The Global Trade Congress 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers and in-house counsel.
The Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) has co-hosted the inaugural Global Trade Congress in partnership with the Centre for Trade Excellence on 27-28 August in Singapore, amid shifts in the global trade order.
“In a time when the global trade order is being rewritten, our ability to listen to one another, to exchange candid perspectives and to build trust across industries and borders will matter as much as any policy or agreement,” said Daniel Choo, president of the SCCA.
With the theme “Thriving Through Turbulence: Resilience, Innovation & Collaboration in Global Trade”, 75 speakers across 25 sessions shared their insights on international trade in an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting regulations and sustainability imperatives.
Daniel Choo, president of the SCCA, addresses delegates at the Global Trade Congress.
Held on the sidelines of Singapore Convention Week 2025, the two-day congress brought together more than 700 participants across 79 industries. Guest of honour Luke Goh, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Law, addressed the delegates on the opening day, while Amanda Cowl, the United Nations regional co-ordinator for Asia, spoke on the second day.
Other speakers included Elizabeth Chelliah, principal trade specialist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry; Emily Follett, Australian deputy high commissioner at the Australian High Commission in Singapore; Hafimi Abdul Haadii, honourary consul of New Zealand to Brunei Darussalam; Jefferey Tan, group general counsel at Jardine Cycle & Carriage, an investment company; Kamal Dorabawila, chief investment officer at International Finance Corporation; Samuel Huen, global head of legal and regulatory compliance at Bank of Singapore; and Sriram Muthukrishan, managing director and group head of product management, global transaction services at DBS Bank.
The discussions focused on the expanding role of in-house counsel in global trade. Delegates said the scope of corporate counsel now extended far beyond legal interpretation to anticipating regulatory change, guiding strategic business decisions and enabling sustainable growth.
Alongside training programmes, competency frameworks and industry dialogues, these events form the backbone of the association’s efforts to elevate the in-house profession and strengthen its voice in shaping both legal and business outcomes.
