This issue of Access Asia looks at the important role that education and training plays in the success of both businesses and personal life in Singapore. We also profile many new members and include all the photos from recent events.  Download the magazine here

Thinking about joining a chamber?  It makes good business sense – here are 6 reasons why you should make the time…

1. People do business with people they know:  A business chamber’s reason for existence is to connect people and initiate more business activity for its membership base. A chamber of commerce does this most effectively by providing a full calendar of events for networking and connecting professionals.  

2. Information; stay informed; find the answers.  A chamber will keep you informed of changes and issues that may affect your business, news on available grants and tips for doing business in the region or in a specific industry. A chamber is a great place to meet the people who will answer those questions that cannot be found by googling.

3. Credibility is key:  Being a member of a chamber is a very real way of highlighting the credibility of your business.  Research shows that consumers are more likely to engage with a company that is a member of the local chamber of commerce.*

4. Advocacy; the voice of many:  By definition advocacy is the the act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal.  A chamber of commerce represent its members through official political channels but also provides opportunities for members to have more direct and less formal dialogue with politicians and policy makers on issues and topics that impact them.

5. Visibility; increase your brand: A chamber of commerce has excellent outreach through e-newsletters, print publications and social media.  By simply being a member you can increase the awareness of your business within the membership base and beyond.  Members also have the option of actively promote your business through advertising and sponsorship.

6. Perks for Members: One way members can promote their business within the chamber is to offer discounts and special offers to members.  In some cases, this can benefit the whole family (restaurant, shopping, services discounts etc).  

A chamber membership may not guarantee your business overnight success in a new market.  However being an active member of a chamber might help you gain credibility, give you access to federal ministers and provide you with a great opportunity in make meaningful business connections.  It is the classic adage - you’ll get out of it what you are willing to put in! 

So...come to events, connect with other members, talk to the Chamber’s team about what you do, update your profile in the database, engage in surveys and read the newsletter.  Make the most of your membership  -  it’s good for business!

Thinking of joining AustCham?  Our six month membership is now open and this represents a 50 per cent saving on the AustCham membership fee.  Visit www.austcham.org.sg and contact members@austcham.org.sg for all the details.

* When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
http://www.gotahoenorth.com/pdfs/ValueOfJoiningChamber.pdf

Australians and Singaporeans enjoy a thriving network of cross-border investments and joint collaborations - here's 5 reasons why...

1. Close Government ties
The bilateral relationship with Singapore is one of Australia's closest and most comprehensive in Southeast Asia.  Ministers for Defence, Trade and Foreign Affairs from both countries will be meeting this month for the eighth edition of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC).

2. School buddies
Over 100,000 Singaporeans are alumni of Australian universities, including the President Tony Tan.  Singapore is a participant in the pilot phase of the New Colombo Plan, a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia and strengthen people-to-people and institutional relationships, through study and internships undertaken by Australian undergraduate students in the region.

3. Travel Mates
In 2013, there were 385,300 visitors to Australia from Singapore, an increase of 12.1 per cent on the previous year. Last year more people visited Australia from Singapore than any other country in Southeast Asia and Singaporeans can now use the SmartGate self-processing facilities at Australia's eight major airports.

4. Business Partners
The Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), which came into force on 28 July 2003, has contributed to a strong bilateral economic partnership. Singapore is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in ASEAN and our fifth largest trading partner overall.  Singapore was ranked fourth overall as a source of foreign investment in Australia.

5. Defence Allies
Singapore and Australia have been partners in the Five Power Defence Arrangements since 1971 which also includes Malaysia, New Zealand and United Kingdom. The Singapore Armed Forces have access to Australian training areas, including the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland.

Keep connected with Australian Business in Singapore, take a look at the benefits of membership to the chamber and email us if you any questions.