ACCI and AustCham Singapore sign MOU to open pathways for Australian SMEs into Southeast Asia
Friday, 30 October 2026 - The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Australia's largest and most representative business organisation, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore (AustCham Singapore) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter and expand in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.
ACCI President Lyall Gorman and AustCham Singapore President Batya Shulman signed the three-year agreement in Singapore during ACCI's Resilience and Diversification Mission to the country.
The MOU combines ACCI's national reach with AustCham Singapore's in-market expertise, networks and services. It covers the SME Pathway program, information sharing, and engagement through the 2027 ASEAN Chair year.
AustCham Singapore President, Batya Shulman said Singapore's stability, connectivity and pro-business environment are strong drawcards and make the island nation the ideal launchpad into the region.
"That's exactly why AustCham Singapore is building a dedicated SME offering and relationship with ACCI; so when Australian founders and businesses choose Singapore, they find a genuine community, practical support and real connections into the wider Australia-Singapore business relationship.”
ACCI President Lyall Gorman said the MOU was about making it easier for Australian businesses to break into the Singapore market and into the broader Asian region.
"For a small business, the hardest part of entering a new market is often knowing where to start and who to trust. This MOU gives Australian SMEs a clear way in, pairing ACCI's network at home with AustCham Singapore's people and relationships on the ground," Mr Gorman said.
ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar said diversifying export markets is one of the most practical steps Australian businesses can take to build resilience through this period of economic uncertainty.
"Singapore is a trusted partner for Australian business and it is the gateway to Southeast Asia. This partnership puts in-market expertise within the reach of our members and across our network," Mr McKellar said.
"With Australian businesses looking to expand their options, this is a practical way we can work together to better equip businesses and link them into growth opportunities in Singapore and the region.
About ACCI
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Australia's largest business network, representing employers big and small, across all sectors of the economy and from every corner of the country. Its members include a federation of state, territory and local chambers of commerce, leading industry associations and major corporations.