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By Albert Cheng, CEO, SBMA

Published on April 17, 2018
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SBMA Management Committee November 2017 – November 2019

SBMA would like to welcome our new Deputy CEO, Mr Gordon Cheung. Gordon is no stranger to the bullion community in Asia – before settling back in Singapore in late 2017, Gordon was in Hong Kong for four years, where he played a leading role in setting up the precious metals business respectively for China Merchant Securities and CCBI. In the past decade, he was Managing Director at Bear Stearns in Hong Kong, Executive Director at JP Morgan and Regional Head of Trading at ICBC Standard Bank in Singapore, overseeing trading and hedge fund sales.

Gordon will oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Association’s activities and services. He will actively engage and interact with the Association’s existing members to identify and pursue new members. Gordon will work closely with the team to deliver on the key initiatives of the Association as defined by the Association’s Strategic Review Committee and Management Committee.

Commenting on the appointment, SBMA CEO Albert Cheng said, “SBMA is very happy to welcome a very strong team member to the bullion fraternity in ASEAN. I’m looking forward to working with him to develop Association’s capabilities so SBMA can play a greater role in the bullion commmunity in the region”.

SBMA hopes that everyone has already had a good start to 2018. Here’s an update of our activities in the first quarter of 2018:

January 10

SBMA holds its first Strategic Review Committee meeting.

January 15-16

CEO Albert Cheng attends the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong and meets with the gold bullion traders. The annual forum brings together some of the most influential leaders of the global financial and business communities to discuss developments and trends in the dynamic markets of Asia and beyond.

Albert Cheng (left) with Gary Cheung (right), CEO of Blackwell Global Holdings Limited, at the Asian Financial Forum.
January 27-28

CEO Albert Cheng speaks at the Tomei Weekend investment talks in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Albert Cheng speaking at the Tomei Weekend investment talks.
March 14-15

CEO Albert Cheng leads a delegation of SBMA committee members in a dialogue with the India Bullion Bankers Association (IBBA) and Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association. The meeting was held to introduce SBMA and its vision to IBBA and build bridges between the organisations. The delegation attends the 5th India International Bullion Summit, during which Mr Cheng spoke in the panel discussion “How Can Jewellery Manufacturing & Retail Sector Get Boost?”.

Dialogue between IBBA and SBMA.
Albert Cheng speaking at the 5th India International Bullion Summit.
April 3-6

CEO Albert Cheng was invited to speak at the panel discussion for the 11th Mines and Money Asia. Mines and Money is Asia’s largest mining investment conference and exhibition. Now in its 11th year, it has generated millions of dollars in new business, deals and opportunities and helped to finance hundreds of miners.

Albert Cheng speaking at the 11th annual Mines and Money Asia event.
April 8-9

CEO Albert Cheng was invited to speak at the 7th Dubai Precious Metals Conference. Now in its 7th year, The Dubai Precious Metals Conference, organized by DMCC, will bring together industry experts for thought-provoking debates on current issues that will pave the way forward for the industry. The event has attracted hundreds of key industry players across the precious metals value chain and provided ample opportunities for meaningful discussions and networking.

Albert Cheng (left) with YLG Bullion representatives at the 7th Dubai Precious Metals Conference.

Exploratory Meetings

In the past quarter, SBMA held exploratory meetings with the following companies on membership and matters related to market development: ABC Bullion, Baird & Co., Bank Muamalat Malaysia, China Gold Association, Chou Tai Fook, CME Group, India Bullion Banks Association, India Bullion and Jewellers Association, State Street Global Advisors, and Tomei.

Membership

Onboarding of ABC Bullion as Foreign Associate Corporate member, Baird & Co. Private Limited as Local Associate Corporate member and Tomei Gold & Jewellery Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd as Affiliate member.

SBMA’s total membership consists of 39 companies, including three Category 1 members, seven Foreign Associate Corporate members, 28 Local Associate Corporate members and 1 Affiliate member.

UPCOMING EVENTS

22–26 April 2018. Seoul, Korea.

30th Mint Directors Conference

Mint directors, coin manufacturers, retailers and other stakeholders will meet to discuss comprehensive issues including the status of the currency industry in the past two years and matters of common interest regarding technology, markets, social contribution, and global finance. SBMA CEO Albert Cheng will speak at the conference. More information can be found at www.mdc2018.com.

17 May 2018. Hong Kong.

6th LME Asia Metals Seminar

Every year industry leaders and key market players from the metals and financial communities attend LME Asia Week in Hong Kong to discuss the Asian commodities industry and network with peers and clients. Find out more at https://www.lme.com/Education-and-events/Events/LME-Asia-Week.

29–31 May 2018. Lima, Peru.

13th International Gold & Silver Symposium

The symposium is a biennial event organised by the National Society of Mining, Oil and Energy of Peru to promote awareness on the potential of natural resources, particularly gold and silver, as well as to promote new investment and business opportunities in the region. Find out more at http://www.simposium-del-oro.snmpe.pe/index-english.html.

3–5 June 2018. Singapore.

Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference 2018

The Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference (APPMC) is the SBMA and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore’s flagship event that aims at developing and strengthening a unified body in Southeast Asia for the bullion market. Registration and information can be found at http://www.asiapacificpmc.com.

Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference (APPMC) – June 3–5, 2018, Singapore

Organised by SBMA

Join industry participants and stakeholders from the bullion markets of the 10 ASEAN countries and beyond on June 3–5 at the 2nd Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference (APPMC) held at PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Singapore for two days of discussions, sharing of best practices, networking, and more.

The APPMC is a platform for developing and strengthening a unified body in Southeast Asia and Oceania for the bullion market. SBMA and IE Singapore welcomes the entire bullion fraternity to participate and share your views, inputs and suggestions to enhance the region’s role in the global bullion market.

We expect 400 delegates from the Asia Pacific region and around the world, with the majority from ASEAN markets. Through this platform, delegates will get to network with stakeholders from the bullion, jewellery and mining sector around the world. We encourage our members to contribute as a sponsor, speaker, exhibitor, or participate as a delegate. For more information, visit: www.asiapacificpmc.com.

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Singapore Bullion Market Association Secretariat-Lee-Jia-Yi

Lee Jia Yi

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Before joining SBMA, Jia Yi worked as an Admin & Reporting Officer in her previous role. She holds a Diploma in Business & Social Enterprise from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Jia Yi is responsible for managing and maintaining physical and digital files in SBMA, supporting invoicing processes, reconciling receivables and payables, coordinating meetings and conferences. Additionally, she will provide support to the team and assist the Business Director in managing the Association’s office operations and general administrative activities.

SECRETARIAT SBMA-Emily-Oh

Emily Oh

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Emily Oh is the Operations & Admin Executive, a seasoned professional who values teamwork and effective communication. She is skilled at adapting to new challenges and takes a proactive and resourceful approach to every task. Before joining SBMA, Emily had experience coordinating international travel arrangements and spearheading community initiatives. Her role at SBMA will be providing operational and administrative support for projects and other matters to the team.

SECRETARIAT SBMA Clara-Chang

Clara Chang

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Clara Chang joins SBMA as the Marketing & Communications Executive, enriching the team with her extensive experience in content creation, social media management, and digital marketing. Prior to joining SBMA, Clara held the position of Marketing Executive at her previous job. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, one in International Trade and another in Geographical Information Science. Her core duties will include maintaining the SBMA website, managing the quarterly Crucible newsletter, among other responsibilities.

SBMA Committee-Photo-john-levin

Mr John Levin

Global Metals
TD Securities
John Levin is the Head of Metal Sales & Trading – APAC at the Toronto Dominion Bank’s Singapore office. Prior to this role, he devoted seven years to leading precious metal sales for the ANZ banking group in his home country, Australia. Notably, from 2009 to 2011, John played a significant role on the management committee of the London Bullion Market Association while serving as the Head of Precious Metals Sales for HSBC Global Banking and Markets in the UK.

SBMA Secretariat-Fabian-Lew

Fabian Lew

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Fabian was a Business Development and Marketing Associate before joining SBMA. He graduated from Singapore Management University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

He has joined SBMA since February, 2022.

SBMA-margare-secretariat

Margaret Wong

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Margaret Wong, Business Director at SBMA (Singapore Bullion Market Association), brought valuable experience from her previous role at the World Gold Council (WGC). Her tenure at WGC provided her with extensive exposure to the gold community in Singapore and the broader region. This background has been instrumental in establishing strong working relationships within the industry.

Margaret’s role at SBMA encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. She oversees office management, business support processes, finance, and administrative functions essential for the smooth operation of the team and management committee. Additionally, Margaret handles membership matters, member communications, and addresses public inquiries related to SBMA.

One of Margaret’s key responsibilities is coordinating with the Event Management Company for SBMA’s prestigious annual event, the Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference. This flagship conference plays a crucial role in the industry, making her involvement pivotal in its success.

Described as resourceful and self-motivated, Margaret Wong brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role at SBMA, ensuring efficient operations and effective engagement within the precious metals community in Singapore and beyond.

SBMA-Albert-secretariat

Albert Cheng

Chief Executive Officer

Albert Cheng joined the World Gold Council in March 1993 as a Regional Manager, becoming Managing Director, Far East in 2003. He retired at the end of March 2015 and was subsequently named its Advisor. He has also been an International Advisor to the Shanghai Gold Exchange since 2002.

His marketing career began with Dentsu Young & Rubicam, Hong Kong in the early 80’s. He began gold marketing in July 1985 when he joined the Royal Canadian Mint as a Regional Manager for Southeast Asia.

He was appointed honorary CEO of SBMA in November 2015. He is responsible for the success and strategic development of SBMA, represents the interests of the Association, and is responsible for all the legal and regulatory aspects of the work of the Association. He is the primary contact for regulators and government bodies on bullion market development.

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

CEO
YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd

Pawan is the CEO of YLG Bullion Singapore and founder of YLG Bullion International. She has almost 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry and established YLG in Thailand in 2003. In 2012, she brought YLG to Singapore. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, the Thailand Futures Exchange’s Arbitration Committee, and the Rotary Bangkok committee. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.

SBMA-Shaokai-Fan

Mr Shaokai Fan

Head of Asia-Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks
World Gold Council
Shaokai Fan is the Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, responsible for advising governments on gold matters, and enhancing the gold market through engagement, dialogue, and thought leadership. He works directly with central banks and sovereign wealth funds on investment considerations. Prior to this position, Shaokai held multiple roles at Standard Chartered Bank, including Director for Asia Strategic Initiatives and Associate-Director for Public Sector coverage. Shaokai holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics from New York University.

SBMA-Committee-Alan-Liew

Mr Alan Liew

Head of Bullion & Commodities Trading
United Overseas Bank Limited
Alan is Head of Bullion and Commodities Trading for Group Trading in Global Markets, United Overseas Bank (UOB). Alan joined UOB and started the bank’s commodities trading business in 2014, previously he spent eight years in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) trading both precious and base metals. During his tenure at SCB, he obtained the SGE gold trader licence and was part of the pioneering team for the SGE business and the FX quantitative trading team. Prior to trading, he worked for Monetary Authority of Singapore in the Financial Risk Management Division. He holds a BSc (Hon) in Computer Science at National University of Singapore and a MSc in Financial Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.

SBMA-Committee-Nikos

Mr Nikos Kavalis

Managing Director
Metals Focus Singapore Pte Ltd
Nikos Kavalis is a founding partner of Metals Focus. He has over 20 years of experience in precious metals, having previously worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and GFMS. Since September 2019, Nikos has been based in Singapore, where he also runs the local subsidiary of Metals Focus.

SBMA-Committee-khun nuttapong

Mr Nuttapong Hirunyasiri

CEO
MTS Gold Global Trading Pte Ltd
Nuttapong Hirunyasiri is the CEO of MTS Gold Group, one of Thailand’s top 10 companies and top 3 bullion companies. He started MTS Gold Group’s first overseas office in Singapore and has been expanding the group business internationally. He focuses on product development and innovation for gold investment, with the aim of being a leader in providing the full suite of gold investment services in the ASEAN region.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Raman-Walia

Mr Raman Walia

Executive Director, Head of Commodities Sales – APAC
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.

Raman is Executive Director and Head of Commodities Sales, APAC, for J.P. Morgan. He joined JPMorgan in 2008 in New York, moved to Singapore in 2011, and helped expand the precious metals business in the region. Raman has an MBA from Cornell University, and likes to travel in his spare time.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Andrew-Clarke

Mr Andrew Clarke

Head of Brink’s Global Services
Brink’s Global Services Pte Ltd

Andrew Clarke is the Head of BGS (Brink’s Global Services) for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career in secure logistics and risk management with Brink’s, which started in Hong Kong in 2010. Andrew relocated to Singapore in 2018 to expand the precious metals line of business along with Brink’s portfolio of services and industries.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Kazuya-Naoki

Mr Kazuya Naoki

Head of Metals, Asia
ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Singapore Branch

Kazuya (Kaz) Naoki is the Head of Metals, Asia of ICBC Standard Bank in Singapore and is responsible for the precious & base metals sales and trading in the region. He joined Standard Bank Plc Tokyo Branch in 2008 and was relocated to its Singapore Branch in 2013 whose controlling stake was acquired by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in 2015. Prior to joining Standard Bank, Kaz spent 11 years focusing on commodity trading and risk management with Mitsui & Co in Tokyo, Sydney and London. Kaz has been serving on the SBMA Management Committee since 2016.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Vinh-Nguyen

Mr Vinh Nguyen

Head of Precious Metals, Asia
StoneX APAC Pte Ltd

Vinh Nguyen joined StoneX Group in Singapore at the beginning of 2008 and responsible for its APAC precious metals activities since 2019 until now.

SBMA Committee-KL-Yap

Mr KL Yap

General Manager, Singapore Refining Business Unit
Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd
KL YAP is the General Manager of Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Singapore Refining Business Unit. He joined Metalor in 2013, initially in Refining Sales. In 2014, he became Refining Business Unit Manager, leading the development of a new precious metal refinery. KL was Vice Chairman of SBMA from 2017 to 2021, now serving as Chairman. With a degree in business commerce, finance, and marketing, he brings prior experience from refinery and heavy industries.