To mark tabla!’s 18th anniversary milestone and the recent launch of our dedicated Business section, we proudly hosted the inaugural tabla! Leadership Exchange Series in partnership with the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
This marks our first time directly engaging the Indian business community in this format—a vital segment we are deeply committed to showcasing.
During the dialogue, business leaders frankly shared their concerns about operating in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. From rising costs and manpower constraints to the uncertainty testing the rules-based global order, doing business today comes with greater challenges.
Yet, navigating these headwinds boils down to what I took away from the event as the “Three Rs”.
First is Resourcefulness. The dialogue highlighted the importance of capitalising on existing structures, such as ongoing trade events and conferences, to uncover collaboration opportunities. While the government forges strong political connections at the highest levels, it also focuses on ensuring businesses know about the structural support available to them.
Second is Resilience. In uncertain times, adapting to challenges requires working closely with trusted partners and maintaining a long-term perspective rather than reacting only to short-term hurdles.
The final and most important “R” to me is Respectfulness. As Singapore and India celebrate more than 60 years of diplomatic relations, we must respect that deep, enduring partnership. This bond is exemplified by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)—a status Singapore shares with very few countries and a true testament to the strength of our bilateral ties.
As tabla! comes of age, we look forward to continuing to tell the stories that drive our community’s economic vitality. Riding on the back of this successful dialogue, tabla! will continue to organise more such meaningful engagements.
