Singapore’s success as a global trading hub is due to more than just good luck and good location. Shaped by the monsoon winds that brought ships and traders from China, India and Arabia to its shores, Singapore was where goods and knowledge were exchanged and networks built. The island grew from a mere port of call to a marketplace and cultural hub. Even as ships evolved and became more sophisticated, the routes, relationships, and trust built over time endured and continues to attract the global flows of goods, energy, data, and people to Singapore today.  

Join Richard CY Lim to learn about Singapore's maritime history and developments and discover how the nation became a global trading hub, achieving its prominent status today.

About Speaker

Richard CY Lim joined the Republic of Singapore Navy in 1976 after graduating with a BSc. (First Class Honours) in Nautical Studies from the University of Southampton UK under a Colombo Plan Scholarship. He rose to the rank of Rear Admiral (2 Star) and was Chief of Navy from 1996 to 1999.

Richard retired from the SAF in 1999 and subsequently served in MINDEF as Deputy Secretary (Technology) as well as Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Agency.

After retiring from the public service Richard has held various roles as Chairman of the Maritime Safety at Sea Council, Chairman of the Governing Board of St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory, Chairman ST Logistics, and Chairman Energy Market Authority.

He is currently Chairman of Synapxe, Chairman Singapore GASCO and Chairman Meranti Power.