SBF New Chairman Li Jianhui: Focusing on Enterprise Competitiveness and Resilience

Sing Lun Holdings CEO Li Jianhui has been elected as the new Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), succeeding former Chairman S.S. Chong, who earlier announced he would step down temporarily and not seek re-election.

SBF held its 24th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday (June 24) and elected its 13th Council, which will serve a two-year term until 2028.

In a statement, SBF said the new Council consists of 24 members, including 12 elected councilors, 11 representatives from trade associations and chambers, and one co-opted councilor.

Six new councilors joined the new Council, including Adam Click, Chairman of AmCham Singapore; Mo Sixiang, President of the Restaurant Association of Singapore; Lee Teck Ming, Chairman of SGTech; and Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin, CEO of hedge fund Quantedge Capital.

During the AGM, SBF also held its fifth Future Ready Business dialogue, with Guest of Honor Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Public Service Development and Minister for Defence.

Themed "System-Wide Readiness: What Must Change in Government and Business," the dialogue brought together executives and policymakers to discuss how companies can enhance resilience, build future-ready capabilities, and navigate growing uncertainty.

Li Jianhui: Ensuring Enterprises Maintain Competitiveness and Resilience for Future Development

The new Chairman, who is also a Nominated Member of Parliament, said in the statement that geopolitical tensions, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the global economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses.

Li said: "My top priority is to ensure enterprises remain competitive, resilient, and future-ready. We will work closely with businesses, government and industry partners to develop practical solutions, foster a pro-business environment, and help companies build the capabilities needed for innovation, internationalization and robust growth."

He also noted that Singapore will chair ASEAN next year, a prime opportunity to deepen regional economic integration and cement ASEAN's role as a key engine of global growth. SBF will join hands with regional partners to turn these opportunities into tangible business outcomes and drive a more connected, innovative and sustainable ASEAN.

Li previously served as SBF Vice-Chairman and Treasurer. He also acted as Chairman during Mr. Chong's temporary leave of absence.

Mr. Chong, 71, issued a statement in May saying he would not seek re-election after his term as SBF Chairman ends on June 24. He had earlier temporarily stepped down from his roles as SBF Chairman, Executive Chairman and Director of Pacific International Lines, among others, to deal with charges brought by the US Department of Justice. Previously, Lianhe Zaobao reported that US authorities accused him of involvement in manipulating dry container prices.