Trade Mission to Singapore and Indonesia

Enduring relationships, built on shared history and a dynamic future

By Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce 

During Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s recent trade mission to Southeast Asia, I was struck by the strong historical trading connections between Scotland and both Singapore and Indonesia. 

This was my first visit to the region, and I quickly learned about its rich trading history which began along the banks of the Singapore River in 1819. It was then that Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar, a Scotsman, established a port for the British East India Company (EIC).  Initially, the EIC dominated trade in Singapore, but independent traders and explorers soon followed, eager to exploit the settlement’s strategic position and transform the island into a prized colony of the Empire. 

Given the large number of Scots among the EIC merchants, military personnel and administrative staff, it is no surprise that Scottish names dominate Singapore’s iconic town centre and river areas.  Numerous landmarks bear Scottish names, including the Horsburgh Lighthouse named after James Horsburgh and completed in 1851. It was designed and built by John Turnbull Thomson, the Government Surveyor for the Straits Settlements and who served as both surveyor and engineer on the island.  He was also responsible for Dalhousie Obelisk, the tower and spire of the original St Andrew’s Church and Thomson’s Bridge. 

Scottish foundries forged much of the iron and steel for the British Empire.  Singapore, which had little to no domestic production, imported most of the ironwork it needed from Glasgow-based companies like MacFarlane and Co and P & W MacLellan and these materials have enhanced Singapore’s built heritage to this day.  The best-known example is Cavenagh Bridge, which spans the Singapore River and was opened in 1870.  It has stood the test of time and is still used as a footbridge today.  Another famous landmark is Lau Pa Sat market, designed by engineer James MacRitchie who arranged its construction in cast iron by MacFarlane and Company. 

The Scottish legacy also extends to the number of major businesses that laid the foundation for the city’s prosperity. Companies such as Guthrie, one of Singapore’s first trading companies. Household names such as Fraser and Neave, P&O Shipping, Sime Darby, Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC were all founded by Scots. 

It is heartening to see many Scots in Southeast Asia today, maintaining strong links between the region and Scotland.  Whilst in Singapore, we attended a Scottish Connections event organised by Scottish Development International, bringing together a wide range of different groups associated with Scotland. From Singaporean alumni of Scottish universities and expat Scots who have made Singapore their home to Scottish companies with a presence in Singapore, as well as our businesses visiting as part of the trade mission.

Scotland’s diaspora is an extension of the nation itself, forming a powerful bridge between Scotland and the rest of the world. It was fantastic to see the atmosphere and energy in the room as new connections were made, further strengthening the links between Scotland and Singapore.

From networking and business matching events with British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham) and Singapore Business Federation, to learning more about Singapore’s tech start up and innovation ecosystem from both ACG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), our businesses left feeling inspired and energised by their experiences and interactions. 

As a leading international and tech-focused university, Strathclyde has taken the innovative step of setting up a regional hub for Southeast Asia. Julian Taylor, who has a corporate leadership role at Strathclyde, is based in Singapore for the university. He has a remit of connecting academics at Strathclyde with local partners across industry academia and government in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.  The objective is to secure new research collaborations and to support the wider ambitions of the University in the region. 

In a little over two years, successes have included research collaborations with major global multi-nationals, to sharing knowledge around Glasgow’s wider innovation ecosystem.  

Having lived in Asia for most of the past decade and previously representing the Scottish Government across the region, Julian brings an extensive business network and deep knowledge of international business development. As an active GlobalScot and proud Strathclyder, he is eager to share his expertise with - and learn from - chamber members and the wider innovation community. This enables him to build collaborative bridges to countries where few have significant experience, representing the University of Strathclyde as a key Chamber member. 

In Jakarta, Indonesia, Scots pioneers and entrepreneurs are also making significant contributions.  

Ainsley is the President Director of PT Swire Investments Indonesia which is part of the Swire Pacific, a diverse conglomerate whose interests include Cathay Pacific, Coca-Cola Bottling operations, real estate and healthcare. He is currently looking after the development of Jakarta's most prestigious luxury residential complex as well as Swire's recent strategic healthcare partnership with the Indonesia Investment Authority and Indonesia Healthcare corporation covering 40 hospitals across Indonesia including Bali International Hospital currently under construction. The Bali hospital aims to be Indonesia's first genuine World Class healthcare facility. 

This trade mission highlighted the lasting and evolving relationships between Scotland and Southeast Asia, built on shared history and a dynamic future, I look forward to seeing what comes next.