Prologue October 2008
by our President Jan de Vegt
Dear Members,
As I write this, we are nearing another exciting weekend in Singapore. The Singapore
F1. The first nightrace in the world. It is unbelievable what already has been put in, to
make this event a success. If you see the long stretches of lights, the fences, the stands
and the pitsbuilding, which was also quickly completed, you recognize the Singaporean
way, disciplined, timed and according procedure. Still something we could learn our
lessons from as Dutch people.
The same thing you see on the Marina Bay development, in the beginning it was just
lots of cranes and now every time I pass there, it looks like new buildings popped-up
and other ones kept growing.
At the same time the Board of ADB keeps busy with organizing events as well, after a
good panel discussion with people who run their own company in Singapore, sharing
ideas and experiences, we plan to a guided tour through the harbour, facilitated by
PSA, in October.
I would like to once again stress to you, that if you cannot join after registering,
please cancel on time.
As the group that will visit PSA is limited, we probably have to disappoint a number of
members. It would be a pity if you register, someone else is disappointed and in the
end the group is not complete. Let’s see if we can learn someting from Singaporeans, a little discipline in registering and cancelling would make life of the organisers in the
ADB a little bit easier.
Enjoy reading this interesting issue of our magazine.
Jan de Vegt
ADB mission:
‘To share meaningful and business-related information amongst the Dutch business community
in Singapore, whilst networking in a fun environment’
Welcome to the ADB
ADB, Your key to the Singapore business community!
 The "Association of Dutch Businessmen in Singapore" is THE business organization
for men and woman, living and working in Singapore with the ability to speak Dutch.
Every month the members convene after working hours to share their thoughts and
experiences over a drink. This get-together is followed by a presentation, forum
discussion, or company visit.
The ADB was formally established in November 1990. Several Dutch businessmen
in Singapore were of the view that communication, understanding and, where possible,
cooperation among Dutch businessmen and women could be much improved. Accordingly,
it was felt that a business association had to be established and presently the
ADB counts approximately 350 members (all natural persons rather than companies).
The members represent all layers of Dutch business activities in Singapore:
from director to entrepreneur, from researcher to trainee, from legal advisor
to sales manager. All share a common interest in the business environment of Singapore
and its surrounding countries.
The ADB does not contemplate to be a Chamber of Commerce or a trade institution,
seeking to formally represent the interests of Dutch business in Singapore. The
ADB, however, constitutes a platform for Dutch businessmen to share their thoughts
and experiences. Thus the ADB provides an easy and friendly entrance to the Singapore
business community. |
