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In 2009, SMF celebrated the New Year with leading maritime professionals against the somber backdrop of the global economic downturn.
Over 200 leading maritime professionals and key representatives and partners from government agencies gathered at this annual reception held at the Sentosa Pavilion. An old friend of the maritime community, RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, also joined in the celebrations at the SMF New Year Cocktail Reception. Mr S.S.Teo, Chairman of SMF, delivered a speech, sharing the achievements and initiatives of SMF throughout the past year. He urged industry partners to remain confident and optimistic despite the choppy waters ahead.
The Guest-of-Honour, Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs gave a report of the Singapore’s port and maritime performance in 2008. He also announced a series of measures introduced by the government to tide maritime companies and shipowners through the challenging time. Minister Lim also highlighted that the biennial SeaAsia Conference and Exhibition, jointly organised by SMF and Seatrade will be held in conjunction with Singapore Maritime Week for the first time.
The event also marked SMF’s fifth anniversary since its inception in 2004. To commemorate this milestone, SMF presented its first-ever publication, SMF Steering the Maritime Industry to Mr. Lim. The SMF Board of Directors and Executive Director, Mr David Chin joined the Minister onstage for a toast to usher in the New Year. SMF New Year Cocktail Reception 2009 was an enjoyable networking evening for many of our guests, as they mingled with their maritime partners and shared markets sentiments in the relaxing ambience of the Sentosa Pavilion.
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