Dear SASS Members & Friends of SASS,
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy & successful year in 2018.
2018 started positively with the 37th SASS AGM held on 12th January 2018 at the Singapore Island Country Club. The attendance at this year's AGM broke last year's attendance record, with over 70 attendees!
This year, we had A*STAR & Singapore Customs making presentations, providing members information on how these agencies can provide assistance to the industry & businesses. As part of the industry upgrading effort, A*STAR has invited SASS members to visit their Model Factory at SIMTECH on 8th February 2018. Registration to visit the Model Factory has been sent to members by the SASS Secretariat.
The highlight of the AGM was the panel discussion with the SASS Honorary Council Members. The Honorary Council Members spoke on the current & future state of shipping from their own perspectives. Members who attended the AGM had positive feedback on the panel discussion and SASS will organize another at an appropriate time.
SASS is also invited by the Migrant Workers Centre, which is part of NTUC, to co-host their charity golf event on 6th April 2018 at Raffles Country Club. The event will be graced by the Minister for Manpower Mr. Lim Swee Say. Details of this event will be sent to members soon and we ask for your support to make this event a success.
The agenda of SASS remains focused on staying relevant to members and to the industry. The vision of SASS is to be recognized as the global leader in promoting the interests of the ship supplies industry. This vision can only be realized through the unwavering support from members, industry partners and the government agencies. SASS will continue to lobby and work with the industry partners & government agencies to support its members and the industry.
SASS membership is also increasing. As of end January 2018, SASS has over 90 members with a few new applications. Much credit is given to current members who continue to promote and encourage companies to join SASS. We will continue to strive towards our goal of 150 members by 2019.
The 38th AGM in 2019 will be an election year. The elected office bearers from the 38th AGM will have the mandate to lead SASS for two years. It is important that the office bearers of the term beginning 2019 continue to lead and build SASS towards its vision. A call goes out to all members who share this vision to step forward to serve. Nomination process will begin sometime towards the end of the third quarter.
Finally, while there is some light at the end of the tunnel, many challenges in the industry remain. Please do provide feedback to the SASS Secretariat on ways the association can help. SASS is committed to helping members and the industry.
Once again, my fellow council members and I thank all members and industry partners for your continued support.
We wish all of you a good and prosperous 2018.
Sincerely,
Danny Lien
President
Term 2017-2018
