SINGAPORE, 8 July 2025 – BDO in collaboration with BELLS Institute of Higher Learning and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), successfully hosted "Procurement igNite: An Evening of Partnership, Insight & Digitalisation" at Raffles Town Club.
The event brought together senior executives, government representatives, and industry pioneers to explore the evolving role of procurement in Singapore's economic future. As part of Singapore's Trade 2030 Strategy, the evening highlighted how procurement leaders are driving digital innovation, building economic resilience, and securing supply chain competitiveness.
Event Highlights:
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office and NTUC Deputy Secretary-General said, “Strategic procurement and supply chain management are key for Singapore’s economic resilience. The partnerships formed today mark an important step towards embracing technology and training to uplift the procurement sector. As we navigate global challenges, these initiatives will foster cross-collaboration and continuous learning; and support businesses to advance and our workforce to remain skilled and competitive.”
BDO announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at uplifting procurement and supply chain capabilities across Singapore and the wider Asia region. This included the unveiling of a strategic partnership between BDO and CIPS, appointing BDO as CIPS' delivery partner to offer a comprehensive suite of education and advisory services.
The event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BDO, Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute Pte Ltd) to
- Support the job redesign, training and continuous education of workers in the procurement sector, especially for those mainly affected by industry restructuring, job re-design and technological disruptions and
- Provide employment opportunities for workers from other industry sectors to work in the procurement sector through robust job matching. BDO as the consulting firm will tap on its network to bring onboard clients and partners along.
As more companies hop on the bandwagon of transformation, more Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) in the sector will acquire relevant skills and adapt to the evolving industry standards. The MOU was signed by Mr Desmond Tan, Executive Secretary of SISEU, Ms Caryn Lim, CEO, NTUC’s e2i and Mr Frankie Chia, Managing Partner of BDO in Singapore.
Further cementing its commitment to sectoral transformation, BDO in collaboration with BELLS Institute of Higher Learning, launched the BDO + BELLS Digital Procurement Academy, a new training platform offering SkillsFuture-approved diplomas and courses aimed at nurturing future-ready procurement professionals.
"In a time marked by global supply chain uncertainty and rapid digitalisation, there is a pressing need to invest in strategic procurement capabilities that are future-ready," said Mr. Frankie Chia, Managing Partner of BDO in Singapore. "Through these partnerships and the launch of the Digital Procurement Academy, we are proud to play a pivotal role in developing talent, strengthening organisational resilience, and shaping the future of procurement across the region."
The event will also feature a panel discussion on "Building Tariff-Resilient Procurement through Talent, Technology, and Partnerships," with speakers from the Ministry of Finance, BELLS, CIPS, BDO and MVGX:
Panelists:
- Mr. Tay Ter Long, Chief of Government Procurement, Ministry of Finance
- Mr. Patrick Ho, Chief Growth Officer, BELLS Institute of Higher Learning
- Mr. Sam Armchampong, Regional Director, CIPS
- Ms. Elis Tan, Executive Director, BDO Singapore
- Mr Gabriel Wong, Co-Founder, MVGX
Demonstrating procurement's commitment to environmental responsibility, the carbon neutral event was made possible through partnership with MVGX, a Singapore-based Carbon SaaS company.
For media enquiries please contact:
Muhammad Noor Amin
Senior Manager, Marketing Communications
Tel: +65 69902826
Cell: +65 97286964
Email: muhammadnoor@bdo.com.sg
ABOUT BDO SINGAPORE
BDO Singapore is a leading professional services firm offering audit, tax, and advisory solutions to SMEs, large private businesses, and multinational corporations. Established in 1972, we have built a strong reputation with a team of over 600 professionals delivering services such as Audit & Assurance, Tax & Risk Advisory, Business Restructuring & Forensics, Deal, Cyber Security & Digital Advisory, Management Consulting and Outsourced Accounting.
As an independent member of BDO International, the world’s fifth-largest professional services network with a presence in 166 countries — they provide global expertise with local insights. BDO’s partners and directors foster trust and innovation, helping clients grow and transform in a culture of collaboration and excellence.
ABOUT BELLS INSTITUTE OF HIGHER LEARNING
BELLS Institute of Higher Learning is a trusted name in adult learning, dedicated to equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills. Through partnerships with leading industry bodies such as IBM, Tuv Nord, BELLS helps learners build capabilities that support career advancement. With 10 training centres across Singapore, BELLS Institute has trained over 140,000 professionals in various fields.
ABOUT CIPS ASIA
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is a global not-for-profit organisation, serving the procurement and supply management profession. Dedicated to promoting good practice, CIPS as a professional body provides a wide range of services for the benefit of members and the wider business community, including qualifications, education and training and thought leadership in procurement and supply. With a membership of over 64,000 in 180 countries our Royal Charter means we act for the public good.