisable roof of the Marriott Hotel. Considering the particularity of corporate lease in Singapore, the company quickly decided to focus on interior design services for corporate projects. That is when we added “Interior Design” to our root APRIM. Aside from this minor change, we have not modified the company’s name and we will probably not do it again. Indeed, we believe that our longevity here in Singapore is one of our strengths. The

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When APRIM was first launched in Singapore, we were handling all kinds of design and architectural projects.

particularity of our activity is that we follow our clients over the years as they experience punctual needs. Decision makers are often expatriates who relocate every three or four years. Our name has a strong DNA that help keep our clients loyal.

Over 25 years we have built the reputation of our company, never compromising on our standards. The name APRIM now refers to client service, timeliness, and quality of execution.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? Having been here for more than 25 years, we have had the opportunity to work on many different corporate projects, from the design of a boutique hotel in Vietnam to OTIS’ office relocation with a high-tech data centre or the design and construction

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WHEN WAS APRIM ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE IN SINGAPORE?

of TECHNIP’s 22,000-m2 headquarter in Kuala Lumpur.

We have helped many companies set up their offices in Singapore, including Thales, with whom we have been collaborating since 1998, working on major relocations and attending to minor changes and maintenance requests.

We also create new design concepts from scratch, as we have managed for FRESH+ salad bars. We are delighted to see the success of this entrepreneur and follow him in his development. La Cure Gourmande, which is opening this year in Takashimaya, is another very exciting project we are currently working on using extremely refined finishes and craftwork. F TOP Shiseido’s office designed by the APRIM Interior Design team

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May 2015

Singapore’s First French Bank

By Pierre Finas, Senior Country Officer, Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia, Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB) Singapore’s first French banking entity, Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB) is a major international corporate and investment bank that provides solution-driven corporate and investment banking products and services.

Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB) established its presence over a century ago through Banque de l’Indochine, the first French bank in Singapore. It operated as a financier to Chinese and Western firms trading in Southeast Asia. Since 1905, the bank has retained the patronage of

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Crédit Agricole CIB established its presence in 1905 as the first French bank in Singapore.

many important trading houses as well as prominent Singaporean businessmen such as Dr Lim Boon Keng, Tan Boon Liat, owner of the Rattan Trading Company, and Chew Joo Chiat, a rich land owner and road builder.

developing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. With the bank’s focus to support government agencies, supra-nationals, and corporates, we continue to see many opportunities to finance development projects from Singapore.

GROWTH AND EVOVLING IDENTITY The bank reopened after World War II and, in the 1960s, expanded its activities to include new financial services for the local industries. In 1975, Banque de l’Indochine merged with Banque de Suez et de l’Union des Mines and subsequently shortened its name to Banque Indosuez in 1981. Singapore was later chosen as its Asian regional headquarters.

In 1996, Crédit Agricole, the largest bank in France acquired Banque Indosuez to form Crédit Agricole Indosuez.

Subsequently in 2004, Crédit Agricole Indosuez merged with Crédit Lyonnais’ Corporate and Investment Banking division (which became a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole since 2003) to form Calyon Bank. The division was finally rebranded as Crédit Agricole CIB in 2010.

STEADY OPPORTUNITIES IN A FINANCING HUB The policy move by the government to develop Singapore’s financial sector and position the country as a regional financial centre has opened many doors for Crédit Agricole CIB. The bank was able to finance much of the local and regional growth by, for example, facilitating trade, building of infrastructure, and corporate financing.

As such, Singapore continues to be a vital financing hub for the region especially in

LANDMARK PROJECTS IN SINGAPORE Crédit Agricole CIB has been instrumental in the financing of various centerpiece landmarks, supporting Singapore’s vision to be a vibrant and global city of the 21st century.

Marina Bay Sands, a SGD5.4-billion development and Singapore’s premier integrated resort, was financed in 2007 with the bank-appointed Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA). Even today, the deal is still historically the largest debt raised in the bank loan market. The bank was also appointed MLA in the financing of Asia Square Towers 1 & 2, the bestin-class Grade A office buildings in Singapore’s Central Business District, currently valued at SGD3.5 billion and SGD2.3 billion respectively. Last but not least, the bank participated as MLA and documentation bank in the SGD1.5-billion financing of the Sports Hub in 2010, a new 55,000 capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof, which is the largest free-spanning structure in the world. At the close of the deal, the project was the largest sports Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the world. F THIS PAGE Banque de l’Indochine at French Bank Building, 6 d’Almeida Street (1912-1959) (top), then at Afro-Asia Building, Robinson Road (1959-1975) (middle), and Crédit Agricole CIB’s current location at Capital Tower (bottom)

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Enabling Singapore’s Industries for Over a Century

By Kazuyuki Sakata, Managing Director, SOXAL SOXAL provides the essential gas infrastructure, equipment and gases to the assortment of industries, including electronics, petrochemicals, chemicals, aviation, marine, biomedical, pharmaceutical, environment and healthcare.

In Singapore, it operates in 22 locations, making it the largest industrial and medical gas provider in Southeast Asia.

SUPPORTING SINGAPORE’S MODERNISATION THROUGH GAS SUPPLY The late 19th century marked a time in history that abounded with innovation and revolutionary changes. In 1902, two visionaries of their time, Georges Claude and Paul Delorme, founded Air Liquide in France, the company that would not only revolutionise but pervade every facet of today’s industries.

With much foresight, global expansion and exploration followed, leading to the start of the group’s operations in Singapore in August 1911, operating under the name of Far East Oxygen & Acetylene Co. Ltd. As Singapore developed, so did Air Liquide’s commitment and investment into

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As Singapore developed, so did Air Liquide’s commitment and investment into the country to support its development.

the country to support its development.

This became increasingly apparent as manufacturing in Singapore evolved from the labour-intensive 1960s, to greater sophistication in the 1970s, attracting companies specialised in assembling computer parts and peripherals. This had broad repercussions for Air Liquide as the rising demand for gases that came along with the emergence of this industry led to two significant developments.

Firstly, the rapid industrialisation and modernisation programme led to the need for a more robust supply chain to meet

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its needs. Hence in 1975, Air Liquide’s Far East Oxygen & Acetylene Co Ltd and British Oxygen Corporation’s Singapore Oxygen decided to form a joint venture, and Singapore Oxygen Air Liquide Private Limited (SOXAL) was formed.

Secondly, there was a sudden uptick in the need for larger quantities of bulk and liquid nitrogen, as well as gas mixtures and special gases. This led to the construction of its first Specialty Gas facility in 1978, shortly followed by its investment into its first Air Separation Unit in 1980.

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SUPPLYING GAS TO IT, CHEMICAL, AND PETROCHMICAL PLAYERS By the 1980s, recognising the potential of a growing information technology industry, Singapore began to attract companies to set up wafer fabrication plants in Singapore (a wafer is a slice of semiconductor material used in electronics). The effort was a major success and the first wafer fabrication plant was set up in 1984, followed by 18 others in subsequent years.

The importance of reliability and purity of the gas supply meant that SOXAL had to develop a reliable engineering system that could convey gases into the manufacturing process without interruptions.

Through this, the concept of Total Gas Management devised by Air Liquide was introduced to this industry, with SOXAL managing the entire gas supply chain, leaving the customer free to focus on their own business.

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The 1990s saw another dramatic transition of another industry when Singapore embarked on the ambitious plan to reclaim waters around seven islands to form what is today known as Jurong Island.

The development and success of the petrochemical and chemical industry have allowed SOXAL to develop a critical mass of activities on the island, growing its production capacity more than 30fold since its first modern gas production facility in 1980.

The end of reclamation works in 2009 also brought a flurry of activity with the construction of the first renewable diesel plant in Singapore. Its requirements led SOXAL to build a world-scale hydrogen production plant in Singapore, using steam methane technology. This plant is the largest plant in Southeast Asia. A 40-kilometre hydrogen pipeline was also built to connect the plant in Jurong Island to the renewable diesel plant in Jurong Industrial Estate.

SOXAL TODAY AND BEYOND The permeation of many other industries in Singapore today means that SOXAL also supplies gases to many other industries.

In 2007, Air Liquide acquired SOXAL, which was the catalyst to new developments in Jurong Island, including the aforementioned hydrogen production plant, and new air separation units that began operations in 2009 and 2013. 2013 also saw the introduction of the innovative best energy plants installed for the electronic industry.

SOXAL is tightly woven into the fabric of Singapore’s manufacturing industry, having supported industries here for over 100 years. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to another 100 years of skillful needlework that will see us even more tightly bound and linked. F OPPOSITE PAGE Air Separation Unit Megahub in Jurong Island, built

by SOXAL (Air Liquide)

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Leading the Semiconductor Industry Interview with François Guibert, Executive VP & President, Greater China & South Asia Region, STMicroelectronics ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people’s life.

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STMicroelectronics’ first back-end plant in Asia was established in Singapore in 1969 in Boon Keng.

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ST thus cemented its position as a major industry player in Asia Pacific, the fastestgrowing semiconductor market in the world.

HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE TO TODAY?

WHEN WAS ST ESTABLISHED HERE AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE IN SINGAPORE? ST’s first back-end plant in Asia was established in Singapore in 1969 in Boon Keng. It later moved to Toa Payoh where it still stands today. At that time, the semiconductor industry in Singapore was somewhat unchartered territory and we could not have foreseen that ST was about to kick-start Singapore’s new engine of growth.

Singapore was mature, with knowledge and infrastructure, and armed with a keen ability to provide technical support. The back-end plant in Singapore was ideal for mechanisation, which brought with it quality, lower cycle time, productivity, and better service. Today, the little red dot has become the world’s second largest wafer fab centre accounting for: • 1 out of 10 wafer starts in the world; • 14 silicon wafer fabrication plants including the world’s top three wafer foundries; • 20 semiconductor assembly and test operations including three of the world’s top six outsourced semiconductor assembly and test companies; • 15 of the world’s top 25 fabless semiconductor companies and close to 40 IC design companies.

Formerly known as SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, SGS-Thomson was incorporated in Europe in 1987 following the merger of Thomson Semiconducteurs in France and SGS Microelecttronica in Italy. In 1998, it was renamed to STMicroelectronics. It has been publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: STM) and Euronext Paris since 1994, and the Borsa Italiana since 1998.

ST was the first semiconductor company to invest and set up both a wafer fab and an IC design centre in Asia, located since 1984 at the STMicroelectronics Techno Park in Ang Mo Kio. It took the

unprecedented and daunting step of making a major investment in a hightech manufacturing process as well as IC design, something that had never been done before locally. Indeed, there was no existing wafer fabrication industry in Singapore then, and many important components were non-existent: expertise to manage and run a wafer fab, industry professionals, supporting industries and suppliers, a smooth, uninterrupted electrical power supply, and large quantities of clean water. Still, ST went ahead as the company sought to be close to its customers in Asia.

At the same time, Singapore started investing in equipping and preparing its workforce with the necessary knowledge and know-how for the booming job market, including in electronics and services.

The pro-business growth policies implemented by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the government helped

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partnership with the union and government agencies, ST has upskilled and reskilled existing workers, including mature workers, for higher value-added jobs within the company in Singapore to enhance workers’ employability, minimise job losses and improve workers’ earning prospects. speed up ST’s expansion and confidence in the region. The EDB further supported ST in recruiting talent, subsidising the cost of training them overseas – production operators were sent to Europe to be trained. All was not smooth-sailing as we had to ride out the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, and the Semiconductor Crisis of 2009.

Despite the volatility of the electronics sector, ST remained committed to the Tripartite Partnership. Working in

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? Our wafer fabrication operations at the Technopark have grown into the company’s largest wafer-fabrication site by volume, and contribute to Singapore’s top-five status in the world in terms of wafer fabrication capacity. ST’s stateof-the-art design activities in Singapore have also generated more than 450 patent filings to date. BHQ status was also conferred to the Singapore office in 1994. This underlined the reliability of

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Singapore’s infrastructure and potential to become a world-class investment hub for companies looking to conduct and expand their global businesses. In this context, ST’s commitment to sustainable excellence has been acknowledged by several awards, including the Singapore Quality Award in 1999, the Distinguished Partner in Progress in 2000, and the President’s Award for the Environment in 2009.

In the last 46 years, Singapore has served as the springboard for ST’s expansion in Asia, utilising the management and technical expertise accumulated here to set up operations in all of the major markets of the region. F

OPPOSITE PAGE François Guibert, Executive VP & President, Greater China & South Asia Region (top); ST’s Business HQ in Ang Mo Kio (bottom) THIS PAGE Singapore’s very first wafer fabrication plant back in 1984

life.augmented is our contribution to people’s lives ST is a world leader in providing semiconductor solutions that make a positive contribution to people’s lives, both today and in the future.

For more information, please visit www.st.com

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Flying the French Food Flag Interview with Philippe Pau, Director, Bistro du Vin Philippe Pau arrived in Singapore in January 1997. He has been involved in French cuisine through leading positions for a wide range of food establishments. He received the Best Restaurant Manager title at the Singapore World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence in 2001, 2004, and 2011. He has had the privilege of serving Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his family, meeting and serving Prince Albert II of Monaco, and catering for numerous Ambassadors and celebrities. He has also been part of countless celebrations, including many involving French companies like Bachy Soletanche and Dragages amongst others.

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many French restaurants in hotels closed down and more stand-alone restaurants opened.

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Marco Polo Restaurant and L’Aigle d’Or at the Duxton Hotel – the only Relais & Chateau in Southeast Asia at the time.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SETTLE IN SINGAPORE? WHEN DID YOU ARRIVE? Since young I was always attracted by Asia: some of my older family members were posted in what was called Indochina as part of the then “Colonial Army” and I remember hearing their stories, looking at old photographs, sampling dishes heavily influenced by Asian flavours. After the departure of the US from Vietnam, France welcomed a lot of refugees. My mother was involved in a centre and we became close friend with a few families who later invited us to their homes where they shared with us authentic Vietnamese dishes as well as stories and memories from their home country. All this created a desire for me to live in the region.

I was offered job at the Duxton Hotel in charge of L’Aigle d’Or Restaurant in January 1997 after having lived and worked in France, Switzerland, England, Dubai, and the Seychelles.

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS FRENCH ESTABLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE WORKED AT? Over the last 18 years, I’ve worked in quite a few establishments including L’Aigle d’Or at Duxton Hotel, Saint Pierre in

Central Mall, Coq & Bull at Greenwood Avenue, Absinthe Restaurant at Bukit Pasoh Road, and Bistro du Vin and Au Jardin. I also set up the Les Amis Catering department and ran it for over three years, offering mainly French food.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EVOLUTION OF THE FRENCH F&B LANDSCAPE IN THE LAST 20 YEARS? When I first arrived here, most French restaurants were still based within hotels, with a few exceptions. These included Les Amis, which opened in 1994 and was the first stand-alone French fine dining establishment. Another was the first French hawker stand to serve traditional French cuisine, which was set up by Chef Bernard Sautereau in Tanjong Pagar before he opened La Cascade in Ang Siang Hill.

Other early names include Le Saxophone in Cuppage Terrace, Vis-à-Vis opened by Jeremy Choo in 1992, The Raffles Grill, Latour at the Shangri-La Hotel, Maxim’s at the Regent Hotel, La Brasserie at the

Somehow in the late 1990s and early 2000s, many French restaurants in hotels closed down in favour of more casual concepts and, at the same time, more stand-alone restaurants opened: among others, Saint Pierre, Saint Julien, Gunther, Salut restaurant, and Petit Salut all offered a very high quality of food in a more convivial and contemporary setting.

Then came the French bistros with L’Angelus in Club Street and The French Stall (now ‘TFS’) as two of the precursors, followed over the last few years by a flurry of openings: Bistro du Sommelier, Bistro du Vin, Brasserie Gavroche, Balzac Brasserie, Taratata Bistro, Maison Fatien, l’Entrecote and many others.

Today, Singaporeans see that French food is not just for the lucky few. True French food is about conviviality, comfort, generosity, all packed with flavours. Just as Italian food has succeeded in being accepted and enjoyed by pretty much every country, French food is slowly gaining market shares and gaining more supporters. Even students now support French food through fusion restaurants like Saveur, while the heartlanders often visit restaurants like Poulet. F LEFT Philippe Pau, Director at Bistro du Vin RIGHT Bistro du Vin at Shaw House

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Procuring Key Players in the Oil & Gas and Aeronautic Industries Interview with Didier Grataloup, Managing Director, CW Singapore CW Singapore handles procurement and logistics services for companies in the Oil & Gas, petrochemicals, and construction industries, including market information, inspection, expediting and financial mechanism. It also provides OEM parts, GSE, airport equipment and repair stations capabilities to key players in the aeronautic industry, such as Boeing and Airbus. CW is the representative office in Singapore and Malaysia of HAROPA, Grand Port Maritime du Havre.

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It was vital to establish a procurement and logistic company in Singapore, already a big “industrial supermarket” then.

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WHEN WAS CW SINGAPORE PTE LTD ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE IN SINGAPORE? CW Singapore Pte Ltd was activated in Singapore in 1982.

At the time, we were securing contracts from Indonesia to procure construction material, equipment and spares to various French civil contractors (including Dumez, Technip, Spie Batignolle, SAE, and Sainrapt et Brice) and sourcing of these items in Indonesia was difficult due to high import taxes and poor facilities.

Communication was a nightmare.

It was therefore vital to establish a procurement and logistic company in Singapore, already a big “industrial supermarket” then, as well as a logistic platform with state-of-the-art telecommunications, which, at that time, meant having proper telephone and telex lines. Emails were, of course, nonexistent and even fax machines appeared a few years later, at astronomical prices.

I acquired mine in 1986 and could only communicate with one client in Indonesia... It was the time when local calls were absolutely free of charge throughout the whole of Singapore, a revolution for us coming from France or Indonesia!

We were also eyeing the future MRT and HDB projects where French companies were quite successfully active like Campenon Bernard, SAE, and GTM. HAS YOUR COMPANY NAME EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE TO TODAY? No, our name has been CW Singapore Pte Ltd since our incorporation. I am often asked “what does CW mean?” I

jokingly reply that for our clients it means “Connected Worldwide”, for our bankers “Cash and Wealth”, and for our employees “Care and Worry”, but it could simply means “Charlie Wong”...

In fact, I have no idea. We bought this company “over the shelf” at a lawyer’s practice and activated it within 24 hours as we needed a legal entity to place our orders with suppliers and invoice our clients. That is yet another example of the pro-business environment that was already an integral part of Singapore.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? Like many companies based in Singapore, our main market is not Singapore but rather regional markets like Southeast and Central Asia. However, some key projects were successfully completed in Singapore over the years...

For our Oil & Gas department: • Natural gas onshore receiving facility in

Jurong island for Sembcorp Gas Pte Ltd (2010-2011); • Natural gas onshore receiving facility for Keppel Energy (2006-2007); • Natural gas ultrasonic metering system with separators, analyser and odoriser for Keppel Gas Pte Ltd (2005-2006); • Natural gas onshore receiving facility for SENOKO power station (2002-2003).

For our Airport division: • Check-in islands and immigration counters for Changi Airport Terminal 1 (2001-2002); • Check-in islands and immigration counters for Changi Airport Terminal 3 (2005-2008); • Photometric calibration of Changi and Seletar Airports airfield lightings. F LEFT Natural onshore gas receiving facility in Jurong island for Sembcorp Gas, with materials and equipment procured by CW Singapore RIGHT Check-in islands and immigration counters at Changi Airport Terminal 1 supplied in 2001 and 2002 by CW Singapore

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Water Management for the Industries Interview with Jean-Philippe Filhol, CEO, Asia Industrial, Veolia Water Technologies Veolia group is the global leader in optimised resource management. Veolia Water Technologies provides a full range of services required to design, build, maintain and operate water and wastewater treatment facilities and systems for industrial clients and public authorities.

WHEN WAS VEOLIA WATER TECHNOLOGIES ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE? Veolia Water Technologies has been present in Asia for the past 30 years. To support the development of our industrial activities, we employ more than 600 people in the region with a network of 12 offices in 7 countries giving our partners close access to a pool of experts.

HAS YOUR COMPANY NAME EVOLVED FROM ITS FIRST YEAR HERE TO TODAY? Our name has evolved along with the changes in our corporate name at HQ level. In 2014, it changed from ‘Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies (SEA) Pte. Ltd.’ to ‘Veolia Water Technologies (SEA) Pte. Ltd.’ WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? ‘In Singapore, Veolia Water Technologies is mainly focused on industrial projects that require the processing, treatment, and reclamation of water and wastewater

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A reliable and constant supply of quality water is crucial for the pharmaceutical and microelectronics industries.

for the pharmaceutical, microelectronics as well as chemical processing and oil & gas industries.

Veolia oversees the production of purified water, WFI (Water for Injection, which is highly purified water), and pyrogen-free water to international pharmaceutical standards, a process widely considered as critical in the industry. Similarly, a reliable and constant supply of quality water is crucial for the microelectronics industry.

One of Veolia’s emblematic projects in Singapore is the Kranji NEWater plant, which combines continuous microfiltration technology with reverse osmosis and UV to produce high-purity water from secondary effluent that meets WHO water quality guidelines. The bulk of the water is currently being used

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by microelectronics wafer fabrication factories. A small portion of the water is being released into raw reservoir water for indirect Potable Use (IPU).

This year, Veolia launched the new Orion, a purified water treatment system for the pharmaceutical, healthcare (including generic drugs), and biotechnology markets. Looking to the future, we will continue providing industries with innovative solutions, such as the Evaled, our range of evaporators for industrial waste water treatment. F

LEFT Reverse osmosis skids, used in the first phase of the water purification process RIGHT The new Orion purified water treatment system

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May 2015

A Toast to Singapore Interview with Yann Soenen, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Singapore The co-leader in wine and spirits worldwide, Pernod Ricard has a comprehensive portfolio of international premium brands, driving the group’s growth.

WHEN WAS PERNOD RICARD ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE? We first had a representative office and were officially incorporated on 28 July 1989 as a full-fledged company under the name of PRASIA Distribution Pte Ltd. HAS YOUR COMPANY NAME EVOLVED SINCE THEN? Yes. The name was changed to Perising Pte Ltd on 29 April 1997. Peri stands for Pernod Ricard, and Sing for Singapore.

Subsequently, the name was changed to Pernod Ricard Singapore Pte Ltd on 1 April 2002 after the acquisition of Seagram.

HOW HAS ASIA BECOME THE MAIN MARKET FOR PERNOD RICARD? Economic growth in Asia and the market’s expanding tastes for luxury and lifestyle have helped to propel Pernod Ricard in the

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The Martell house has contributed to the development of the artistic talents in Singapore by initiating the annual Icon de Martell photography competition.

region. Our offering of a comprehensive portfolio of international premium brands is integral to driving the group’s growth in the region. In addition, its strategy of creating value through a systemic policy of premiumisation, or upscaling its brands, is at the heart of the group’s longterm vision.

WHAT ROLE HAS SINGAPORE HAD IN THIS PARTICULAR MARKET? WHY? Pernod Ricard drives premiumisation with variants such as Martell Cordon Bleu, Chivas Regal 18YO, Absolut Elyx, The Glenlivet range, and Perrier Jouet, thus adding greater value to the on-trade

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business in Singapore. We will continue to invest through our brands in developing lasting relationships with our customers.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? In the past 13 years, Pernod Ricard Singapore has developed to become the leading wines and spirits supplier in Singapore with iconic brands such as Martell Cognac, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, Absolut Vodka, G.H.Mumm and Perrier-Jouet Champagnes, and The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky.

The Martell house has contributed to the development of the artistic talents in Singapore by initiating the annual Icon de Martell photography competition five years ago, which honours every year the best Singaporean photographers.

Since 2008, the G.H.Mumm Champagne house has supported the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix and helped make it a strong international event.

More recently, Perrier-Jouet Champagne House has been a key partner of Singapore Art Fair, a new exhibition that reinforces the importance of Singapore in the regional artistic scene. F

TOP Pernod Ricard has been a partner of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2008 BOTTOM Pernod Ricard started the annual Icon de Martell photography competition in 2010 to honour Singapore’s best photographers

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Ensuring Safety, Mobility and Security in Singapore for over Four Decades Interview with Jean-Noel Stock, CEO, Thales in Singapore Thales in Singapore partners key players in the aerospace, defence, security and transportation sectors.

Thales has been established in Singapore for over 40 years when the first Representation Office for THOMSONCSF was opened in 1973. Today, it employs more than 600 people involved in aerospace, defence, security, and transportation. From Singapore, we support airlines in Asia Pacific as well as security and transportation projects in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Thales saw the potential to build up our industrial capability in avionics production and MRO here in Singapore in order to support the expansion of the Airbus fleet in the region.

Thales also contributed our knowhow and competencies to supporting Singapore in its nation-building efforts, developing and securing critical infrastructure. In both security and transportation, we have now attained a regional footprint and support projects beyond these shores. In addition, Singapore has been an ideal platform for localising our technologies and Thales Research & Technology Singapore (TRTSG) was set up with Centres of Excellence (CoE) in radars, naval drones and most recently space.

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From Singapore, Thales supports airlines in Asia Pacific and security and transportation projects in Southeast Asia and beyond.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN SINGAPORE? In Singapore, Thales has deployed advanced systems in the fields of security and transportation, which are critical elements of Smart Cities of the future.

Thales has also been developing leadingedge technologies with its research arms DSO National Laboratories and Future Systems & Technology Directorate. In addition, Thales is working in partnership with Singapore Technologies to develop naval drone systems. In 2013, Thales delivered the world’s most advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, LORADS III, marking a generational shift in ATM technology and playing a critical role in enabling the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to manage significant future air traffic growth in a safer, more

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WHEN WAS THALES ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DID YOU SEE IN HERE?

efficient and environmentally-friendly way. In security, Thales has been working with the Ministry of Home Affairs since 1995, having been awarded significant contracts by Police Coast Guards for the delivery of Command and Control Systems, which were then upgraded in 2005, and in 1997 by ST Electronics to provide fully integrated Command and Control Systems for both the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

In the field of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Thales also delivered airport apron surveillance systems to Changi Airport and security camera system to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for SMRT. In transportation, Thales provided the LTA with revenue collection systems for the Downtown, North-East and Circle lines. Thales also provided the Operation Control Centre for the North-East Line.

Since 2012, Thales has been working on a major resignalling upgrade for the NorthSouth and East-West Lines to improve the system performance and for the new Tuas West Extension. F TOP Thales markets that include aerospace, space, ground transportation, defence, and security BOTTOM Thales in Singapore

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French Connections Since the city-state’s independence in 1965, Singapore and France have enjoyed healthy diplomatic and economic relations. Singaporeans’ love affair with everything French is also still going strong today, partly thanks to the work and offerings of key French institutions. We find out more from them.

The Language with a Certain Je ne Sais Quoi...

Interview with Claire-Lise Dautry, Executive Director, Alliance française de Singapour

WHEN WAS THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE? Alliance française de Singapour (AF) is a registered non-profit organisation founded in September 1949 by a group of French-speaking residents comprising 20 students and 50 members.

HOW HAS AF EVOLVED, FROM BRANDING FRENCH SAVOIR-FAIRE TO SPREADING THE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN THE CITY-STATE? The first director of courses arrived from France in 1953.

In 1956, the AF moved to Battery Road – with two classrooms and a library/bar for

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Alliance française has taught generations of Singaporeans.

100 students – and to a colonial bungalow in Chatsworth Road in 1960.

In the early 1960s, a team of teachers arrived from France, professionalisation continued and cultural dimension strengthened with a cinema opening.

In the following decade, Alliance française moved several times and expanded its offer: classes for children, Business French, media library and gallery openings, and launch of Le Lien magazine. In 1987, the Alliance identified its current site at Sarkies Road.

several

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE ALLIANCE’S KEY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE? Alliance française has taught several generations of Singaporeans, some of whom send their children or grandchildren to discover the French language and culture, and contribute to creating a perennial French spirit in Singapore. Alliance française is also an exam centre and works closely with the French and francophone institutions to nurture this interest for French culture and language. F

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Learning and Teaching à la Française

By Bernard Pujol, Principal, and Axel Foucault, President of the Executive Commitee, Lycée Français de Singapour

In 1967, the then Ecole Française de Singapour (the Singapore French school, pictured here) was created with just 15 students and managed by a parents’ association.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS AND ASSOCIATION TO THE AEFE

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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

In 1967, the then Ecole Française de Singapour was created with just 15 students.

The school fits perfectly into the dynamics and excellence of the country, opening up to the city-state as well as the European and French-speaking communities. This should reassure prospective companies looking to establish operations in Sin-

gapore with their managers and their families, as the excellence of the French School of Singapore is available to all and allows all enrolled pupils to develop their full potentials, be they academic or personal. F

In 1980, French companies brought the necessary funds to finance the new French School of Singapore in Bukit Tinggi, which became a private company and a “charity” – today, it is the most affordable international school in Singapore. Since then, it has continued to grow, doubling its numbers every 10 years, to reach around 2,550 students today.

In 1990, the Lycée Français de Singapour (LFS) joined the AEFE (Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger), the largest network for French education abroad. With 494 institutions and more than 330,000 students worldwide, it is the largest education network in the world.

EXPANDING TO WELCOME EVERINCREASING FRENCH ARRIVALS The LFS, currently in full expansion, could accommodate up to 4,500 students in the third phase by 2025.

A French Base for Newcomers to Singapore Interview with Geneviève Groslière, President, Association Française de Singapour

The Association Française de Singapour AFS (French Association of Singapour) was first established in 1975.

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WHEN WAS THE AFS ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE ?

The French Association of Singapour was first established in 1975.

HOW HAS THE AFS EVOLVED TO TODAY?

mers to help them settle down and make the transition easier. We had more than 600 activities for the year 2014 with more than 120 volunteers.

AFS welcomes newcomers in Singapore and provides them with entertainment options. We are organised in six sectors so that we can be nearer to the newco-

Some of our activities include weekly visits and various events geared towards culture, youth and family, sports, and mothers and babies.

For two years now, our Young Expatriates in Singapour group has entertained the young professionals with after-work meet-ups and sports competitions. We try to be as close as possible to our members: for the past year, we have had AFS Pro, a group that helps newcomers settle into their new professional environments and make the most of them. F

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COVER STORY

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SG50

May 2015

30 Years of Partnership with Singapore

By Ludwig Reichhold, Managing Director, Dragages Singapore, a member of Bouygues Construction Group Dragages Singapore is a construction partner on many high-profile projects in Singapore and the region.

Dragages Singapore is a leading engineering and construction firm in Southeast Asia and a member of Bouygues Construction, one of the foremost construction groups in the world. The company was originally set up in Singapore in 1984 to build Newton MRT station.

Singapore has always been a very dynamic and challenging market, where clients and public authorities are open to new products and technologies, as well as very demanding in terms of quality and sustainable development. As a result of a fruitful and long-term partnership with the Singaporean authorities, all recent Dragages projects have reached more than 90% in the government’s CONQUAS quality assessment scale and are certified under the Green Mark scheme.

TAKING PART IN SINGAPORE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT Dragages has completed a number of prestigious projects in Singapore, among them the Ritz Carlton hotel in 1996, the Fullerton Building’s transformation into a 5-star hotel in 2000, and numerous high-end residential developments such as The Sail @ Marina Bay (2008), Scotts Highpark (2008), Cube8 and 368 Thomson (2014), Sculptura@Ardmore Park (2015) as well as Quayside W Residences (2011) and Cape Royal (2014) in Sentosa. One of Dragages’ key projects is the Singapore Sports Hub. Part of a private-public

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The dome of the National Stadium is the largest free-span structure in the world.

partnership (PPP) agreement signed with the Singapore Sports Council, the contract covers the financing, design, construction, and operation of the facility for the next 25 years.

THE SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB The Sports Hub is the world’s largest sports infrastructure PPP project. The work, entirely carried out by Dragages Singapore, involved more than 250 staff and 3,000 workers during four years, from 2010 to 2014.

Located on a 35ha site, the Singapore Sports Hub does not only host the National Stadium: the new iconic destination was conceived as a real ecosystem, gathering major sports facilities (OCBC Aquatic Centre, OCBC Arena, Water Sports Centre) and a myriad of recreational community facilities (Sports Hub Library and Museum, Kallang Wave Mall, Sports Promenade, Stadium Riverside Walk...).

With a span measuring 310 wide, the dome of the National Stadium is the largest free-span structure in the world.

An engineering marvel, the arena features an ultra-lightweight retractable roof, which can open or close in 20 minutes.

The dome form serves as a canopy to

shield the venue from sun and rain, ensuring that the spectator experience is comfortable in all types of weather.

The new National Stadium also benefits from a unique cooling system specifically created for Singapore’s tropical climate.

The stadium was designed and built to maximise the use of natural ventilation with the addition of a cooling system providing thermal comfort to the spectators.

Known as the only stadium in the world custom built to host football, rugby, cricket, and athletics events all in one venue, and thanks to the 30,000 seats fitted on moving tiers, it only takes 48 hours to change the configuration, compared to 80 hours in the Stade de France in Paris.

As a result of Dragages Singapore’s dedication to achieving a sustainable design and construction for the entire project, the Singapore Sports Hub was awarded Green Mark Gold Plus by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, an outstanding result for a major stadium and multi-sports facility, in comparison to its peers around the world. F TOP The Sports Hub, one of Dragages’ milestone projects in Singapore

FCCS Business Centre NEW OFFERS

Flexible

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Contact us now: bizsupport@fccsingapore.com!

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FCCS BUSINESS SERVICES

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French Companies in Singapore

May 2015

Newly Set Up Companies Over the last few months, various French companies have benefited from the FCCS’ Business Support services for their setup process in Singapore. Let’s welcome, among others:

Ipsen (Euronext: IPN, ADR: IPSEY) is a global specialty-driven biotechnological group with total sales exceeding €1.2 billion in 2014. Ipsen sells more than 20 drugs in more than 115 countries, with a direct commercial presence in 30 countries.

debilitating diseases. Its development strategy is supported by three franchises: neurology, endocrinology and urologyoncology. Ipsen’s commitment to oncology is exemplified through its growing portfolio of key therapies improving the care of patients suffering from prostate cancer, bladder cancer or neuroendocrine tumors.

Ipsen also has a significant presence in primary care. Moreover, the group has an active policy of partnerships.

Ipsen’s ambition is to become a leader in specialty healthcare solutions for targeted

Ipsen’s R&D is focused on its innovative and differentiated technological platforms,

menswear retailer. Oki-ni.com becomes the creative and luxury window for menlook.com.

Founded in 2009 by Marc Menasé in Paris, MenInvest is the first online shopping destination dedicated to men’s fashion.

Menlook.com, the group’s flagship online store, selects and distributes the best of apparel, footwear and accessories for men across more than 125 countries.

In 2013, MenInvest announced the acquisition of oki-ni, the UK based online

Created in 2002, Polymorph Software is a graphic studio specialised in the conception and production of graphic content. The company of 30 employees includes two branches that focus on different application of multimedia design: Industry and Entertainment.

Industry Polymorph and CL Corporation develop and build customised simulators or

Our positioning derives from the editorial emphasis of our selections, our presentation of products and brands, our customer support and impeccable service.

peptides and toxins, located in the heart of the leading biotechnological and life sciences hubs (Les Ulis, France; Slough/ Oxford, UK; Cambridge, US). In 2014, R&D expenditure totaled close to €187 million, representing about 15% of group sales.

The group has more than 4,500 employees worldwide. F

Contact: Mr Emmanuel MONTET, South-Asia Operations Director, IPSEN Specialty Care Website: www.ipsen.com

brands to the region including Nike, Diesel, Armani Jeans, adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hackett, as well as French designer brands such as A.P.C., Kenzo, Lacoste, The Kooples, Vicomte A., and Eleven Paris. F

With a dedicated website for Singapore, Menlook.com brings its selection of hundreds of european and global menswear

Contact: Mr Maxime BRUNET, Head of Singapore Representative Office Website: www.menlook.com/sg

training solutions to evaluate and validate knowledge and competencies of learners.

In France and Europe, we provide software and content in the energy, safety, transport, health and military industries: CNR, Nexter, Total, Technip, Orange...

museums, theme parks, aquariums, and zoological parks.

Entertainment As Pixar and DreamWorks in the film industry, Polymorph is now recognised and valued in the production of short- and medium-length films in the entertainment and cultural industry. Our products include 3D / 4D movies, rides, and animated films. We have the ability to work on many different formats: HD, HD relief, 4K double screens HD. Our clients are mainly

Polymorph developed in Asia in close collaboration with CL Corporation. Created in 2000, CL Corporation is specialised in the production of 4D cinemas and interactive attractions for theme parks, shopping malls, and museums. Thanks to their complementarity, Polymorph (software) and CL Corporation (hardware) collaborate in Asia through their RO at the FCCS. F Contact: Ms Giulia BARBERO, Chief Representative Officer, Asia Website: www.polymorph.fr www.clcorporation.com

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FCCS BUSINESS SERVICES

May 2015

Founded in 1995, WinMedia is a leading provider in automation and content management solutions for broadcasters and content producers.

French Companies in Singapore

WinMedia Radio features ingest, production, music scheduling, traffic, On-Air, logging, podcasting as well as multi-platform delivery tools and adds an amazing new interactive dimension to radio programs by expertly managing social media content.

Optimise TV workflows

WinMedia provides a global presence through three offices strategically located in Europe, North America and Asia.

WinMedia TV is a full-featured TV solution that manages TV and digital content production, all within a single system. MAM-based, it covers every aspect of content creation from ingest through automated playout, archives, multiplatform delivery and interactions with social media sites.

Produce rich content and interact with audiences like never before

Create and broadcast stunning graphics in a breeze

WinMedia Radio covers the entire news and music production chain and facilitates fast content delivery to multiple devices.

MAM-based, WinMedia Radio streamlines every aspect of the digital production chain, helping radio stations leverage their programming efforts and increase productivity.

WinPublish is a new cost-effective module that streamlines publishing on multiple platforms and provides a complete suite for the creation and playout of highquality graphics. WinPublish also adds an amazing new interactive dimension to TV and radio programmes by expertly managing social media content.

More than 2,500 customers worldwide rely on the power, flexibility and reliability of WinMedia solutions for their missioncritical operations.

Streamline traffic and booking operations WinBizz optimises business management and real-time online ad booking as well as TV and radio sales. Fully integrated with WinMedia TV and WinMedia Radio, this solution allows users to increase productivity and facilitates ad workflow organisation while providing broadcasters with tailor-made customer relationship management.

Turn your radio broadcasting into entertaining and compelling visual shows WinMedia Visual Radio allows broadcasters to increase their audience and turn radio shows into entertaining visual shows. This fully automated solution automatically switches webcams or HD SDI cameras and publishes your content on web, mobile and TV platforms. F

Contact: Mr Matthieu FOURNIER, VP Sales & Managing Director, WinMedia Asia Website: www.winmedia.sg

They Rely on Us... and Testify to Our Services

“When I first arrived in Singapore I contacted the FCCS business services department to help me with the work visa application.

I recommend to all aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to set up their companies in Singapore to use the services of the French Chamber. Their high quality service, availability and proactivity make our daily tasks easier. I want to thank the entire team of the FCCS for their help and answers to my questions.

S4M Pte Ltd joined the FCCS as a member and the membership helps me with my team to attend many events and to rapidly expand our business network.” F Contact: Mr Antoine COLLET, General Manager, S4M Pte Ltd Website: www.s4m.io

BENEFIT FROM OUR EXPERTISE IN SETTING UP COMPANIES IN SINGAPORE! Do you wish to start a business in Singapore and set up a local legal structure? The FCCS is here to assist you and provides you with a personalised support.

Please contact our business support department at bizsupport@fccsingapore.com or +65 6933 1350.

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SINGAPOUR JE T’AIME

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Gala Dinner in Celebration of Singapore’s 50th Birthday

May 2015

Singapour Je T’aime Gala Dinner Brings Together 1,000 Guests French business communities enjoyed an evening together under the patronage of our guest of honour Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

“Singapour je t’aime”, the one and only French Gala Dinner celebrating Singapore’s 50th Birthday and the strong friendship and business relations between the two countries was a great success.

Held at Marina Bay Sands’ Grand Ballroom on 7th March 2015, the Singaporean and

This exceptional gala dinner brought together nearly 1000 of our most eminent Singaporeans and French guests and everyone came together to say a very big “Thank you Singapore” for giving a chance to so many French companies, entrepreneurs and families to settle and grow in such an exciting part of the world.

The guests enjoyed for the very first time in Singapore, performances from the Moulin Rouge, the most famous Cabaret in the world! We also had the

Official Entertainment

pleasure to have Hossan Leong, the most French “Singapore Boy” as our Master of Ceremony.

The evening was a fabulous night where the best of Singapore delicacy meets the most refined French food. Thanks to the Executive Chef of Marina Bay sand, Chef Christopher Christie, our guests experienced a fusion of the finest French and Singaporean Haute Cuisine, accompanied by most delicate French wines and Champagne.

Thank you to all our guests for joining this 2015 Gala Dinner celebration!

This event would not have been possible without the strong support of the sponsors hereafter. F

Official Airline

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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FCCS CLUB EVENTS

FOCUS MAGAZINE

| Asia Committee / French Maritime Cluster

May 2015

Outlook on Iskandar Malaysia The French Chambers of Commerce in Singapore and Malaysia jointly organised a second visit to Iskandar Malaysia for their members. The region is set to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia’s most developed region.

Designed with investors in mind, the region will enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, full infrastructure, and a onestop business centre to ensure business transactions are fast, seamless, and convenient.

After last year’s visit, which allowed a delegation of 30 participants to visit the western part of Tanjung Pelepas, and Danga Bay, this year we focused our

attention on the central and eastern parts, specifically Senai Airport and its industrial area, Tanjung Langsat, and Pasir Gudang. It was also a great

opportunity for our members to expand their network with both governmental bodies and private companies in the region. F

Investment Opportunities in Batam Free Trade Zone - Indonesia competitive manufacturing location to companies headquartered in Singapore.

On this occasion, our members learnt from Mr Edmund Lai, Head of Marketing at Gallant Venture Ltd and Mr Purnomo Andiantono, Director of Marketing and Investment at BIFZA (Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority) about: • Investment opportunities in Batam; • Ways in which MNCs and Singapore companies can leverage the SingaporeBatam twinning model.

To date, 38 countries have invested in Batam in various sectors including electronics, garments, shipbuilding, oil and gas support, export and import

trading, and other industries. Designated as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Batam continues to offer vast investment opportunities and an alternative cost

Site Visit of Thales Innovation Hub - Maritime Focus For this French Maritime Cluster Committee in Singapore, we had the opportunity to visit Thales’ Innovation Hub. Thales also described its activity on the maritime security front.

Finally, we were given an overview of Thales’ research and technology projects, as well as a presentation on its naval drones. F

This session helped our members understand Indonesia’s current economic, investment climate and policies, and opportunities available in Batam. F

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FCCS CLUB EVENTS

May 2015

Aeronautics, Space, Defence & Security Committee|

Airbus Achievements & Challenges in South East Asia Mr Thomas Friedberger (CEO, Airbus Group Singapore and SVP, Sales Asia, Airbus), gave an enlightening presentation on the achievements and challenges ahead for Airbus, with a focus on Southeast Asian market trends,

opportunities for Airbus and an overview of the aerospace sector.

Although European ‘by birth’, Airbus has become the most international aerospace and defence company in the world. The

Asia Pacific region is a core market for Airbus, representing 30% of all Airbus orders to date and 33% of total backlog.

This trend for internationalisation is set to continue: Airbus forecasts Asia-Pacific to lead in world traffic by 2033. F

Site Visit at Thales Solutions Asia The Aeronautics, Space, Defence & Security committee was invited to a very insightful site visit of Thales Solutions Asia. We were presented with an overview

of Thales’ engineering and industrial activities. We had the opportunity to visit the Innovation Hub and both the avionics manufacturing and repairs centres. Our

20 participants were then guided through a demonstration of maritime security systems and also discovered Thales’ lesser known activities in cinema zooms. F

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|Energy/Infrastructure Committee

May 2015

Reducing the Financing Gap for Facilitating the Development of Infrastructure and Energy Projects in Southeast Asia: Practical Examples & Discussion supported by multilateral organisations, the Energy/Infra-structure Committee sought to discuss the current market trends and outlook regarding the development of greenfield projects as well as possible improvements to reduce this financing gap going forward.

Ensuring the sustainable growth of Southeast Asia economies is increasingly tied to the development and financing of a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of greenfield infrastructure and energy projects. However, a market reality check shows that only a small fraction of this pipeline is bankable and executable. The mismatch

between commercial interest available for developing such pipeline and market needs is a recurring issue that the sector has been trying to tackle for a long time.

While a number of Asian developing countries have announced new programmes to unlock infrastructure projects, often

This session’s panel of distinguished speakers shared their expertise on this topic: Mr Hugo Virag-Lappas, Managing Director, Infrastructure Capital at StormHarbour Securities, Mr Denis Bonhomme, Senior Vice President Business Development Asia at GDF SUEZ LNG, Mr Martin Desautels, Managing Partner at DFDL and Mr Philippe Wind, Managing Director at Prodegia. F

Visit of the Singapore MRT’s Circle Line Our Energy/Infrastructure Committee members had the unique opportunity to visit the Circle Line (CCL) with Mr Bruno Lebot, Project Manager at Alstom Transport.

The Circle Line is Singapore’s fourth Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line and the longest driverless underground heavy metro to date. This underground line is 35.7 kilometres long with 30 stations.

Construction started in 2000 and the line was fully opened in 2011 with an extension opened in 2012.

As project and technical leader, Alstom was responsible for the design and

construction of the entire driverless metro system. Beside system design and project management, it provided rolling stocks, the Urbalis 300 driverless signaling system, the power supply system, trackwork infrastructure, and the entire system integration.

The visit covered the Operation Control Centre that oversees the operation of the entire line and the rolling stocks workshop where train maintenance is carried out. These facilities together with stabling tracks are housed in the world’s largest underground depot! F

Visit of a Bourbon Evolution 807 Vessel & gas production and to operate safely, the Bourbon Evolution 800 series offer a broad range of services.

Mr Jean-Charles Audoin, General Manager, and Mr Benoit Dromard, Marketing & Sales, Bourbon Subsea Services Asia, offered our Energy/

Infrastructure and Maritime committees’ members the great opportunity to visit a Bourbon Evolution 807 vessel. Designed to meet the challenges of offshore oil

Among the market leaders in marine services for offshore oil & gas, Bourbon offers the most demanding oil & gas companies a wide range of marine services, both surface and sub-surface, for offshore oil & gas fields and wind farms. These extensive services rely on a broad range of the latest generation vessels and the expertise of more than 11,000 skilled employees. F

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FCCS CLUB EVENTS

May 2015

Banking & Finance Committee|

Export Finance Overview and New Trends Export finance provides short- to longterm cross-border financing solutions to exporters of goods and services. The FCCS Banking & Finance Committee invited three experts to give a global overview of export finance: from the exporters’ side with a presentation from Mr Pascal Serre, VP, Head of Project Finance, Trade & Credit, Alcatel-Lucent Asia Pacific, the export credit agency’s point of view with the participation of Mr Fabien Conderanne, CEO, Singapore, COFACE, who focused on short-term export credit solutions and the bank’s perspective with Mr Franck Passillier, Regional Head of

Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank for Export Finance Asia-Pacific

who focused on long-term export financing solutions. F

2015 Singapore Budget Briefing The 2015 Singapore Budget address was delivered in Parliament by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam in February 2015.

German Chamber and the British Chamber, the FCCS members gained insights into the budget 2015 and got to understand how it would relate to their businesses.

For this breakfast talk organised in partnership with the Singaporean-

Mr Choo Eng Chuan, Partner, International and Corporate Tax Services at

Ernst & Young Solutions in Singapore provided participants with key highlights of the Budget.

In addition to the informative talk, our members enjoyed the opportunity to broaden their network with the members of the German and British Chambers. F

The Monetary System, New Approaches to Regulations Jointly organised with ESSEC Asia-Pacific and Belgian Luxembourg Business Group, this conference brought together eminent experts to discuss the monetary system and the need to develop aggregates other than those based on central bank money that would encompass the circulating exchange means of the entire world: Mr Jean-Francois Serval (Serval & Associates), Dr Patrick Lecomte (ESSEC), Mr Klaus Baader (Société Générale CIB), and Mr Milan Zavadjil (former senior staff member of IMF). F

Money Laundering: What to Know about the Mechanics of Crime and Sanctions Money-laundering and sanctions compliance do not affect only financial institutions. Severe criminal penalties can apply to companies and professionals who deal with proceeds of crime or countries.

During this talk, Mr Owen Hawkes, Partner at KPMG’s forensic practice discussed the impact that moneylaundering laws and risks can have on any professionals and their business. F

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|Banking & Finance Committee / Healthcare Committee / Sourcing & Supply Chain Committee

FOCUS MAGAZINE

May 2015

Actualités Fiscales en France pour les Non Résidents

The numerous texts voted in France in recent years, especially the 2015 finance law published on the 30th of December 2014, have radically modified taxation on assets. These new texts may increase or decrease asset taxation depending on the individual situations, including for nonresidents. They contain difficulties and uncertainties, as well as opportunities.

It is important to be kept informed of

these changes, as they may impact the management of current or future assets in France.

The Banking and Finance Committee was pleased to welcome at the Shangri-La Hotel Mr Bertrand Cosson, Director of the Patrimonial Engineering at Banque Transatlantique in Paris, who tackled the following topics:

• New taxation in France as per the 2015 finance law, and the amended 2014 finance law; • Reform of the taxation of capital gains and property increase in value; • Main taxation rates for residents and non-residents: capital income, property income, ISF, and inheritance tax; • Comparison between France, Singapore, and other countries; • Exit tax modification for those migrating from France in the future; • Coming back to France, and related taxation (suggested amendment to the proposed “Macron” legislation).

This highly expected yearly breakfast talk was followed by a Q&A session where our attendees were able to ask technical questions with regards to their taxation. F

Talent Management in the Healthcare Industry management has become a critical issue for healthcare companies to deal with.

The business environment in healthcare is more complex and challenging than any other industry. The healthcare industry faces complex challenges that

range from economic pressures and regulatory compliance issues to industry consolidation and a shortage of qualified professionals. In this context, talent

Visit of the Schneider Electric Asia Logistics Hub Our Sustainability and Sourcing & Supply Chain Committees members attended a presentation by Mr Antoine Couteau, Director Hub Asia, and Mr Damien Dhellemmes, Senior Vice President, East Asia Japan Pacific Global Supply Chain, Schneider Electric.

They were also given the opportunity to visit the logistics hub of Schneider Electric Asia Hub. F

For this Healthcare Committee meeting, we were pleased to welcome two speakers who shared their visions and experiences. Mr Freddie Chow, VP HR for Sanofi Asia/Australia/NZ/Korea, and Mr Jean-Sébastien Ricard, Managing Director SEA, Galderma addressed industry challenges and opportunities.

Mrs Pascale Martin-Neuville, Director, Talentbank moderated this session, which brought together 30 healthcare professionals. F

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FCCS CLUB EVENTS

May 2015

ICT Committee / R&D Committee|

Cyber Security: How Ready Are You? The most sophisticated cyber security measures can be defeated if an external agent can walk freely into your business and pull out a plug. We recognise that it is difficult for organisations to assess where they are vulnerable and how to protect themselves. Cyber security is more than a firewall or password.

A holistic cyber-security audit approach goes beyond the perimetre network to deliver a 360° security assessment of your business, including human and environmental factors. It is useful in fully understanding the current status of information security across the entirety of

your business, empowering you to make informed business decisions.

Mr Ganesh Narayanan, Head-Consulting Cyber Security Services at Thales

Solutions Asia, was invited to share his insights on cyber security. This presentation was followed by a discussion between our 30 ICT professionals on the challenges they are facing. F

Taking Advantage of Video Collaboration - The Next Big Thing Usage of video conference solutions in the corporate world is often limited to

a few users and it sometimes requires specialised rooms.

Mr Arnaud Savigny, Video Presales Manager, APAC at Arkadin shared his insights of why and how Video as a Service (VaaS) is experiencing an exponential growth and how it has impacted the market to transform into a cloud-based model, allowing rooms, and personal and mobile video to collaborate seamlessly.

During this session, our speaker highlighted the key business benefits of video collaboration on a day-to-day basis, covering key market trends, latest technologies and solutions that help unleash higher productivity to companies without CapEx investments. Our ICT members also experienced some of the new technologies via a few short demos. F

Rencontre d’Intelligence Technologique The R&D Committee welcomed a delegation of French R&D specialists from PSA Peugeot Citroën, GREThA – Bordeaux University, Open Lab “Competitive Intelligence”, VIA Inno and Centre d’Intelligence Technologique Aquitain.

Our speakers shared with our R&D Committe members their works on the methodologies that they have developed to boost innovation.

With the help of their privileged partner PSA Peugeot Citroën, with whom they have set up a joint lab, our members had the opportunity to get real-life examples of this collaboration. F

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|Luxury & Premium Retail Committee / Marketing & Communication Committee

FOCUS MAGAZINE

May 2015

Generation AAA, Asia’s New Affluent Consumers

Why should this segment matter to the retail sector? Generation AAA is Aspirational, Ambitious and Affluent and this young, 18-to-34-years-old market is set to become the number one priority of marketers, with a pool of over one billion such consumers in Asia over the next decade.

Based on Agility’s Affluent Insights syndicated research findings in five key economies that include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore, Mrs Amrita Banta, Managing Director of Agility, covered the following topics and more: • Who are they and how to reach them?

• How do they spend their money?

• What do they want from luxury brands and which brands do they favour?

• What is their purchase intent and how to connect with them?

This committee meeting met with great success and was fully booked! F

How Professional Services Firms Use Differentiation to Drive Commercial Success and How You Can Too Setting a brand apart from its competition, in the mind of the target audience. Being “the one that...”

Brands that stand for service, quality, and client dedication do not differentiate their brand successfully since their competitors also stand for similar generic values.

Mr Zayn Khan, CEO, Dragon Rouge Southeast Asia, presented our Marketing & Communication Committee members with strategies to create meaningful differentiation for their businesses. F

Luxury Retail Lunch In December, the FCCS organised a very convivial and informal lunch especially for our Luxury & Premium Retail members

in charge of French luxury brands. This offered participants a chance to network, get to know each other better and

exchange with their counterparts about the luxury industry in Singapore and the region. F

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FCCS CLUB EVENTS

May 2015

Human Resources Committee / R&D Committee|

Leading with Questions Successful leadership today is about knowing what questions to ask and listening to the answers. It is about asking questions that motivate, and empower the individuals and the organisation.

In the past, successful leaders used to make the decisions, solve the problems, command, control, and use power. This worked well in times of stability. Today,

we live in a turbulent, challenging, and rapidly changing world that demands a radically different way of leading people successfully.

Led by Mr Peter Cauwelier, Certified Action Learning Coach, Managing Director of WIAL Thailand, and member of the board of the World Institute for Action Learning, the session presented a one-day programme based on the research book Leading with Questions by Prof. Michael Marquardt. F

The Magellan Institute in Singapore In January, the Magellan Institute brought its MBA students from both its International HR Mobility Administration and International Compensation & Benefits Management programmes to Singapore.

This training institute was set up by the Magellan Network, gathering over 1,000 global mobility professionals of French multinationals.

The students had the opportunity to meet HR vice presidents of French companies based in Singapore. They gathered insights on the specificities of management in Asia.

Mrs Carine Lespayandel, Executive Director of the FCCS, introduced the various activities and services of the French Chamber.

Mr Philippe Bonnet, VP Global Head, Learning & Education, Essilor, then emphasised on all the opportunities the FCCS offers to HR experts to gather, exchange and learn during HR committee meetings and within the HR club dedicated to HR VPs. The session was of particular interest to future HR managers who are set to work in various countries and join French Chambers. F

FCCS Mentoring Programme for SMEs and Entrepreneurs The FCCS, together with the French Trade Advisors and Business France, has launched a new Mentoring Programme.

Programme de Mentorat

Through this initiative, established managers and CEOs with experience in Asia work on volunteering basis with SMEs and startups who are advised and coached in their development in the region. Parties agree to work together for a minimum of six months with at least three meetings.

This programme is carried out on a oneon-one basis and is meant to help SMEs and entrepreneurs: • Develop and build skills, knowledge and awareness;

• Get support and advice to solve a problem or handle difficult situations; • View things from another person / cultural dimension; • Be guided through individual development and apply theoretical knowledge during the journey; • Get access to a broader network.

The mentors’ involvement is a personal endeavour and the success of the programme goes hand in hand with trust, mutual respect, and confidentiality from both parties.

Find more information on our website: www.fccsingapore.com/committees/ platform-smes-entrepreneurs. F

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|Platform for SMEs & Entrepreneurs

May 2015

Experience Sharing with a Successful Entrepreneur: David Chambat, Founder and Managing Director of Villa-Finder.com The FCCS SMEs & Entrepreneur Committee invited Mr David Chambat, Founder and Managing Director of VillaFinder.com, to share his success story, his experiences and tips with other entrepreneurs.

David launched villa-bali.com in 2012.

Today, Villa-Finder.com is an innovative platform for consumers to book a villa in Asia and for owners to promote their villa internationally. Villa-Finder.com works with 1,000 villas across Asia and serves customers in more than 60 countries.

David explained how he has been using the concept of bootstrapping (selffinancing development) to develop his start-up. F

Monthly SMEs and Entrepreneurs’ Drinks Launched in December 2014, this new format of networking evenings has enjoyed great success each month. With an average of 50 participants, this friendly gathering offers SMEs and Entrepreneurs an opportunity to mingle with like-minded

individuals and exchange about their businesses. The sessions also enable participants to meet with some FCCS board members and to learn about our platform of services for SMEs and Entrepreneurs (Mentoring, Business Centre, etc). Most

recently, we were pleased to introduce the two co-presidents of the Platform for SMEs & Entrepreneurs Committee: Mrs Valérie Marin, Director of Distribution Asiatique and Mr Eric Saint-André, Director of Asa Advisory. F

Women Entrepreneurs Round Table This event brought together women who have set up their companies in Singapore gathered on February 12th.

This meeting offered the opportunity to meet other women with similar challenges, to exchange about the next steps of

their businesses. Many tips and contacts in Singapore were exchanged. Some entrepreneurs also found synergies to work together.

Gaining visibility and communicating efficiently but at a low cost was one of

the common challenges faced by many.

This topic has been tackled in a recent committee meeting.

Women Entrepreneurs will gather again in June. Come and join this upcoming round table. F

FOCUS MAGAZINE May 2015

FCCS CLUB EVENTS

Legal & Tax Committee / Banking & Finance Committee|

How to Negotiate a Successful Joint Venture in Singapore Whether your future co-shareholder will be a commercial partner or a financial sponsor, a thorough consideration of all the legal aspects of the relationship will be key to the success of your partnership.

Mr Daniel Yong, Mr Parikhit Sarma and Mr Arnaud Bourrut Lacouture, from Stamford Law Corporation, addressed the following key legal issues when setting-up a joint venture in Singapore and Southeast Asia: • Structuring the relationship, • Decision making process, • Settling potential conflicts, • Anticipating the various options of exit.

This seminar favoured a practical approach to discussing the aforementioned issues and all three speakers referred to ex-

amples from their past experiences to illustrate the various concepts discussed during their exposé. F

Managing your Contract Negotiation: Drafting and Enforcement During this talk, Mr Philippe Taverne, Managing Partner of Cotty Vivant Marchisio & Lauzeral in Singapore, addressed the fundamentals of contract negotiations and drafting phases: specific issues relative to regulatory frameworks, contract qualifications, contract structuring, risk assessments, negotiation approach and financial matters. The presentation also focused on the different issues faced during contract enforcement, in particular the differences between the jurisdictions in Asia and the enforcement tools available. F

Networking Event at the Napoleon Food & Wine Bar The FCCS invited its Banking/Finance, Legal/Tax and Energy/Infrastructure members to a dedicated networking evening.

This event, held in the cosy atmosphere with rich and warm tones of natural materials of the Napoleon Food & Wine Bar, represented a unique opportunity for our members to broaden their network and exchange with like-minded professionals. F

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|Business Women Committee / French Gourmet Committee

May 2015

Chocolate Discovery Networking Session The FCCS Business Women Committee invited its members to a chocolatethemed evening of networking with Laurent Bernard Chocolatier.

The event started with a short introduction to the different types of cocoa beans and the different methods used to turn them into delicious chocolates.

The participants indulged in the tasting of three chocolate ganaches served with tea, hot drinks, a selection of savoury light bites, and a choice of champagne and non-alcoholic beverages. F

Exclusive Cocktail at Repetto Ion Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore and Repetto invited members from our Business Women Committee to celebrate the launch of the French maison’s spring/ summer 2015 collection over champagne and canapés.

Harper’s BAZAAR’s editorial team was present to share ways to achieve a sophisticated and modern look inspired by ballet. F

Voilah! French food festival in Singapore: Ready for Take-off!

Following the presentation of the Voilah!

French Festival Singapore and its gastronomic component at the FCCS in September 2014, many companies specialised in French gastronomy and F&B products confirmed their participation in the Voilah! French Food Festival.

The French Embassy, the FCCS, Sopexa and Business France offered an update to all interested companies on the progress of the food festival organisation: network of participating companies, offers and animations programme, communication plan, etc.

This meeting provided participating companies with an opportunity to meet, develop cooperation, and pave the way for the final steps leading to the official start of the festival on 4 May 2015. F

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FCCS CLUB EVENTS

May 2015

Sustainability Committee|

Veolia Water Technologies’ Regional Safety Programme in Asia Our Sustainability Committee invited Mr Mohammed Akhir Ahmad, Managing Director of Operations & Maintenance at Veolia Water Technologies for Southeast Asia and EH&S Director for Asia Industrial activities to talk about safety.

To engage all parties in Veolia’s safety programme in Asia, the company has deployed efforts in the region to enhance awareness at all levels. F

Decarbonising Power Generation Our Sustainability Committee welcomed the eminent speaker Mr Philippe Joubert, Senior Advisor at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBSCD).

Our members found out about decarbonisation in the power sector: how it is both necessary and possible but not happening, and why it will eventually happen by business taking the lead.

The presentation was followed by a discussion on whether business as usual is still possible and why sustainability and addressing climate change is also a good business decision. F

Cleaner & Innovative Deliveries After introducing the first Green warehouse in Singapore in August 2012, SDV, a major player in transport and logistics, is pioneering a new environmental initiative with the recent introduction of its first hybrid Mitsubishi truck for local deliveries.

Mr Thibault Lecuyer, Environment Development Coordinator, SDV Logistics Singapore, presented this initiative to our members. Read more about SDV’s innovative hybrid truck on page 5. F

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|Networking Events

FOCUS MAGAZINE

May 2015

FCCS Galette des Rois Networking Event In early January this year, the French Business Community could not miss its traditional Galette des Rois! The FCCS has been following this French tradition of celebrating the Epiphany for several years now, and for the 2015 celebration, we were successful again with more than 100 participants!

Our members and friends enjoyed the outside terrace of the Grand Hyatt Singapore poolside restaurant Oasis where they could taste the famous king’s pie sponsored by PAUL Bakery. This first networking of 2015 was a fantastic opportunity for our members to broaden their network in a relaxed atmosphere. F Galette Sponsor

Business + Gastronomy = FCCS Monthly Luncheons Every first Friday of the month, the FCCS organises a business luncheon in a French restaurant, each time in a new venue with a different menu.

These informal networking sessions create excellent opportunities for our members to develop new contacts and exchange ideas on business issues while enjoying some great French food.

Our latest luncheons took place at La Cantine, ABC Bakery, and CafĂŠ & Bar Gavroche.

Visit our website www.fccsingapore.com to see our next business luncheons and broaden your network! F

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FCCS MEMBERSHIP

May 2015

New FCCS Members|

New FCCS Members CORPORATE MEMBERS ADN SINGAPORE PTE LTD

KOEHLER GROUP

Contact: Mr Philippe BARON, Founder / CEO Website: www.adn.sg Sector: Consultants

Contact: Mr Sven KOEHLER, MD Website: www.koehlerservices.com Sector: Consultants

AKTEOS ASIA

LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD

Contact: Mr Fabien MAILHE, CEO, Asia Website: www.akteos.sg Sector: Consultants

AXA LIFE INSURANCE SINGAPORE PTE LTD Contact: Mr Glenn WILLIAMS, CEO Website: www.axa.com.sg Sector: Insurance

Contact: Mr Seng Chuan TEE, Regional Executive Director Website: www.lindemh.com.sg Sector: Industrial Products

NEW PROTEIN CAPITAL PTE LTD Contact: Mr Matthieu VERMERSCH, Director Sector: Investment

BIOMERIEUX SINGAPORE PTE LTD

OMEGA CORPORATE

Contact: Mr Florent MULATERO, GM ASEAN Website: www.biomerieux.sg Sector: Healthcare

Contact: Ms Catherine VAN RAEMDONCK, Business Manager Website: www.omega-corporate.sg Sector: Video Production

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS) Contact: Mr Luc LE CALVEZ, Regional Director R.O. for South East Asia Website: www.cnrs.fr Sector: Scientific Research

PCM GROUP ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD Contact: Mr Vann Lai YONG, BDM (SEA) Website: www.pcm.eu Sector: Manufacturing

DESIPRO PTE LTD

PEDERSEN & PARTNERS EXECUTIVE SEARCH PTE LTD

Contact: Mr Yves CLAUDE, Regional CEO Website: www.decathlon.sg Sector: Consumer Goods / Sports

Contact: Mr Laurent PINNA, Principal SEA Website: www.pedersenandpartners.com Sector: Human Resources

FASTBOOKING

QUESTEL

Contact: Mr Pierre-Charles GROB, MD Asia Website: www.fastbooking.net Sector: e-Commerce Solution

Contact: Mr Eric DELEGLISE, Business Development Website: www.questel.com Sector: Intellectual Property Solutions

INVIVO GROUP ASIA PTE LTD Contact: Mr Nicolas LEBARD, MD Website: www.invivo-group.com Sector: Agribusiness

ROBERTET ASIA PTE LTD Contact: Mr Jean-Daniel DOR, MD Website: www.robertet.com Sector: Healthcare & Cosmetics

JEC GROUP Contact: Mr Louis MARY, Alternate Chief Representative Website: www.jeccomposites.com Sector: Composites Industry

ROSEMONT SINGAPORE Contact: Mr Pierre VANRENTERGHEM, Country Manager Website: www.rosemont.sg Sector: Corporate & Family Office Services

KEOSYS Contact: Mr Olivier A LO, Business Development Manager Asia Website: www.keosys.com Sector: Medical Equipment

SAINT LAURENT SINGAPORE PTE LTD Contact: Mrs Sophie STRIFFLING, GM Website: www.ysl.com Sector: Luxury Goods

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New FCCS Members

May 2015

MORE CORPORATE MEMBERS SMCP FASHION SINGAPORE PTE LTD

TDV PROFILE ASIA

Contact: Mr Stéphane LEDRU, CEO Website: www.smcp.com Sector: Retail and Distribution

Contact: Mr Jacques MALZ, Head, Asia Pacific Website: www.tdv-profile.com Sector: Manufacturing

SOLAREO PTE LTD

ZODIAC MILPRO INTERNATIONAL

Contact: Mr Frederic SCHRAPP, Director Website: www.solareo.sg Sector: Solar Power

Contact: Mr Erlé DUMONTIER, Head of Business Development Website: www.zodiacmilpro.com Sector: Maritime

ENTREPRENEUR MEMBERS ALPHANOVA PTE LTD

GAC CONSULTANTS PTE LTD

Contact: Mr Serge BERAUD, MD Website: www.alphanova.com.sg Sector: Consultants

Contact: Mr Jean-Michel SEVERYNS, MD Sector: Consultants

CAYENNE B D PTE LTD Contact: Mr Matthieu VONTHRON, Director Sector: Consultants

GOLDSTONE CONSULTING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTE LTD Contact: Mr Carl SZANTYR, Director Website: www.gscapitalasia.com Sector: Corporate Service

CHAB PTE LTD Contact: Mr Guillaume CHABRIERES, Founder Website: www.chabevent.com Sector: Events / Communication

HOTELS.TV SINGAPORE Contact: Mr Brian FRISSYN, Owner & MD Website: www.hotels.tv/singapore Sector: Hotel Booking Solutions

COM’1 CHEF PTE LTD Contact: Mr Patrice CHARBON, MD Website: www.com1chef.com Sector: Retail and Distribution

MY ASIA CONSULTING PTE LTD Contact: Mr Michel YBERT, Director Sector: Consultants

DOTS AND PURPLE PTE LTD

OPIOCOLOR MOSAIC SINGAPORE PTE LTD

Contact: Ms Audrey GEA, Manager - Owner Website: www.thedots.com.sg Sector: Retail and Distribution

Contact: Ms Anne JORGENSEN, MD Website: www.opiocolor.com Sector: Glass Mosaics

EFICA PTE LTD

STARK GROUP

Contact: Mr Hervé BEAUDET, CEO Sector: Land Transport & Automobile Industry

Contact: Mr Matthias DE FERRIERES, MD Website: www.stark-grp.com Sector: Digital

EOS DEVELOPMENT PTE LTD Contact: Ms Laurence LAGRIFFOUL, MD Website: www.eosdev.com.sg Sector: Consultants

THE OLD WINE COMPANY PTE LTD Contact: Mr Gilles HERR, CEO Website: www.theoldwinecompany.com Sector: Wine

ESTHECLINIC SINGAPORE Contact: Mr Bastien ALLANO, Managing Partner Website: www.estheclinic.com.sg Sector: Aesthetic Clinics

THE VINTAGE WINE CLUB PTE LTD Contact: Mr Antonin PON, Founder Website: www.thevintageclub.sg Sector: Wine

FIXSING CONSULTING

WEB & VIDEO PRODUCTIONS PTE LTD

Contact: Mr Pierre-Olivier BLU-MOCAER, MD Website: www.fixsing.com Sector: IT Consulting

Contact: Mr Fabrice BLIN, Managing Director Website: www.webvideoprod.com Sector: Video Streaming Solutions

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FCCS MEMBERSHIP

May 2015

New FCCS Members|

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AGILITY RESEARCH AND STRATEGY PTE LTD

GEYER ENVIRONMENTS PTE LTD Contact: Mr Matthew BURKE, Regional Leader Asia Website: www.geyer.com.au Sector: Interior Design

Contact: Mr Geert SAMPLONIUS, Associate Director, Business Development Website: www.agility-research.com Sector: Market Research & Consulting

GROSPIRON ASIA LIMITED BECK INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Contact: Mr Franck VIDAL, Group Regional Representative Website: www.grospiron.com Sector: Relocation / Removal Services

Contact: Mr Matt SMITH, Regional Manager - Asia Pacific Website: www.beck-industries.com Sector: Manufacturing

PSIDEO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD BERLUTI HONG KONG COMPANY LIMITED

Contact: Mr Romain MERAUD, MD Website: www.psideo.com Sector: IT / Software

Contact: Mr Jean-Christophe TEVENIN, General Manager Asia-Pacific Website: www.berluti.com Sector: Luxury Goods

RSH SINGAPORE PTE LTD Contact: Mr Jek LONG, GM Sports Website: www.rshlimited.com/sg Sector: Retail and Distribution

BIG BOX SINGAPORE PTE LTD (HABITAT STORE)

SINGAPORE PINACOTHÈQUE DE PARIS

Contact: Ms Helen DING, Regional Retail Director Website: www.bigbox.com.sg Sector: Retail and Distribution

Contact: Ms Sharifah Shahirah JASNI, Assistant Manager, Marketing Communications Website: www.pinacotheque.com.sg Sector: Arts

EDIT LIFESTYLE PTE LTD THE FRENCH LADLE LLP

Contact: Ms Sonia NAYAHAM, Director Website: www.editlifestyle.com Sector: Retail and Distribution

Contact: Mr Johnny THE, Owner Website: www.thefrenchladle.com Sector: Restaurant

FJ BENJAMIN (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD WORKING UNIT SINGAPORE PTE LTD

Contact: Mr Dimitri AUBERT, GM Luxury Time Piece Division Website: www.fjbenjamin.com Sector: Retail and Distribution

Contact: Mr Arnault CASTEL, Share Holder of Working Unit Group Website: www.workingunit.com Sector: Retail

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Mr Luc BACHY, Executive Director, J.P. MORGAN Sector: Financial Services Mr Paul BOULCH, Senior Project Manager, F5 NETWORK Sector: IT / Software

Mr Marc LAURENCE, Regional Director APAC (CMCILT) Sector: Maritime

Mr Sebastien NICOLAS, Applications Sales Representative, ORACLE CORPORATION SINGAPORE PTE LTD Sector: IT / Software

Mrs Cécile GEORGES, General Counsel Asia-Pacific and Global Shoring, AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING PTE LTD Sector: Human Resources

Mr Franck VIDAL, Regional Account Director, KINETIC WW MEDIA PTE LTD Sector: Media / Communication

Mr Olivier-Charles HEBERT, Chartering Manager, SAL HEAVY LIFT SINGAPORE PTE LTD Sector: Maritime

Mr Emmanuel WHITE, Regional Director, HUDSON GLOBAL RESOURCES SINGAPORE PTE LTD Sector: Human Resources

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FOCUS MAGAZINE

FCCS Privilege Card

May 2015

FCCS Privilege Card Terms & Conditions apply. Visit www.fccsingapore.com for more details.

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