Sing Lun Holdings CEO Li Jianhui Elected as New Chairman of SBF

Sing Lun Holdings CEO Li Jianhui has been elected as the new Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), succeeding former Chairman Zhang Songsheng, who earlier announced he would step down temporarily and not seek re-election.

The SBF held its 24th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday (June 24) and elected the 13th Council, with a two-year term ending in 2028.

In a statement, the SBF said the new Council consists of 24 members, including 12 elected members, 11 representatives from trade associations and chambers, and one co-opted member.

The new Council includes six new members, among them Adam Click, Chairman of AmCham Singapore; Mo Sixiang, President of the Restaurant Association of Singapore; Lee Teck Ming, Chairman of SGTech; and Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin, CEO of hedge fund Quantedge Capital.

Future Ready Business Dialogue: Whole-of-System Preparation

During the AGM, the SBF also held the fifth Future Ready Business Dialogue, with Minister for Public Service and Defence Chan Chun Sing as the guest of honour.

Themed 'Whole-of-System Preparation: What Changes Must Government and Business Make', the dialogue brought together business leaders and policymakers to discuss how companies can build resilience, future-ready capabilities, and address growing uncertainties.

Li Jianhui: Ensuring Competitiveness and Resilience for Future Development

New Chairman Li Jianhui, also a Nominated MP, said in the statement that geopolitical tensions, rapid AI development, and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the global economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses.

Li Jianhui said: 'My priority is to ensure businesses remain competitive, resilient, and future-ready. We will work closely with enterprises, government, and industry partners to develop practical solutions, foster a conducive business environment, and help companies build capabilities for innovation, internationalisation, and sustainable growth.'

He also noted that Singapore will chair ASEAN next year, presenting an opportunity to deepen regional economic integration and strengthen ASEAN as a key engine of global growth. 'The SBF will partner with regional counterparts to turn these opportunities into tangible business outcomes and drive a more connected, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN.'

Li Jianhui previously served as SBF Vice Chairman and Treasurer. He also acted as Chairman during Zhang Songsheng's temporary absence.

Explanation for Zhang Songsheng Not Seeking Re-election

Zhang Songsheng, 71, stated in May that he would not seek re-election after his term as SBF Chairman ended on June 24. He had earlier stepped down temporarily from his SBF chairman role, executive chairman and director positions at Pacific International Lines, among others, to deal with allegations by the US Department of Justice.

Previously, Lianhe Zaobao reported that the US accused him of involvement in manipulating dry cargo container prices.