SWISS SPECIAL

Standing for quality, precision, reliability and a fusion of innovation and tradition, Switzerland and “Swiss-made” have become global brands in their own right. Here, the stories behind leading Swiss brands in Singapore, and the excellence expressed in their products and services.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Standing for quality, precision, reliability and a fusion of innovation and tradition, Switzerland and “Swiss-made” have become global brands in their own right. Here, the stories behind leading Swiss brands in Singapore, and the excellence expressed in their products and services. 

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<b>Thomas Kupfer</b> Ambassador for Switzerland
<b>Thomas Kupfer</b> Ambassador for Switzerland

A PRIVILEGED PARTNERSHIP

Many Swiss brands and products have become, over the years, synonymous with the highest quality, precision, reliability and a unique fusion of innovation and tradition. Be it in banking, watchmaking, health care, logistics, science and technology, consumer products or tourism, Swiss excellence pervades many people’s lives in various ways. 

In today’s globalised economy, the actual place of production is no longer intrinsically linked to these nationalised qualities. “Swissness” is thus not just present in Switzerland, but rather multiplied by Swiss companies active all over the world. Singapore – as the premier gateway to the South-east Asian market, or even to the Asia-Paci c as a whole – is an important location for a great number of Swiss companies. Swiss brands have had a longstanding and prosperous presence in the Lion City, dating back even to the days before Singapore statehood. Today, over 450 Swiss companies are located in Singapore, and they can count on a very active Swiss Chamber of Commerce. 

Both of our countries are rather small, with very limited access to natural resources. We therefore rely heavily on a skilled workforce, high-quality education and career opportunities for all of our people. In this regard, Switzerland and Singapore are natural economic and trading partners. Indeed, in terms of trade, investment and transfer of technology and know-how, our two countries are collaborating very closely. 

This Swiss Special is an excellent testimony to this partnership. I am convinced that the presence of Swiss companies here will keep growing over the years. 

<b>Dr Tom Ludescher</b> Chairman of SwissCham Singapore
<b>Dr Tom Ludescher</b> Chairman of SwissCham Singapore

SWISS BUSINESS IN SINGAPORE – INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRING 

The Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Singapore represents and advocates for Swiss business in Singapore. With a history of business ties that goes back almost 200 years, the friendship between Singapore and Switzerland is extraordinarily strong and everlasting. 

Swiss excellence – as lived by Swiss companies worldwide – is a unique combination of talent paired with three Swiss characteristics: tradition, precision and innovation. 

Firstly, longstanding tradition. Imagine Swiss watchmaking without the passing down of skills generation after generation. Switzerland and its watches wouldn’t have become such strong global brands representing quality, reliability and innovation. 

Secondly, precision. Being on time for a meeting is more than just a typical Swiss attitude – it is a gesture of mutual respect and appreciation. 

And thirdly, the Swiss culture of constant innovation. It has not only lifted Swiss craftsmanship and service culture into its global leading position, but also allowed Swiss business to surmount multiple challenges such as the quartz crisis 40 years ago, and, more recently, digitalisation. Swiss companies are at the forefront of, or embracing, exponentially growing technologies in the areas of arti cial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things or blockchain, including the  elds of cryptocurrencies and Initial Coin Offerings. 

As the advocacy institution for Swiss business in Singapore, the SwissCham is proud to be supporting this cross-industrial excellence by building bridges across all of our members’ industries. 

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