The genesis of AustCham was in 1977/1978 when a group of Australians with business interests in Singapore met on a regular basis in the Australian High Commission. This adhoc group formed itself into the Singapore Australian Business Committee, but was very much a meeting of like-minded Australians who discussed matters of business and social interest in Singapore. In 1981, the Singapore Australian Business Council (SABC) was formally set up. Rules were drawn up and in January 1982, SABC held its inaugural meeting.

On 15 June 2001, the SABC formally changed its name to the "Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore" in order to keep uniform with the other chambers around the region.

The objectives of the SABC then are similar to now: in essence, to provide a forum on an organised and continuing basis of Australian senior executives - irrespective of the origins of the organisation for which they work, Singaporeans and other nationals who are senior executives of Australian companies where they can exchange and discuss ideas and common interests regarding economic, industrial and commercial objectives.

AustCham welcomes individuals and organisations as our members. We provide members with opportunities to become involved in similar programs on both business and social levels which proactively link Singapore and Australia, and encourage ongoing and enduring relationships.