Mr Patrick Chan, President of the Association of Catering Professionals Singapore,

ACAPS Members and Industry Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Introduction

 

1. Good evening. Thank you for inviting me to celebrate ACAPS’ annual Member’s Night. ACAPS plays an important role in driving industry transformation in the catering sector.

 

ACAPS’ Role in Driving Industry Transformation

 

2. ACAPS has been actively staying abreast of key industry trends to ensure its members can keep building new capabilities and remain relevant and competitive. This year, ACAPS organised two overseas learning journeys to Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur, where members saw how technology improves efficiency and reduces manpower needs.

 

3. Drawing from the valuable insights gained during these trips and discussions at this year’s ACAPS EXCO retreat, I am glad to hear that ACAPS will focus its efforts on three key areas for the upcoming year. They are cook-chill and cook-freeze technology for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, sustainability initiatives, and the integration of AI with key catering touchpoints. This strategic emphasis will further strengthen and enhance the catering sector, fostering innovation and efficiency.

 

4. I applaud ACAPS’ efforts in driving industry transformation. I trust you will continue to foster a culture centered on knowledge-sharing and cross-border awareness among your members.

 

Government Support

 

5. While we maintain a positive outlook for the future, it is important to prepare for potential headwinds. Global inflation rates are rising, and labour markets are increasingly competitive. As a result, businesses are facing ongoing cost pressures related to raw materials, energy, logistics and labor. The government is committed to partnering with ACAPS and its members to help businesses navigate these challenges effectively. Through these collaborations, we hope to support catering businesses in enhancing productivity and innovation, exploring new sales channels, and creating employment opportunities for Singaporeans.

 

a. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) played an important in bolstering KitchenHaus’ efforts to diversify. As a result, KitchenHaus successfully branched into contract manufacturing services for semi-processed and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products under its brand "Levender Gourmet”.

 

b. In addition, many ACAPS Members have also improved the productivity of their operations by adopting digital solutions and automation equipment.

 

Enterprise Singapore will continue to support ACAPS with the necessary resources and networks to pursue new paths for growth.

 

International Partnership

 

6. The signing of the MOU later today between ACAPS, the Guangdong Catering Industry Association, and the Singapore Productivity Centre is a positive step for the industry in the development of international partnerships.

 

7. The MOU will promote culinary excellence, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and foster cultural exchange and open up exciting possibilities for industry professionals. They can look forward to exchange programmes to learn and share best practices in culinary arts and catering management. Catering companies will benefit from the exchange of ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat delicacy recipes with their overseas counterparts. In addition, annual learning visits between Singapore and Guangzhou will offer association members the chance to visit catering and F&B companies of interest, and gain valuable insights into the global catering landscape.  

 

Trade Associations and Chambers

 

8. The government will work closely with ACAPS and other similar organisations to drive the catering sector forward in its quest for innovation and sustainability.

 

9. I am confident that the sector will continue to grow from strength to strength under the leadership and guidance of ACAPS.

 

10. I wish the new ACAPS exco and committee members a productive and successful term.

 

11. Thank you.