Speech by Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng at the launch of PwC’s Trade Advisory Hub

Mr Marcus Lam, Executive Chairman, PwC Singapore, 

Ms Ho Weng Si, Executive Vice President & Member of the Executive Committee, Singapore Economic Development Board, 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Introduction 

1.            Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to join you at the launch of PwC’s Trade Advisory Hub. 

2.            With the global environment in flux, businesses face growing complexity in managing international trade. Policy frameworks alone are not sufficient – businesses need access to expertise that will help them navigate change and seize new growth opportunities in global trade. 

3.            PwC’s Trade Advisory Hub is a prime example of how global professional services firms can anchor such expertise in Singapore. 

Strengthen Singapore’s position as Trusted Hub for Global Trade 

4.            First, the hub will strengthen Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for global trade. 

5.            Companies are actively seeking trusted locations like Singapore that offer reliable infrastructure, predictable rules, and efficient and pro-business government services. 

6.            As the first of its kind in Singapore, the hub will strengthen the ecosystem that supports multinational companies and local enterprises using Singapore as their regional and global base. It will also ensure that Singapore continues to sustain robust demand for professional services. 

7.            This aligns with the government’s goals, as highlighted in our Economic Strategic Review – to build new trust-based services that help our businesses better manage risks and operate in a world of greater uncertainty. 

Enabling Enterprise Growth 

8.            Second, the hub will enable our enterprises to grow from Singapore into Asia and beyond. 

9.            According to the White Paper by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with PwC in September 2025,[1] close to US$10 trillion in global trade lanes are now facing increasing compliance complexity and risk. Businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind, facing product delays, penalties, or even exclusion from key markets. 

10.         Hence, Singapore welcomes professional services firms, such as PwC, that invest in deep differentiating capabilities – to help our businesses analyse tariff impacts, make more informed strategic decisions to optimise their trade routes, and better manage cross-border trade compliance. 

11.         These specialised services will help our businesses identify untapped growth opportunities, which will give them a competitive edge in regional and global expansion. 

Creating Better Jobs 

12.         Third, the hub will support quality job creation in Singapore and create new opportunities for Singaporeans. 

13.         It will build deep skills in areas like trade compliance, supply chain advisory and international business operations. These are exactly the high-value positions that will keep Singapore competitive and strengthen our manpower base for future-ready and globally relevant roles. 

Conclusion 

14.         In closing, the launch of the hub is timely and significant. It exemplifies the kind of trusted partnerships with the private sector that we aim to cultivate. 

15.         The hub not only enhances Singapore’s role as a gateway for trade, but also a place where ideas, talent, and solutions come together to shape the future of global commerce. 

16.         The Government will continue to work closely with the industry and professional services firms, like PwC, to ensure our enterprises are well supported to navigate change, innovate, and grow beyond our shores. 

17.         I congratulate PwC once again on this significant milestone, and wish the hub every success. 

18.         Thank you.

[1]           Source: White Paper titled “Trade Compliance for Leadership: Navigating a Shifting Global Landscape” (World Economic Forum in collaboration with PwC, September 2025).