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IT’S TIME FOR
BRAZIL SINGAPORE
G20 Unites Brazil & Singapore
Also Inside:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Migratory Waves: Settlers Secretariat for Commercial and Economic Foreign Policy
Who Bound Together Asia & Brazil
Visiting Delegations from: Maranhão
State • Lemann Foundation • Santos Export
• CDL Salvador • INPI • ENAP • FIRJAN
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 A
We are Bracell
Bracell manages sustainable fiber plantations and
production facilities in the states of Bahia and São
Paulo, Brazil, developing high quality products to meet the
expectations of customers operating around the world.
We are a global leader in the production of dissolving
pulp, producing specialty cellulose and rayon-grade
dissolving pulp.
Bracell’s operations are supported by the sustainable
cultivation of eucalyptus and state-of-the-art factories. We
have an installed annual production capacity of 750,000
tons of pulp and employ over 7,000 people.
Bracell São Paulo recently launched ‘Project Star’, an
ambitious effort to expand its production capacity by an
additional 1.25 million tons of dissolving pulp. Scheduled
for completion in 2021, the expansion project is expected to
represent the largest private investment in the State of São Paulo
in the last 20 years.
#WeAreBracell #SomosBracell
www.bracell.com
B It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019
FOREWORD
A
s we inch closer to the turn of the decade, we PUBLISHER
can draw a number of lessons from the past Nomita Dhar
Sun Media Pte Ltd
years. The economic and trade outlook has be-
come more uncertain, and all countries, large or small, EMBASSY’S EDITORIAL BOARD
must make an extra effort to stay competitive and Carlos B. Pheysey
relevant. Yet competitiveness and innovation do not
happen in a vacuum: the more competitive you want CO-WRITER
Patricia de Mello Franco
to be, the more cooperative you must be. After all,
trade and investment depend on mutual trust, and ASSISTANT EDITORS
innovation has ceased long ago to be the brainchild Syed Jaafar Alkaff
of lone geniuses. Fortunately, Brazil and Singapore, Ranee Sahaney
already good partners, are getting closer and closer
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
together, for the benefit of both.
Swati Singh
In 2019, several Brazilian delegations visited Singapore to become acquainted
with the country’s experience in innovation. This edition of our magazine show- PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS & SOURCES
cases some of these partnership initiatives. As a token of the interest in the Singa- Embassy of Brazil in Singapore
porean expertise, six governors, vice-governors and other officials took part in two Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
Ministry of Communications and
missions to get a grip on training for teachers and for civil servants and other modes Information Singapore
of skill-building. Michael Ozaki
This edition also features the ongoing drive to understand, adapt and implement
scientific breakthroughs and innovations inspired by Singaporean solutions. You’ll PRINTING
Stamford Press Pte Ltd
read about graphene, a revolutionary new material being researched at the Nation-
al University of Singapore by a team which includes Brazilian scientists. There is also
interest in hi-tech solutions for port logistics, finance, retail, infocomm, and more. MCI (P) 070/02/2019
Also, to learn more about the Singaporean innovation ecosystem, a delegation from
Brazil’s Industrial Property Institute spent a week here and signed a memorandum
of understanding with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Other
missions described in these pages underscore the bright prospects of technology
tie-ups between our two countries.
Singapore has a strong presence in Brazil, as in no other place in Latin America.
We’ll be talking about Brazil’s steel industry, and also about its famous precious
stones and its popular superfoods, such as açaí. Brazilian exports are more and Sun Media Pte Ltd
more present in Singapore. 20 Kramat Lane #01-02
Our outgoing Ambassador, Mr. Flávio Damico, delivered numerous presentations United House
this year to business audiences to promote stronger bilateral ties. As a token of mu- Singapore 228773
tual interest, President Bolsonaro and PM Lee met on the margins of the G20 meet- Tel +65 6735-2972
Fax +65 6735-3114
ing in Osaka last June. The summit at Davos in January and the Brazilian national
day in September were just two of the several other opportunities for Brazilians and admin@sunmediaonline.com
www.sunmediaonline.com
Singaporeans to get together and discuss their common interests.
We have also included two articles about little-known episodes in Brazilian his-
tory. The first article tells the story of Brazil’s important contribution to the fight
against the Axis during World War II. The second covers Japanese immigration to
Brazil since 1908, along with considerations on newer migrant waves from Asia.
Brazil takes pride in its ethnic and cultural diversity, and the East Asian immigrants
made Brazilian culture a lot richer.
As we bid farewell to Ambassador Damico, we also extend a warm welcome to
our new Ambassador, Ms. Eugenia Barthelmess. Both are interviewed in these pag- EDITORIAL OFFICE
es. Ambassador Barthelmess will find an active ecosystem of businesses and other Embassy of Brazil in Singapore
interests, as well as common values, uniting the two nations across the oceans. Economic and Trade Section
Thank you to all those who advertised in this issue or gave any contribution to
101 Thomson Road
make its publication possible. I wish you all pleasant reading. And don’t let the title #29-03 United Square
of this magazine fool you: It’s always time for Brazil in Singapore, just as it’s always Singapore 307591
time for Singapore in Brazil.
Tel +65 6603-9372
Daniel Roberto Pinto secom.cingapura@itamaraty.gov.br
Deputy Head of Mission http://cingapura.itamaraty.gov.br
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 1
Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz
Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz, Rodovia ES 010, km 56, Barra do Sahy, Aracruz – ES – Brazil. Tel: (27) 3270 6900 www.jurong.com.br
Sembcorp Marine Ltd, 80 Tuas South Boulevard, Singapore 637051. Tel: (65) 6265 1766 Fax: (65) 6710 3182 www.sembmarine.com
2 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019
Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz (EJA), Sembcorp Marine’s wholly-owned integrated shipyard in Brazil,
is located on an 82.5-hectare site with a 1.6-km long coastline in the municipality of Aracruz in
EspÍrito Santo.
EJA has capabilities to undertake: construction of drillships, semi-submersibles, jackup rigs, platforms, supply
vessels and topside modules; FPSO integration; drilling rig repairs; as well as ship repairs and modifications.
With 22 successful deliveries of oil and gas exploration, production and storage platforms for Brazilian
oilfields over the past two decades, Sembcorp Marine has the competitive edge to serve not only the
Brazilian offshore industry, but also oil and gas field developments in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico,
Latin America and West Africa.
Sembcorp Marine. Integrated Synergies, Global Possibilities.
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 3
Contents
1 FOREWORD
IN CONVERSATION
6 HE Ambassador Flávio Damico
9 HE Ambassador Eugenia Barthelmess
BILATERAL TIES
10 Presidential Inauguration
12 The Men of Davos
13 13 G20 Unites Brazil and Singapore
VISITS
14 Purveyors of Knowledge: Lemann 30
Foundation and Singapore’s Education
EVENTS
16 Santos Export Mission: Channelling
29 BRICS: Give Me Five
Efforts into Ports
30 Brazil-Singapore Ties Brighten
18 New Dawn for Maranhão State
Each Year
20 Back to School: Singapore Hosts
32 PianoBotanica 2019: A Tribute to
Lemann Foundation Delegates
João Gilberto
22 Retail-cum-Tech Therapy
34 Outreach to the American Club
23 Reiterating the I-word: Innovation
and Brazil’s INPI
25 ENAP: Setting High Standards NEWSMAKERS ADVERTORIAL
on Public Administration’s 39 If You Have Global Growth on
Best Practices Your Mind
10 26 FIRJAN’s Quest
28 Matter of Physics: Graphene INDUSTRY PROFILE
35 Backbone of the Nation:
Brazilian Steel Stands Strong
36 Jam-packed with Gems: Precious
Stones of Brazil
FOOD & BEVERAGE
37 Açaí Hailed as a Wonder Berrry
24 16
32
4 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019
BRAZIL in SINGAPORE
IT’S TIME FOR
40
FEATURE
40 Migratory Waves: Settlers Who Bound
Together Asia and Brazil
42 Into the Darkest Days of WW2
TRADE SHOWS 42
45 Brazilian Trade Show Calendar
We gratefully acknowledge the source of photos used in the issue from:
- The Brazilian Embassy in Singapore
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
- Ministry of Communication and Information Singapore
- G20 Osaka Secretariat
45
MCI (P) 070/02/2019
This commemorative special is
published under the advocacy of HE
Flávio Soares Damico, Ambassador of
Brazil, Singapore. © Copyright 2019
by Sun Media Pte Ltd. The opinions,
pronouncements or views expressed
or implied in this publication are
those of contributors or authors. The
aim of this publication is to guide
and provide general information.
While every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of all information
contained, the publisher cannot be
liable for loss incurred in any way
whatsoever by a company or person
relying on this information.
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 5
IN CONVERSATION
HE Flávio Soares Damico:
Singapore - A Source of Inspiration
and Abiding Friend to Brazil By Nomita Dhar
On the eve of his departure from Singapore, outgoing Ambassador of Brazil to
Singapore, HE Flávio Damico speaks to Editor-in-Chief Ms Nomita Dhar about the
lessons he is taking away and how they can benefit his home country
Y
our Excellency, you have seen the centre of economic gravity has slowly
and experienced many things moved away from the West to the East.
ever since you arrived here in Sin- This is a reality we have to be aware of.
gapore, three and a half years ago; it Much of my job in Singapore entails draw-
has been quite a roller-coaster ride and ing the attention of the Brazilian govern-
somehow you’ve managed to steer the ment to developments here.
ship of Brazil-Singapore ties in a posi- Since 2015, the Brazilian economy has
tive direction. What’s happening in Bra- improved a great deal. The risk percep-
zil now on the economic front? tion has declined dramatically. In 2015,
In 2016, Brazil was in a very complicated the annual inflation rate was 10.7%, the
economic and political situation: a dete- interest rate 14.25%, the stock exchange
riorating debt-to-GDP ratio compromis- index (IBOVESPA) 38,000 and Brazil’s
ing government accounts with serious country risk was at 533 points. In 2019,
consequences. Beyond the short-term the stock exchange index is 108,000 and
deleterious macroeconomic situation of Brazil’s country risk 117 points – the low-
fiscal deficits, Brazil was in no position est level in 6 years, Our inflation too is at
to fund necessary investments in infra- the lowest: it’s about 3% and the interest
structure to boost the competitive- rates are now likely to drop to 4.5%, his-
ness of its exports of agricultural torically, its lowest rate. Thus a marked
and mineral commodities. Since improvement in all indicators!
our main markets are in Asia, we Prospects for the resumption of a fast-
are disadvantaged in relation er pace of growth by 2020 are quite good.
to our competitors. Simultane- There has been one point about which we
ously, the domestic political are disappointed: the recovery has not
situation was also very seri- been, so far, accompanied by commensu-
ous with enormous revulsion rate job creation. The economy is not yet
against corruption, which led strong enough to support consumer con-
to important changes. Of fidence. Besides that, many of the com-
course, we could not have panies were hit hard by the weak perfor-
addressed this problem mance of the economy in previous years.
unless there was some This brings us to the problems facing
political change for a our manufacturing sector, which has a
country that is one of lot of hard work to do to become fully
the largest producers competitive globally. To redress that, we
of commodities, both are moving very fast towards conclud-
in agriculture and oil ing trade deals. Mercosur has closed one
and gas. with the European Union and also with
Being here in Singa- the European Free Trade Association. We
pore enabled me to consider will have the second round of our trade
ways on how a country on the negotiations with Singapore shortly. So
Atlantic could be relevant in a now in economic terms we have a lot of
world where the Indo-Pacific is clarity on where we are going and the
more and more important. My speed at which we can do this. Slowly,
good friend Professor Danny the pieces are falling into place and I’m
Quah, Dean of the Lee Kuan very happy to report the economy has
Yew School of Public Policy, been at its healthiest stage after quite
has argued convincingly that a while.
6 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019
IN CONVERSATION
My challenge was to generate the necessary confidence for us to go to the next
level. To accomplish this, we identified two main areas: (a) investment facilitation,
which we have done with the signing of the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double
Taxation that hopefully will be ratified by the Brazilian Congress by the end of this
year, and (b) the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore
Has the US-China trade war, from which large country and we should not fall into
we are all suffering, had an impact on the complacency. It would not be a bad idea
Brazilian economy? to spread those ‘genes’ of restlessness in
Not directly as yet. Of course, we are my country.
worse off every time multilateral rules are
brushed aside and countries initiate uni- On the bilateral front, what have been
lateral action. It does not mean that Brazil the highlights this year?
will win in every scenario once a truce is I’m very happy that in my three and a half
reached between the US and China. We year tenure I have managed to accomplish
are in a very awkward position, since Bra- what I set out to do: acting based on what
zil’s productive structure is very dissimilar economic actors on both sides wanted
to the one prevailing in the ‘red states’ in and creating a favorable environment for
the US that elected President Trump. Like these actors to interact.
Brazil, those states are powerhouses in We were starting from a high baseline
the production of minerals, oil and gas and as Singapore was already the 11th larg-
agricultural commodities. So we are in a est destination for our exports. My chal-
situation where we tend to suffer as much lenge was to generate the necessary
as others when the ’elephants‘ are fight- confidence for us to go to the next level.
ing, but we might also suffer if some level To accomplish this, we identified two main
of accommodations is reached between areas: (a) investment facilitation, which we
The Ambassador was awarded the Order of
the US and China. the Rio Branco by the Brazilian government have done with the signing of the Agree-
So far, the worst has not happened. Of on 30th July 2019 in recognition of his work ment on the Avoidance of Double Taxa-
course, a number of other things might in “removing the barriers preventing closer tion that hopefully will be ratified by the
ties and cooperation between Brazil and
prove to be good for my country, such as Brazilian Congress by the end of this year,
Singapore”
the rise in meat exports. Brazil is in a con- and (b) the negotiation of the Free Trade
dition to cover the reduction in supply of cumstances. This is perhaps the historical Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, which we
pork following the outbreak of the African legacy of Singapore’s pioneers, who were hope will be accomplished in the second
swine fever in some countries. We are also able to actually anticipate the future and round of negotiations to be held shortly.
in a good position to export substitute prepare the country to reap its benefits. Once these have been established, things
products like chicken and beef. Nowadays, things have become a little should get smoothened out.
more complicated. The international sce- We didn’t receive many visitors of note
What have been the lessons you are tak- nario has been eroded by the growing mu- from Brazil here in Singapore from 2016 to
ing away from Singapore from your time tual suspicions between the United States 2018 because of the Brazilian domestic
here as Ambassador? Also, if you were and China, and like all other countries Sin- political cycle. In 2016, we went through a
given an opportunity to bring certain gapore is caught in the middle. Singapore Presidential impeachment. In 2017, there
processes from Singapore to Brazil what is at the fulcrum of this due to its histori- were municipal elections and, in 2018, we
would those be? cal linkages both to the East and to the held a general election. So, politicians and
Singapore is a fascinating place and its West and is very much exposed to these decision makers were reluctant to travel
unique trajectory — economic, social, circumstances. I sense, however, that the abroad. More recently, once the cycle of
etc. — is quite amazing. In 30 years it has spirit of Singapore’s pioneers is still here, elections was concluded, we started to
moved from Third World to First. The rise as the current administration is trying to see a fairly large number of visitors, mis-
in income levels is almost unparalleled find a way for it to be more competitive sions and politicians from different states.
anywhere else. Of course, some factors and more innovative and is also trying to We noticed that they displayed more open-
inherent to Singapore have helped with attract the most modern industries and ness to what was happening here in Singa-
its success and it also has to do with the sectors into the city-state. There is no let- pore. This year, we had five governors and
international scenario, which bore oppor- down in seeking to keep up with the times. two vice-governors visiting Singapore.
Singapore
tunities for a country seeking to find a So, if I were to bring something of Singa-
niche for itself. But a favourable scenario pore to Brazil, it would be this restlessness, So things are turning around now?
is not enough. You have to have people this notion that we cannot be complacent The level of confidence is quite good, par-
here who are able to identify opportuni- and that a country should always strive to ticularly when you look around and see
ties and make the necessary adjustments find a better position in the international that the world is becoming more complex
and reforms that would put the country in system. I believe that Brazil can draw in- and things are getting messier by the day.
a position to take advantage of these cir- spiration from this attitude. We are such a There’s an inflation of expectations… but
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 7
IN CONVERSATION
what’s also happening is the disconnect I will miss my home here. It is so peaceful and is
between the possibilities of the economy
and the expectations of the people who
such a refuge for me, given my hectic pace life. And
want things moving very fast, but don’t then there is the beautiful Marina Bay Sands area,
have the capacity to withstand the set- the city skyline which takes your breath away….
backs… So there’s a lot of impatience due
to the fact that the world is in our palms
thanks to mobile phones and there’s
greater awareness of how things are
taking shape in other parts of the world.
Discontent can spread easily via the infor-
mation technology revolution. The news
cycle has shortened considerably. We
need to be prepared for that.
What is the technological scenario like in
Brazil? We have also learnt that there is
an increasing interest from Brazil in the
Singaporean innovation ecosystem.
It’s like everywhere else when it comes to
information and communication technol-
ogy in the international scene: discussions
about what changes the 5G network will
Ambassador and wife, Mrs Rosa Maria Campos Damico, took time out for a photo at this
bring and what’s going to happen between year’s Brazil National Day reception with the Marina Bay Sands Resort in the background
Huawei and the United States, regarding
the deployment of the 5G. We, of course, it has is providing support to a newly ar- What is your favourite place in Singapore,
will not be an active part of these debates. rived diplomat, in terms of advice on what which you know you will miss?
But, just like Singapore, we can prepare for to expect from the new country. That’s I will miss my home here. It is so peace-
the new hi-tech scenario. And we found why I decided to join the Foreign Service: ful and is such a refuge for me, given
out that we can do it much better when because I embrace change and coming my hectic pace life. And then there is
we join our talents. We had a number of to a new country means understanding the beautiful Marina Bay Sands area,
missions this year who came to study its people, economic circumstances, new the city skyline which takes your breath
the Singaporean innovation ecosystem societal scenarios; it’s all very fascinating away…. Likewise, my wife and my step-
and to explore possible partnerships in and enriching. So, by the time I leave Sin- son carried out a very fruitful and happy
research and development. I am pleased gapore, I will certainly look back and see life here as well.
that Brazil’s Industrial Property Institute how much I learned from and enjoyed this
signed a memorandum of understanding amazing experience in one of the most dy- Please share with our readers about your
with its counterpart, the Intellectual Prop- namic cities on the planet, the “unofficial next posting.
erty Office of Singapore, to collaborate in capital of Asia”, as Parag Khanna put it in My next posting is as Ambassador to Par-
a number of areas, for the benefit of en- his recent book, ‘The Future is Asian’. I feel aguay, a neighbouring and really impor-
trepreneurs and innovators in both coun- privileged that I was a part of it and I hope tant countary for Brazil. Brazil is the sec-
tries. Brazilian science, as measured by to have made a certain contribution back ond largest investor in Paraguay. Among
the number of scientific publications, has home in terms of drawing attention to the the many important joint projects, Brazil
achieved a very high level of international importance of things taking place here. and Paraguay co-own the world larg-
recognition. I firmly believe that both Brazil est hydro-electrical power plant, Itaipu
and Singapore can benefit if we join forces Would you recommend Brazil as a hub (it generates more electricity than the
to leverage this scientific knowledge into among Latin American countries for busi- Three Gorges dam in China). We also
marketable innovations. There are already nessmen? share a long border area of around 1500
a number of Brazilian entrepreneurs active The fact that the Singapore government km. Cooperation between the two coun-
here, in areas such as fintech, and also in set up in Brazil its only embassy in Latin tries is essential to control it. Moreover,
research of such groundbreaking materi- America has been the biggest endorse- we have a very large Brazilian commu-
als as graphene. In addition, Singapore can ment for my country. I see the potential nity living in Paraguay. It is going to be a
be a source of venture capital for Brazilian for all manner of investments coming in. very different assignment from the one
startups. In fact, I’m very optimistic as I en- On our side, we have no hesitation in using here in Singapore. I will have a big chal-
visage more and more companies showing Singapore as a hub for entry into South- lenge ahead that I am looking forward to
interest in these areas. east Asia and beyond. confronting. I am sure that, in spite of all
In terms of politics, we left behind a the differences between the two plac-
You have also been a very important rough period in Brazil. Politics is becom- es, the experience I gained in Singapore,
member of the diplomatic corps here. ing more contentious in every country. We and the many things I learned here, will
What was that experience like? are reassured by the fact that the econ- help me carry out my new responsibili-
The diplomatic and consular corps here is omy points to a much better future than ties successfully.
of very high level, and one important role ever before.
8 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019IN CONVERSATION
HE Eugenia Barthelmess: There is More
to Brazil than Meets the Eye By Nomita Dhar
The new Ambassador of Brazil to Singapore speaks to Editor-in-Chief Ms Nomita
Dhar about building on the base established by her predecessors as well as greater
emphasis on promoting Brazilian innovation and culture
W
hich part of Brazil do leged standpoint to ob-
you hail from? serve what happens in the
I was born in Curi- region and, I would think, in
tiba, the capital of the state all of the Asia-Pacific.
of Paraná, in the south of
the country. Paraná is among Brazil is far in distance,
Brazil’s main agriculture and but close to the hearts
livestock producers and ex- of Singaporeans. As the
porters. It is well-known for two countries celebrate
its massive waterfalls, Iguaçu 52 years of bilateral ties,
Falls, right on the border with what are your wishes for
Argentina. We are also home, the near future?
with neighbouring Paraguay, I am very privileged to
to the Itaipu power plant, the be able to follow in the
world’s largest in hydroelec- footsteps of Ambassador
tric generation. Ecotourism Flávio Damico, an enthusi-
is very popular in the state ast of the rich potential of
parks, which are filled with Brazil-Singapore relations,
abundant vegetation, large
Fewer people know about the as well as of other very tal-
rivers and wild fauna. Paraná’s very high quality of Brazilian science. ented predecessors, who
landscapes are uniquely beau- I believe we can work to further expand have worked hard to bring
tiful and should be on every- our two countries closer
one’s plan when visiting Brazil. on joint ventures in the agricultural together. It is my wish to be
and industrial fields, as well as able to build further on that
Could you brief our readers solid base in all areas: trade,
about the highlights of your
develop initiatives to boost business, political consulta-
diplomatic career and about research and development tions, but also innovation
your previous postings? and culture. Our countries
In a career that spans over three de- What was your first reaction when you have a lot to offer to each other. I intend
cades, I have worked for the Brazilian were asked to serve in Singapore? to work towards an ever stronger pres-
diplomatic service in many different I was truly honored to be assigned as ence of Singapore in Brazil and of Brazil
capacities. I have been posted to sev- the new Brazilian Ambassador to Sin- in Singapore.
eral offices abroad, among them the gapore. Singapore is a particularly excit-
Brazilian Mission to the Organization ing place for any Ambassador’s assign- What will be the focus of your work and
of American States in Washington, DC; ment abroad. Personally, I’m fascinated activities during your term here?
the Brazilian Embassy in Ecuador; and by its mix of cultures, the diversity of Brazil, as many of you know, is an agri-
the Brazilian Mission to the European its people, its rich history, its beautiful cultural powerhouse. It is also an impor-
Union in Brussels. Over the past six architecture, and also the fact that it is tant industrial country. Fewer people
years, I have been in charge of bilateral heir to both the Western and the East- know about the very high quality of Bra-
relations with Brazil’s South American ern cultural traditions. It is an inspiration zilian science. I believe we can work to
neighbors. As Director for South Amer- to us all that such a young country has further expand on joint ventures in the
ica in the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, I accomplished so much in terms of both agricultural and industrial fields, as well
have been at the head of a 15-strong social and economic development. I be- as develop initiatives to boost research
team of diplomats tasked with accom- lieve there is a lot to learn from Singa- and development. Our countries have a
panying Brazil’s everyday political con- pore’s uniquely successful experience. lot more in common than initially meets
tacts with eleven countries and three As an added advantage, Singapore’s the eye. I am convinced that both Sin-
regional organisms. It is a challenging location at the very core of Southeast gapore and Brazil have much to benefit
but rewarding job. Asia’s economic boom gives us a privi- from a strong bilateral partnership, in-
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 9IN CONVERSATION
Brazilian and Singaporean youngsters
can collaborate in planning and thinking
about how they want the world to look
like in the future and discussing how
they can contribute to reaching their
goals. Technology is on their side. Com-
munication across the world is incred-
ibly easy and access to information is
one click away (when it doesn’t pop up
on your smartphone screen). I believe
that student exchanges and college
programs will naturally lead to closer
Ambassador Barthelmess hails from Paraná State, well-known for its massive Iguaçu collaboration and the identification of
Falls: “Paraná’s landscapes are uniquely beautiful and should be on everyone’s plan unsuspected affinities.
when visiting Brazil.”
Is this the right time to invest in Brazil?
But I would also want Singaporeans to get to know If so, why?
I have no doubt about that. Large as it is,
more about the other Brazil: a country of hard- the Brazilian economy is fast finding its
working people, full of entrepreneurial spirit, open way back to growth, with very positive
to the world, and also very active in scientific and macroeconomic indicators, the lowest
interest rates ever and inflation rates
technological research that have been under control for de-
cades. The federal government is com-
cluding in the field of innovation. I was has risen from past difficulties, building
mitted to a responsible fiscal policy.
taking a look at some recent reports on up strength and important capabilities
The higher level of predictability is al-
this area and couldn’t fail to notice that along the way. As a people, we try to
ready increasing investors’ confidence
we seem to have many complementary look for answers that are not too ob-
and driving new capital inflows. In fact,
strengths. It would be a shame not to vious and this is an admirable quality.
Brazil and Singapore rank at about the
take advantage of the opportunities In addition, we are well-known for our
same level as destinations for foreign
this opens up. creativity, art, culture, music, and food,
direct investment; sometimes Brazil is
not to mention our talent in football. I
ahead, sometimes Singapore is. There
Cultural diplomacy has always been a believe Singaporeans have a fondness
is a vast array of new opportunities for
very useful tool to bring people togeth- for all of this, and I hope I’ll be able to
investment in Brazil, mainly in the build-
er. How would you like to explore this? contribute to create many opportunities
ing of new physical infrastructure and
My university major was in literature. I for them to enjoy Brazilian culture. But
the sustainable exploration of natural
am a strong believer in the role of cul- I would also want Singaporeans to get
resources. Through the Brazilian Invest-
ture not only to enrich people’s lives but to know more about the other Brazil: a ment Partnership Program, roads, rail-
also to bring nations closer together. country of hard-working people, full of roads, port and airport concessions, as
Some could say this is a cliché. In my ex- entrepreneurial spirit, open to the world, well as mining and oil and gas industries
perience, it is not: I have seen the posi- and also very active in scientific and are offered as attractive fields for in-
tive impact of reciprocal exposure to a technological research. coming foreign investment.
foreign country’s culture to inspire mu-
tual feelings of goodwill and friendship. Since you are just coming from home, This Embassy-supported publication is
History abounds in examples of cultural please tell us a little bit about young- celebrating its 20th anniversary this
sensitivity helping to strengthen links sters in your country. What do they year. Would you like to convey a mes-
between nations. dream about, what are their hopes for sage to our readers?
the future? How could the youth of our The magazine “It’s time for Brazil in Sin-
How would you like Singaporeans to ex- two countries collaborate? gapore” has been an important vehicle
perience Brazil through your eyes? Brazilian youth, not unlike in Singapore, to communicate with the local commu-
Brazil is the ninth-largest economy in are very well connected and informed, nity in so many levels: from investors,
the world, with a nominal GDP of $1.87 have wide access to social media and to businessmen, officials, academics,
trillion U.S. dollars. Its population of actively discuss the political, economic researchers, diplomats and visitors
220 million, the world’s fifth largest, and social challenges ahead. They are from abroad. I believe it does justice
is a particularly attractive consumer concerned with serious issues at both to the outstanding work carried out by
market, both for domestic and foreign local and global levels, such as broad- the Embassy’s staff. It also sets the bar
goods. At 8.5 million square kilometers, ening access to health, education and very high for the year ahead. I hope I’ll
the Brazilian territory is also the world’s justice and promoting sustainable de- have plenty of new interesting devel-
fifth in size, about twice the area of velopment. At the same time, we Brazil- opments to share with you and your
the European Union. I see Brazil as an ians like to have fun, practice and watch readers for the next edition, at the end
extraordinarily resilient country, which sports, and listen to music. of 2020.
10 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019BILATERAL TIES
Presidential Inauguration by Carlos Brian Pheysey
H.E. Minister Maliki Bin Osman attends the ceremony in Brasília
B
razil turned a new page in Osman, a Senior Minister of State
January 2019 when newly- for Foreign Affairs and also for De-
elected President Jair Mes- fence, is also Mayor of the South
sias Bolsonaro took office, in a cer- East District of Singapore. Born in
emony marked by due pomp and 1965, he obtained a PhD in social
the decisive cheering of one hun- work. he has been Member of Par-
dred thousand Brazilians at the na- liament for the constituencies of
tion’s capital, Brasília. Dignitaries East Coast and also Sembawang.
from other nations were present During mid-decade years, he was
in a show of support and respect also Minister of State for National
for another success of Brazilian Development. Though being of
democracy. Malay ethnicity, he embraced the
Among those present was H. multiracial ethos of Singapore and
E. Dr. Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, learned to play guzheng, originally
a Senior Minister of State for De- a string instrument of the Chinese
fence and also for Foreign Affairs. ethnic group.
Singapore selected this luminary As for Minister Ernesto Araújo,
from its Cabinet in view of the strength of he is a career diplomat. Born in 1967, he
the relations between both nations, be it majored in linguistics and literature. Hav-
in trade, investment and other spheres of ing joined the foreign service, he acquired
bilateral interaction. On a positive note, expertise in Pan-American matters, from
his visit to the Presidential event marked advisory to Mercosul tariffs and frame-
the highest-ranking Asian presence at works, to postings at both North Ameri-
the occasion, an honour indeed for Brazil. can capitals, Ottawa and Washington.
Just slightly over a year back, in late
December 2017, Brazil’s Inland Revenue Meeting of Minds
had removed Singapore from its list of The meeting of minds between the two
“tax havens”, thus easing the matter of Ministers laid the groundwork for other
taxation, remittances and investment be- meetings that involved the two nations
(Top): Inaugurated: President Jair Mes-
tween these two countries and culminat- sias Bolsonaro. (Above): Aligning ties, with in 2019, particularly that between Brazil’s
ing thence in mid-2018 in the signing of Minister Ernesto Araújo (source: Dr Maliki’s Minister for the Economy, Paulo Guedes,
an Agreement for the Avoidance of Dou- FB page) and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minis-
ble Taxation (ADT). Hopefully, the ongoing in January 2019, Minister Maliki bin Osman ter, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on the
negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement requested a meeting with his newly-cho- sidelines of the World Economic Forum
(FTA) between Singapore and the Merco- sen counterpart, Minister Ernesto Araújo, in Davos, Switzerland, later that same
sul bloc of several South American na- who was to lead Brazil’s foreign policy month. That encounter and its delibera-
tions will bear fruit soon. One should also from then on. The two ministers touched tions are outlined in another section of
recall that PM Lee Hsien Loong met in on the prospects for the expected FTA this magazine’s edition. Suffice to say
late 2018 the then outgoing incumbent, outlined above and also expressed hopes that the Presidential inaguration and the
President Temer, during the G20 summit that the ADT would be ratified by Brazil’s presence of Minister Maliki bin Osman in
in Argentina’s capital. Congress at some point within 2019. early January 2019 kicked off an auspi-
For a more in-depth usefulness of his By way of some background on the cious year for the ties between Brazil
trip to the Presidential ceremony in Brazil two authorities, Dr. Mohamad Maliki bin and Singapore.
A people’s acclamation, outside the National Congress
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 11BILATERAL TIES
President Bolsonaro (centre) and Minister Guedes (far right) Then Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam
The Men of Davos by Carlos Brian Pheysey
Brazil’s Minister for the Economy, Paulo Guedes, met with then DPM Tharman
Shanmugaratnam, at the World Economic Forum
T
he World Economic Forum (WEF), Ministers’ Dialogue Authority of Singapore (MAS), the body
held annually in Davos, Switzerland, The meeting between Minister Guedes that plays the role akin to that of Brazil’s
has proved to be an insightful ex- and DPM Tharman came to pass and Central Bank. He also chairs various other
change of views on how to move the glob- they managed to hold their dialogue on entities that tap into his financial, organ-
al economy forward. Luminaries from all the final day of WEF, after President Bol- isational and international expertise.
over the world converge onto this alpine sonaro had already departed Davos for Having served as Minister for Educa-
town to bounce off ideas and proposals Brazil. It had been a busy week, as Min- tion more than a decade ago, he retains a
to shape the new world and the late Janu- ister Guedes spoke to companies such commitment to upgrading students and
ary 2019 gathering did not disappoint in as Visa, IBM and Total and DPM Tharman the workforce. At the WEF he stressed
that regard, though beset by matters of experienced a likewise hectic string of the need to develop skills in people and
trade wars and other instances of frag- dozens of meetings. Minister Guedes fur- innovative capabilities in companies. He
mentation of the world order. ther took part in a session on investment added that Singapore is a renowned for
Paulo Guedes, Brazil’s Minister for the in infrastructure and development, a lun- having built skills and capabilities and
Economy, was present at the event. He cheon promoted by the Bank of America this will keep the country in good stead
had taken office only weeks earlier, as the and another session on building agile fi- as the world weathers a storm of trade
new President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, nancial systems. wars, technological rivalry, populism,
took over the country’s helm. Mr. Guedes At various meetings, Minister Paulo cleavages within nations, climate change
has a track record of teaching at universi- Guedes alluded to Brazil’s roadmap for and more. He hopes that societies will
ties, writing for several periodicals in Bra- reform of the social security system, overcome inner fragmentation and find
zil and founding or partnering at a few pri- the move towards privatisation of state a new shared purpose and prosperity. He
vate investment entities, prior to joining enterprises, an overhaul of the nation’s pointed out that Singapore has remained
the nation’s new administration in 2019. administrative machinery and, last but solid and coherent by building people
Singapore, having taken notice that not least, a commitment to open Brazil’s strengths. The then DPM mentioned
Minister Paulo Guedes would be in Davos, economy to global flows. He assured en- Singapore’s free trade agreements and
requested a one-on-one meeting on be- trepreneurs that Brazil is set to offer legal attractiveness for companies seeking a
half of the then Deputy Prime Minister, security for foreign enterprises keen on stable platform to serve Asia. Singapore
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was investing there. Yet, he also mentioned is an innovation centre, a medical and
also set to attend the Forum. DPM Thar- that the opening of its foreign trade will pharmaceutical hub and a data-protec-
man has set, throughout the decade, the be gradual so as to enable Brazilian busi- tion fortress aided by its infocomm skills.
investment strategy of Singapore. Nearly nesses to survive and adjust. He declared Minister Paulo Guedes and the then
three years ago, the G20 nominated him that Brazil would double its investment in Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shan-
to head the Eminent Persons Group on research, technology and innovation dur- mugaratnam returned to their respec-
Global Financial Governance, so as to ing President Bolsonaro’s term. tive countries with the certainty that
review and reform the global financial A few months after the World Eco- these two nations will have much more
framework. A few months prior to the nomic Forum, Mr. Tharman Shanmugarat- to talk in the emerging new decade as
2019 Forum in Davos, he had already had nam was made a member of its Board of their economies become ever more
talks with Brazilian leaders, namely the Trustees. At the same time, he ceased to entwined. Much stock is placed in the
then Minister of Finance, Eduardo Guardia, be Deputy Prime Minister and was desig- success of this bilateral investment and
and the chief executive of Brazil’s Central nated a Senior Minister of Singapore. He trade partnership that binds Brazil and
Bank, Ilan Goldfajn. remains the Chairman of the Monetary Singapore together.
12 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019BILATERAL TIES
G20 Unites Brazil and Singapore by Carlos Brian Pheysey
President Jair Bolsonaro and PM Lee Hsien Loong trade insights in Osaka
(From left): A mirthful moment between President Bolsonaro and PM Lee. Powwow of world’s most powerful leaders and economies
T
he Japanese city of Osaka hosted ean companies for having invested in Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Japan
in late June 2019 the powwow of key sectors of the Brazilian economy, and India. He was also one of the three
the world’s twenty leading econo- such as oil and gas, plus infrastructure, main speakers at the session on innova-
mies, the G20 Summit. Brazil’s President real estate and other segments of the tion and technology.
was there as expected, on account of country’s productive life. Reciprocat- At the margins of G20, as an estab-
the country’s giant output, and so was ing, PM Lee hoped to see more Brazilian lished tradition of the BRICS, the lead-
Singapore’s Prime Minister, leader of firms setting up branch offices or other ers of the five members met in order to
a country invited in all editions of the operations in Singapore. The Prime Min- reaffirm their mutual collaboration. In
summit despite its smaller GDP, under- ister also alluded to the ongoing negoti- his brief speech to his fellow members
scoring Singapore’s relevance in the ations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the grouping, the President spoke of
eyes of G20 members. between Singapore and the Mercosul Brazil’s desire for multilateralism in the
The hectic pace of multilateral meet- bloc of South American nations. world, for reform of the World Trade Or-
ings did not preclude a talk between the It’s no secret that some G20 members ganisation, for and end to protectionism
leaders of both nations. President Bol- do not see each other eye to eye, as and to some nations’ subsidies in agri-
sonaro and PM Lee Hsien Loong referred some topics are divisive, such as trade culture, plus also for a strenghtening of
to recent achievements in bilateral ties, wars. In any event, the group managed the BRICS as a platform for stability.
such as the signing of the agreement for to keep negotiations moving. The forum Brazil’s President also met with the
the Avoidance of Double Taxation (ADT) discussed eight themes overall: global President of the World Bank. While in
several months earlier, a mechanism to economy; trade and investment; innova- Osaka, he also received an award from
reduce transaction costs for companies tion; environment and energy; employ- the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
setting up operations with, or in each ment; women’s empowerment; develop- for Japan in Brazil. Brazil and Japan have
other’s jurisdiction. There were hopes ment; and, health. had immensely strong ties of a business,
that Brazil’s Congress would soon ratify ethnic and further multi-pronged nature
the accord in late 2019 as this maga- First G20 Meeting for over a century. In this context, Presi-
zine’s edition went to print. It was the first time that a Brazilian Pres- dent Bolsonaro also exchanged words
The ADT signals that Brazil is keen to ident President attended a G20 summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, leader
receive Singapore’s business initiatives. of leaders. Bolsonaro also held discus- of the country that proved a most kind
President Bolsonaro lauded Singapor- sions with the leaders from the USA, and able host of the G20 Summit.
(From left): The five BRICS leaders, at Osaka’s G20. Two BRICS meet up: Brazil’s Bolsonaro and India’s Modi. Selfie with Brazil’s President
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 13VISITS
Purveyors of Knowledge: Lemann Foundation
and Singapore’s Education by Carlos Brian Pheysey
Singapore’s success story attracts attention of Brazil, which is reassessing and
revamping its public education model
T
he revolutionary econom- caught the eye of the Lemann
ic configuration of the Foundation. The country tops
21st century demands a the score in the PISA exams
re-skilling of humankind and its (Programme for International
relationship with the realm of Student Assessment), thus
production, innovation, qualifi- there’s a case to be made for
cations, entrepreneurial drive the superior method of math
and more. Gone are the cer- and science teaching on this is-
tainties of the past century land-state. Singapore also adds
regarding one’s set of skills, now an emphasis on financial
job security, static frameworks, literacy, digital innovation and
local logistics and captive mar- a pro-entrepreneurial stance,
kets. The new world is far more fostered in the schools so as to
volatile and less forgiving of lead youngsters to break free
outdated workforce profiles. (Top): At the Academy of Singapore Teachers: excellence in from the job-for-life expecta-
Brazil, in particular, needs ur- teaching. (Above): HE Ambassador Damico addressed the visit- tions of previous generations
ing delegates
gently to reassess and revamp and older trade unionism.
its public education model, which no lon- public administrators themselves need
ger takes into account the radical social, some serious re-training of their mana- Heavyweight Visit
technological, free-market and supply- gerial styles. Experts from Lemann Foundation have
chain reorientation that is taking place It is in this spirit that Lemann Foun- visited Singapore in previous years, but
globally. What’s more, the public admin- dation was created in 2002 by busi- this time, in September, they ratcheted
istrators in charge of building capabili- nessman Jorge Paulo Lemann. The en- up the challenge, by bringing a VIP del-
ties among the workforce are often out tity partners with universities abroad, egation of heavyweights from Brazil’s
of touch with new realities, new modes start-ups and countries that have taken state machinery: 3 Governors, 3 Vice-
and new trends and thus they don’t al- the lead in education, so as to enact a Governors, various Secretaries from
locate resources correctly. Instead, they change in the mindset and horizons of federal state governments and even a
pump money and efforts into old frame- Brazil’s public educators, managers, renowned TV presenter, Luciano Huck,
works and ossified ideologies that, ulti- teachers, officials, students and other definitely an influencer for a huge cross-
mately, don’t provide the upskilling that stakeholders. section of Brazilian viewers. Despite the
is needed. In effect, the managers and Singapore is a success story that has short notice given, the delegates re-
14 It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019VISITS
The Brazilian mission met also with the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan who shared with the delegates
the trajectory of Singapore-Brazil ties and how these may
determine new levels of joint efforts, technical exchanges
and bountiful investments, thus elements that will drive the
new economy, the information and innovation realm and the
ensuing prosperity of the people of both nations.
Dr. Vivian Balakrishan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
ceived help from the Trade & Economic The wealth Minister’s Office, about what Singapore
section of the Embassy of Brazil toward of experience aims to achieve decades from now and
securing key meetings with Singapore’s accumulated the preconditions that will have to be
authorities and players in the field of by Singapore met for those aims to turn into reality,
capacity-building of students, workers, in its trajec- in a holistic all-of-government approach.
managers and officials. tory that led It is from this wider perspective en-
The delegates met Ambassador Flávio to its joining compassing many Ministries, national
S. Damico, who briefed them thoroughly the devel- initiatives and translational collabora-
on the differences between Brazil’s edu- oped nations tions, that the Brazilian mission met also
cation and Singapore’s quality schooling a quarter of a with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of
and training. The mission then held talks century ago Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan. The
at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public is something latter shared with the delegates the tra-
Policy, the think-tank that prepares the that can be HE Ong Ye Kung, Minister jectory of Singapore-Brazil ties and how
for Education
leaders of Singapore’s efficient state shared with these may determine new levels of joint
machinery in its search for enhanced other nations. The Singapore Coopera- efforts, technical exchanges and bounti-
outcomes. tion Enterprise is the statutory board ful investments, thus elements that will
More directly related to actual teach- that provides consulting abroad, by link- drive the new economy, the information
ing, the visit to the Academy of Singa- ing the experts from a given relevant and innovation realm and the ensuing
pore Teachers proved fruitful, as its Di- branch of Singapore’s government with prosperity of the people of both nations.
the interested foreign party. The Bra-
rector expounded on the professional
development of teachers. Here’s a ca-
zilians had a fruitful exchange of ideas Private Sector Revenue
about how to bring some of that exper- The private sector will generate the
reer path that in Singapore is not tied
tise and training to Brazil as a means of revenues that will enable this transfor-
to the number of years spent in a class-
injecting new ideas into the upgrading of mation, but the public sector will need
room but rather based on merit, results,
the public sector managers and profes- fine-tuning in order to direct society and
continual training and commitment to
sionals in various states of Brazil. business into a sustainable path. The
the use of new methods and technolo-
Training of a competitive workforce mission from Brazil held talks therefore
gies. Another essential meeting was led
and management cadres is a desirable with the Head of Civil Service and Per-
by the Minister for Education, H. E. Mr.
outcome, but how does it fit into a coun- manent Secretary for Strategy (under
Ong Ye Kung. The Minister elaborated on
try’s long-term targets? The delegation the Prime Minister’s Office), Mr. Leo Yip.
the vast resources and initiatives under
heard from the Centre for Strategic Fu- Likewise, more insights were shared with
his portfolio, deemed a key component
tures, under the purview of the Prime the delegates by Permanent Secretary
of Singapore’s success story.
Loh Khum Yean, from the Public Service
Division, tasked with delivering qual-
ity from within the public administration
circles.
The delegation returned to Brazil thus
with a far better understanding of what
nation-building entails. Both teachers
and authorities will need new skills and
new methods geared toward innovation
and efficacy of outcomes. Citizens, busi-
nesses and government in its totality
will need to come together for a drastic
change in human resources to occur,
on a journey that Singapore can assist
by virtue of its excellence in education
The mission met HE Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade & Industry (5th from right)
scores and excellence in governance.
It’s Time for Brazil in Singapore 2019 15VISITS
‘Santos Export’ Mission:
Channelling Efforts into Ports by Carlos Brian Pheysey
Delegation from Santos Export, a private sector forum, examined the Singapore
model for port management and met leading maritime technology and service providers
dressing a key HR need beyond
any digital wonders.
Speaking of digital break-
throughs, the delegates were
treated to a technical presen-
tation at CrimsonLogic, a com-
pany that has provided numer-
ous e-Govermnent solutions to
statutory boards on the island
and has launched itself globally
as a provider to other nations
requiring electronic automa-
tion of services, infrastructure,
trade and other fronts.
The Enterprise Singapore also
scheduled a string of presen-
tations by automation provid-
ers, e-commerce outfits and
trading companies that have
gone on-line, all within a morn-
ing of briefings administered
Senator Wellington Fagundes, Congressman Júnior Bozella and Ambassador Flávio S. Damico at the Embassy of Brazil itself.
P
In the afternoon, the delegates visited
orts in Brazil have long been hob- ways board), various private service pro-
ST Engineering, which acquainted them
bled by bottlenecks that hamper viders and other executives and experts
with electronic systems, sensors and
the country’s exports. A lack of likewise. The meetings were arranged
automation and innovation, along with under the auspices of the Enterprise infocomm links between vessels, ports,
yet timid privatisations and an insti- Singapore branch office in São Paulo, technicians, officials and freight opera-
tutional framework still short of some along with help from the Trade Section tors.
benchmarks of the 21st century, have of the Embassy of Brazil in Singapore.
dogged the logistics sector, prompting First and foremost in the programme Pier71: Innovations
thus much urgent soul-searching among stood PSA, the company that operates and Start-ups
public and private decision makers. the world’s largest transhipment hub, Another morning saw the mission at
Among numerous efforts by various rendering Singapore as one of the top- the Pier71, a hub that acts as accel-
entities to break this gridlock, a private- most global ports. There are no two erator for maritime innovations and
sector forum was set up, termed “San- ways about its slogan: “PSA: the World’s start-ups. Once more, young entrepre-
tos Export” for taking as its centrepiece Port of Call”. From its base at the conflu- neurs pitched to the Brazilians their e-
the country’s main port, Santos, but ence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, platforms and analytical tools designed
then extending its deliberations to other it has acquired terminals in other con- for the fine-tuning, swiftness and intel-
Brazilian ports farther south and north tinents, leading to hopes that some- ligent allocation of shipments, dockings,
as well. Over the years, Santos Export day it shall operate a terminal in Brazil, storage, pricing, etc. The range present-
has been examining successful stories thus easing congestion and imparting ed catared thus to a wide spectrum of
of global ports, often staging missions lessons in digital automation and effi- needs of the private-sector members of
to visit them with a view to gleaning ciency. the mission.
ideas that work. The tour went on to visit the MPA, the Yet, for all the talk about digital appli-
Thus, in preparation for its October Maritime and Port Authority. Not only cations, ports also contend with physical
forum, in September a “Santos Export” does this statutory board set the frame- constraints, land allocation and a need
delegation headed to Singapore, com- work for land leases and all regulatory for optimisation of areas. A key driver for
prising a veritable Who’s Who of Brazil’s parameters but it also plays a key role in the planning of such spaces is Surbana
ports: associations of terminals and of capacity-building through its MPA Acad- Jurong, a consulting firm closely linked
port operators, the Ministry of Infra- emy, which runs a wide array of courses to the Singaporean public sector and
structure, the ANTAQ (national water- for technicians and specialists, thus ad- geared toward maximising infrastruc-
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