MP Saktiandi Supaat (centre) speaking as a panellist during the SMCCI Townhall, in conversation with the moderator and SMCCI President Dr Abdul Malik Hassan on key issues affecting businesses and the wider SME
Insights gathered from the SMCCI Annual Townhall 2025 and 2026 point to a clear and consistent pattern in what matters most to businesses today. Across both years, members highlighted recurring priorities — not as isolated concerns, but as interconnected needs shaped by a challenging and evolving business environment.
At the heart of these insights is a shared emphasis on connections that create value, access to international growth opportunities, and practical support in navigating workforce, scaling, and financial challenges. These themes surfaced repeatedly through live polling, surveys, and open dialogue, underscoring that while the operating landscape continues to shift, the core needs of businesses remain steady.
What Businesses Are Telling Us
Survey results from the Townhall reflect three key areas of focus:
1. Preferred Programme Types
Members consistently expressed strong interest in:
a. Business matching and trade missions
b. Grants and funding workshops
c. Community networking opportunities
These preferences signal a desire for programmes that go beyond information-sharing — towards platforms that facilitate real connections, practical guidance, and tangible outcomes.
2. International Growth Remains a Priority
As businesses look beyond domestic markets, countries such as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and China continue to feature prominently as markets of interest. This reflects both regional proximity and emerging opportunities in cross-border trade, partnerships, and expansion.
3. Responding to Business Challenges
Members highlighted ongoing challenges in:
a. Talent and workforce support
b. Sustainable scaling
c. Expansion and financial strategy
These concerns cut across sectors, indicating that businesses are seeking support that helps them remain resilient while preparing for long-term growth.
From Feedback to Action
What stands out from the Townhall insights is not only the consistency of feedback, but the clarity of direction it provides. The patterns observed across two consecutive Townhalls reinforce the importance of continuity in support, rather than one-off interventions.
In response, SMCCI has continued to align its programmes and initiatives to these priorities. Through tailored business missions, curated matching opportunities, and collaborations with government agencies and partners, SMCCI remains focused on enabling members to access new markets, optimise operations, and strengthen their capabilities.
Platforms such as Dewan Connect, Aspire, and targeted business missions are part of this ongoing effort to create meaningful engagement and support business growth at different stages. At the same time, SMCCI continues to work closely with partners to help members navigate grants, funding pathways, and policy developments relevant to their sectors.
Looking Ahead
The Townhall insights reaffirm that businesses value practical solutions, trusted networks, and clear pathways to growth. As Singapore prepares for greater regional engagement and evolving economic conditions, these needs will only become more pronounced.
SMCCI remains committed to listening, adapting, and acting — using member feedback as a compass to shape programmes, partnerships, and advocacy efforts. By staying grounded in what businesses consistently tell us, SMCCI aims to support members not just in responding to today’s challenges, but in positioning themselves confidently for the opportunities ahead.
Participants at the SMCCI Townhall, coming together for an afternoon of dialogue, updates, and shared perspectives on the business priorities and challenges facing our community.