Stephane de Montlivault

BREAKING NEWS: SNEF President Resigns Amid Governance Lapse! 🚨 Dr. Robert Yap, a stalwart of Singapore's business community and president of the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) for the past decade, has abruptly resigned following a "governance procedural lapse" discovered during a routine internal review. But here's the burning question: What are they hiding? 🤔 SNEF's statement is a masterclass in vagueness, leaving us all wondering: - What exactly was the governance lapse? - How deep does this rabbit hole go? - What are the real implications for SNEF's 3,300 member companies and their 800,000 employees? The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been informed and is waiting for the review's outcome. But are they just as much in the dark as we are? And what about the financial implications? SNEF claims there are none thus far, but how confident can we be without transparency? This is not just about one man's resignation. It's about the integrity of our institutions and the trust we place in them. Should we be demanding more accountability and transparency from SNEF and similar organizations? 💬 What do you think is really going on here? Should there be a more rigorous public disclosure? How will this affect the future of SNEF and the businesses it represents? #LeadershipCrisis #Governance #Transparency #SNEF #BusinessIntegrity #Accountability

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Climate finance is front and center at #COP29, with ambitions to mobilize trillions of dollars annually. At Schneider Electric, we view impact investing as a vital opportunity for the private sector to build resilience in communities most vulnerable to climate change. This effort involves more than just providing capital; it's about rallying people, harnessing skills, and fostering innovation to tackle local challenges. We are excited to announce the release of our first-ever report detailing our comprehensive #impactinvesting strategy. The report highlights our transparent management processes and the significant contributions of our portfolio companies to both people and the planet, emphasizing the role of private companies as catalytic investors. The Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA) fund, established in collaboration with Norfund, Amundi, and EDFI MC in 2019, has supported 13 startups in sectors like solar, biogas, and e-mobility. In four years, the fund has: -         Impacted over 2 million people and created 1,200 meaningful jobs by investing in local solutions tailored to community needs. -         Led to the avoidance of 1.7 million tons of CO2 emissions. -         Created an ecosystem for local entrepreneurship to thrive. A big thank you to our incredible impact investing team for their dedication and hard work  I invite you to explore the report and join us on this journey toward a #sustainable and equitable energy landscape: https://lnkd.in/gtnHn23C Gilles Vermot Desroches, Leslie Zambelli, christophe poline Laurent Bataille Hilary Maxson

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Celebrating Holidays! South Korea is celebrating ‘Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)’ from yesterday (Monday) to tomorrow (Wednesday). Using the weekend before the holidays, we had a family retreat over the weekend. We are lucky to have a place called, the mindfulness center (shown in the picture), where our employees and their family members can stay for a few days. It was a time to clear the mind-fullness (mind cluttered with many things) and to be mindful (to be aware of my mental and physical state) to re-orient the direction of my life. This makes me to think holidays in fresh perspectives and let me share what I thought. 1.   Holiday is not simply off-work day. It is the climax of hard work. For example, Chuseok is the harvest Thanksgiving Day in Korea and we enjoy the outcome of the hard work, which is the harvest. Without the necessary and pre-requisite hard work, you do not have harvest and cannot appreciate the day!   2.   Holiday is also the time to reflect and reconnect your hard work to the bigger purpose. For me, holiday reminds me that I work for people. My family members, my team members, customers, and also for myself.  In this sense, holiday is a HOLY day. What does this mean? Keep your holiday sacred! It can be the time to give you meaning, purpose and the source of energy.   So, how do you celebrate your holiday? #holiday #work #mindfulness  

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It is always a great catch-up with my two big French brothers, Eric Tarchoune and Laurent Landie to talk about life and business, and of course, discussion on future plans for 2025 too. I can't believe Singapura Search is 5 years old already~~ Time flies! 🤗🤗 #singapurasearch #talentacquisition #trainingandcoaching #executivesearch #executivecoaching

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Nikkei is much more balanced and substantive in its analysis of the challenges facing the new leadership. An era of no easy answers for an island state in an era of big power contests. There will be moments that will call for an iron will to make hard calls. I believe in the new PM and the team’s ability to make those calls. They have started those hard considerations with Forward Singapore. Now is how to carry the ground that is a more diverse with quite entrenched positions . We essentially have 1/3 situation in our electorate. 1/3 pro ruling party, 1/3 opposition and 1/3 swing voters. The presidential election did show a glimmer of hope principled vision can carry a broader ground. President Tharman cool and level headed arguments are a winning formula . The ruling party can no longer use a carrot and stick approach, instead it must lay the existential cards in front of Singaporeans. What kind of a singapore we wish to build together. A divided ship where powers can take us apart or stand on principles to great powers and tell them to back off. Singaporeans will be watching closely the rhetoric of the ruling party. Hopefully President Tharman’s win will be a helpful guide. But so far from the incoming PM, his entire tone for the past one year is promising. His tone is more like : Let us turn the page as a Singapore family, and be careful of the deep fissures that can tear us apart. But together we can prevail. I remain hopeful because Singapore has so many levers at its disposal to cross turbulent waters. This is not 1965 but possibly another sunrise for a new era.

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Corporate Climb vs. Entrepreneurial Leap: Patrick Teow, former CEO of AIA Singapore, who has walked both paths shares his insights Which is the better path to success: the climb of the corporate world or the fast-paced, unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship? Patrick Teow, former CEO of AIA Singapore, and co-founder of BestOfMe, breaks down the realities of both paths. In this candid discussion, Patrick shares: 💼 How corporate careers often offer security but follow a slow, structured progression. 🚀 Why entrepreneurship, while risky, can bring rapid success with the right mindset and tenacity. 🎯 The importance of understanding your personal calling and how it drives your career choices Patrick has seen it all—from leading insurance teams to sitting at the top of corporate leadership. His insights will shed light on climbing the ladder and taking the leap into entrepreneurship. This is a ‪Money Playschool x Me-ssion collaboration. 🔗 Check out the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gG7f9Cw9 . . . #careeradvice #career #entrepreneurs

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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 Those of you who watched the swearing-in ceremony for our new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on CNA last night would have seen a video, which was played after the ceremony, which recounted PM Wong’s life journey. The video resonated with me a lot as I thought it was a great piece of storytelling. I have come to realize that storytelling is a very critical skillset that leaders should possess these days, in order to win the hearts and minds of people. Of course, as a good leader, one should be competent and possess substance but strong storytelling helps to inspire and rally people. As a layman to storytelling and public communications, here are my takeaways on why the video resonated with me. 1️⃣ 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 PM Wong told his life story himself which makes him more personable. Often times, we see stories of leaders being told by a narrator. You can’t feel the personal connection in those cases. 2️⃣ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 I was also born in the 1970s and many in my generation would have gone through a similar experience like PM Wong – growing up in a HDB flat, going through the same education system, witnessing the changes that Singapore went through the years. Of course, there is a sense of nostalgia, watching the footages of Singapore in the 80s and 90s. 3️⃣ 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲” PM Wong’s life story is the classic example of “The Singapore Story” and as he puts it: “a story of possibilities”. He didn’t come from a privileged background but he worked hard, took on opportunities that came his way, did well and became Prime Minister. Of course, not everyone will be come a minister but his message is that there will be many possibilities and pathways to success. 4️⃣ 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 PM Wong acknowledged that he cannot do his job alone: “I need the help of all my colleagues, my fellow citizens, young and old, in every community and profession. Each and every one of you.”. A good leader must first recognise that there are limitations as an individual and rally a collective effort to bring a team (in this case, country) forward. He also made sure to emphasise that everyone matters.     ***** If you do have 10 minutes to spare, I do recommend watching the video. More importantly, regardless of your political affiliation, let’s rally behind PM Wong and his team. In his words: “𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.” 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐚!  

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 I recently came across an engaging blog by Manish Kumar, EVP, Digital Energy Schneider Electric. ​ ​ In the blog, he talks about his recent discussion with Sam Pang, Deputy COO of Samwoh Corporation, highlighting their remarkable sustainability journey. The company's new Singapore headquarters has set a new standard for energy efficiency by generating more energy than it consumes.​ ​  Leveraging Schneider’s EcoStruxureBuilding, they managed to reduce utility costs by 50% and redirect 25% of the facility’s electricity back to the national grid, making it the first energy-positive industrial building in Singapore. ​ ​ This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships, meticulous planning, and cutting-edge technologies can lead to remarkable sustainability accomplishments. To discover more about this pioneering project and its impact on the future of sustainable building practices, check out the link: https://lnkd.in/gTsNTZyE #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #SmartBuildings #Innovation #ClimateAction 🌱

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🌿 Combating Desertification for a Sustainable Future 🌾 Desertification and drought are global challenges that require collective action. As #SchneiderElectric works towards our net-zero targets and biodiversity pledges, we are dedicated to preserving natural ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use. #LifeIsOn

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Missed the Siemens Symposium last month? No problem, check out Nilesh Y. Jadhav's newly published blog post for a comprehensive recap of the engaging panel discussion with top sustainability experts, which he moderated: "Is Singapore ready for a net zero future?" If you'd rather watch than read, the entire discussion is also available as a video recording. Happy reading/watching!

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As Singapore welcomes a new era with Lawrence Wong set to assume the premiership on May 15, 2024, I was reminded of the cycle of renewal in leadership and the challenges it brings. While honesty and integrity remain paramount in governance, recent events have underscored the humanity of our leaders. They are, indeed, as human as anyone else. This recognition opens a profound opportunity for our new leaders to embrace vulnerability, not as a weakness but as a vital asset in connecting with the electorate's dreams and passions. How can this new generation of cabinet members, tasked with guiding Singapore through its next phases of growth and challenge, harness their own authenticity to inspire trust and foster a deeper connection with the people they serve? What do you think about this? #Integrity #Leadership #Singapore

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Today I joined a panel as part of the #GenZeroClimateSummit2024. It gave rise to a reflection on the last seven years here in Singapore.  One thing Singapore is exceptionally good at is building eco-systems of interconnected actors.  Not only formally but only socially. It makes getting started on ventures and collaboration much easier.  It struck me just how many people in today’s summit knew each other not just socially but also via commercial relations. For Climate Change and Carbon Credits GenZero has been instrumental in creating this ecosystem. During today’s panel  #FrederickTeo (CEO of GenZero,) was mentioned repeatedly and it seemed so many had a relationship with Fred.  Well done #GenZero and Fred for bringing so many parts of the ecosystem together. Not by force but by pure interest and passion.  

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🌱 Pioneering Digital and Sustainability Transformations for a Better Planet In this feature article by VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times, Dr. Thai Lai Pham , President and CEO of Siemens ASEAN, discusses Siemens' sustainability initiatives - how we are leading the way in combining digital and #sustainability transformations to create a positive impact for our planet. 💚🌏 📖 Read on to discover how we are empowering customers to accelerate their sustainability goals through #decarbonisation, resource #efficiency, and societal impact: https://sie.ag/4vM37e #TransformTheEveryday

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On #WorldEnvironmentDay, we are reminded that sustainability impact goes much beyond just managing negative footprints; it’s about creating a positive handprint —in other words, increasingly expanding businesses’ net-positive impact on the world. This was one of the highlights during my dialogue with Qing Ma at the Siemens Sustainability Forum in China. Leaders from various industries gathered to discuss how to turn challenges into opportunities and collectively advance sustainability towards China’s ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. Once again, we have witnessed the power of ecosystems; we can think further and go faster by fostering collaborations. As the world’s second-largest economy, China plays a crucial role in our joint pursuit of net-zero emissions globally. In China, and globally, Siemens is proud to enable our customers to make a positive sustainability impact with our technologies, customized for local industries’ green transformation. Great examples of this are SiGREEN, with an innovative business model specifically designed to address the needs of China’s SMEs, as well as the Siemens EcoTech Declaration which we are proud to have launched for the Chinese market today. It is based on the Siemens EcoTech Declaration that we empower our customers to make informed decisions and advancing progress against their sustainability targets.

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Big transitions in Singapore's leadership 🇸🇬. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is stepping up as the new Prime Minister on May 15th, taking over from Lee Hsien Loong who will assume the role of Senior Minister. 🔄 Singapore's unique approach to leadership transition is worth noting. No abrupt changes. No dramatic shake-ups. It's all about continuity and gradual change. 🕰️ Wong's leadership will embody this ethos. While the Cabinet will largely remain the same, he's already scouting for fresh talent for the next general election. His focus? Balancing experience and new perspectives. 👥 This is a country that doesn't simply swap out its leaders. They continue to contribute, bringing their wisdom to the table while making room for the next generation. 🧓👦 Wong's vision is to build on what works, but also to refresh and break new ground. He's prepared to adapt to a rapidly changing environment, a mindset that resonates in a post-pandemic world. 🌍 For International Investors and MNCs looking to do business in Singapore, this is a reassuring sign. Stability, continuity, and a forward-thinking approach make for a conducive business environment. 💼 Stay tuned for the next chapter in Singapore's leadership. It's a lesson in how to transition power smoothly and effectively. 📚👀 Remember, change is not always about upheaval. Sometimes, it's about refinement, balance, and steady progression. 🌱📈 Graphic courtesy of Mothership

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This week, we discuss the influence of the Little Red Book on the Hong Kong food and beverage (F&B) industry. As social media platforms like Instagram constantly evolve their algorithms, newer platforms such as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and TikTok are gaining popularity. But what is the charm of these emerging social media channels? Click below to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eeaQFxnr

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Wondering how we can keep up with this huge demand on HVDC and energy market? Let me recap all recent investments by Hitachi Energy in this sector till 2027: • 1.5 BUSD in transformer manufacturing capacity => 4000 additional hiring • 3 BUSD in manufacturing, engineering, R&D and partnerships => 8000 additional hiring • As part of 3 BUSD investment, 330 MUSD goes only for expansion in Sweden which brings more than 2000 new colleagues for us. In total 4.5 BUSD investment only in 3 years, isn't it amazing?! This could've not happened without the acceptance of our new procurement model by our customers! #HVDC #EnergyTransision

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Speaking at the recent 𝐍𝐞𝐭 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 conference was not just an opportunity to present on innovation—it was also a moment to reflect on my personal journey in sustainability. Over the years, I've witnessed how Schneider Electric is empowering partners to achieve concrete outcomes through smart technologies and sustainable practices. These success stories inspire me every day as I see how collaboration and innovation can drive the shift to greener, more resilient cities. At the event, I shared insights on: - 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 - 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐨𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - 𝐔𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 What really struck me during the discussions was the shared commitment from city planners, business leaders, and policymakers alike to embrace sustainability—not just as a goal, but as a way of life. The achievement of Net Zero starts with bold actions and innovative thinking. Thank you to RICS and Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore (REDAS) for the platform to connect with like-minded leaders. Together, we can accelerate the path to a more sustainable future. If you have any questions or want to dive deeper into what I shared, feel free to send me a message! Let’s start the conversation about how we can drive change together.

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I believe Singapore's recent reaffirmation of its "All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership" with China, solidified by a record 25 agreements at the 20th JCBC meeting, truly highlights our nation's enduring commitment to neutrality. In a world increasingly fractured by geopolitical tensions and competing alliances, I see Singapore's steadfast approach, focused on connectivity and long-term mutual prosperity, as a beacon for the entire ASEAN region. As our Deputy Prime Minister rightly emphasized, Singapore's strength lies in building bridges and fostering cooperation. This is absolutely crucial now, with rising uncertainties like the potential shifts in US-China relations. By facilitating trade and investment, and by expertly "threading the fine line" between major powers, we demonstrate the power of diplomacy and pragmatism to the world. This approach, instilled in us by the wisdom of our forefathers, has enabled Singapore to become a trusted partner for nations across the globe. While some of our ASEAN neighbors may prioritize size and resources, I believe Singapore showcases the true value of strategic thinking and long-term vision. By remaining non-aligned, we can absorb, internalize, and translate the often-conflicting aspirations of major trading blocs, fostering an environment where sustainable growth and regional stability can flourish. Singapore's success story is a testament to the enduring relevance of neutrality in a polarized world. It's a compelling reminder that ASEAN's strength lies not just in its collective size, but also in its ability to leverage strategic thinking and embrace a cooperative approach to international relations. As the global landscape continues to evolve, I believe Singapore's "Switzerland" model offers a valuable roadmap for our region to navigate challenges and achieve lasting prosperity. #Singapore #ASEAN #Switzerland #Neutrality #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #Trade #Investment #Prosperity #SoutheastAsia #ForeignPolicy #InternationalRelations #JCBC #China #USChinaRelations #Connectivity #MyView #SingaporeanPerspective

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