A warm and inspiring evening at the SNCC ASEAN Business Reception in August, bringing together around 70 representatives from diplomacy, government and business.

Photo: Sten E. Eriksen/Wikborg Rein

Erik Borgen guided us through the evening as master of ceremonies. He opened by placing the reception in a broader SNCC perspective, looking back at ten years of building connections between Norway, Singapore and ASEAN, while also looking ahead to SNCC’s tenth anniversary and the Singapore State Visit in October.

Photo: Sten E. Eriksen/Wikborg Rein

Erik then introduced Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, who provided a thoughtful perspective on the development of Norway–ASEAN relations and their importance in today’s challenging geopolitical climate. At a time of growing international uncertainty, strong partnerships, open dialogue and long-term relationships matter more than ever. His reflections also offered some cautious optimism that cooperation and stability may ultimately prove more rewarding than conflict and aggression.

Photo: Sten E. Eriksen/Wikborg Rein

To close the formal programme, Erik welcomed H.E. Nitivadee Manitkul, Ambassador of Thailand to Norway and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Oslo. She highlighted the close relationship between Norway and ASEAN, as well as the personal relationships that help sustain and develop it. Her warm and engaging remarks captured the spirit of the evening.

The reception was also an excellent networking arena. The combination of ambassadors, government representatives and business leaders created valuable opportunities for new introductions, renewed connections and practical conversations about trade, business and cooperation between Norway and the ASEAN region.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our sponsors Wikborg Rein, Jotun, Kongsberg Maritime and Telenor for helping make the evening possible!

Photos below: Sten E. Eriksen/Wikborg Rein