Text: Anders Hegre, Miasin
More than 50 participants gathered in Oslo as Market Update: Singapore 2025 brought together public authorities, business leaders, and support organizations to explore Singapore’s role as a regional hub for Southeast Asia – and what this means for Norwegian companies across sectors.
Hosted by Simonsen Vogt Wiig, the event confirmed a clear takeaway: Singapore remains one of the most relevant and opportunity-driven markets in Asia for Norwegian business, supported by strong institutions, predictable frameworks, and an openness to international partnerships.
A host with deep Singapore experience
SNCC extends a sincere thank you to Simonsen Vogt Wiig for hosting the event, and in particular to Erlend Lous, Managing Partner, for being such a generous and engaging host.
Lous established the firm’s Singapore office in 2007 and shared reflections from those early years. He recalled an early conversation with a senior figure at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), who asked a simple but telling question: “What can Singapore contribute?”
A question that captures a defining feature of Singapore’s approach to business – pragmatic, outward-looking and focused on creating mutual value.
Ambassador perspectives from both sides
The program was opened by H.E. Leif Trana, Norway’s Ambassador to Singapore, who joined digitally, and concluded by H.E. Tan Wah Yeow, Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Norway.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Trana offered a vivid picture of a thriving Norwegian business community in Singapore, with more than 400 Norwegian companies active in the market. While maritime and offshore activities remain central, Norwegian engagement is steadily expanding into technology, energy and new growth areas. Singapore was described as a true land of opportunity for Norwegian companies with regional ambitions.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tan reaffirmed a core message that resonated throughout the morning: Singapore is open for business — underlining the country’s long-standing commitment to openness, predictability and partnership with international companies.
Authorities, policy tools, and support structures
The program was further strengthened by contributions from key institutions in the Norway–Singapore ecosystem.
Sin Yee Loh, Regional Director (Europe) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), shared insights into the ongoing transformation of the maritime sector, with particular emphasis on digitalization and green shipping corridors.
From the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Andy Lua, Regional Director Nordics, provided updates on new policy tools and bilateral initiatives, including Refundable Investment Credits (RIC) and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone — measures of clear relevance to companies considering Singapore as a base for regional growth.
Heidi Dahl, Regional Director Asia & Middle East at Innovation Norway, presented how Team Norway in Singapore – the Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, and NBAS — works closely together to support Norwegian companies through market insight, partner searches, meeting facilitation and practical on-the-ground support.
Entrepreneurship and investment – a Nordic–Singapore success story
A highlight of the program was the contribution from TC Høiseth, Partner at Antler.
Founded in Singapore by visionary Norwegians, Antler has grown into one of the world’s most active early-stage investors, with more than 1,300 investments globally. Antler’s journey illustrates how Norwegian actors are not only finding opportunities in Singapore — but actively creating them — and how the combination of Nordic ambition and Singapore’s innovation ecosystem can lead to global impact.
Professional moderation and strong engagement
The session was elegantly and professionally moderated by Erlend Prytz, Chairman of SNCC and CEO of Norwegian Maritime Exporters, ensuring a clear structure and a strong red thread throughout the morning.
Participants also enjoyed excellent hospitality, tasty food and ample time for networking — a key part of the value created through SNCC’s meeting places.
Looking ahead
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Market Update: Singapore 2025 confirmed both the strategic relevance of Singapore and the value of bringing authorities, companies, and support organizations together in one room.
The insights and discussions from the morning provide clear inspiration and momentum as SNCC looks ahead to 2026, with continued focus on strengthening ties between Norway and Singapore and supporting Norwegian companies with ambitions in Southeast Asia.
SNCC would like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants for making the event a remarkable success.
