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Editorial

By Albert Cheng, CEO, Singapore Bullion Market Association

Albert Cheng, CEO, Singapore Bullion Market Association

Dear members and friends

Welcome to the 28th edition of Crucible, where we explore the latest developments within the key bullion markets across the Asia-Pacific region. This edition underscores the significance of this geographic area, showcasing the pivotal role played by the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) in nurturing and linking the Asia-Pacific bullion market. As 2023 draws to a close, I’d also like to shed light on our concerted efforts to expand the market in Asia.

Indonesia

In collaboration with World Gold Council, the SBMA Academy curated a specialized two-day training program in February 2023 exclusively for an Indonesian delegation. This strategic initiative went beyond conventional training, placing an emphasis on nurturing the next generation of bullion practitioners in Indonesia. Our objective is to equip them with essential knowledge, priming them for advancing Indonesia’s gold market, particularly as the country contemplates the foundation of a local bullion bank.

Parallel to the training, SBMA facilitated meetings between our members and Indonesian stakeholders, fostering a mutual exchange of insights and discussions around potential business collaborations between Singapore and Indonesia. In this issue of Crucible, you will also get exclusive views by SBMA on the evolving gold market in Indonesia.

SBMA played a pivotal role in supporting the Thailand Gold Forum, organised by the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Thai Gold Traders Association, and the World Gold Council. The forum was well attended by over 100 delegates, with SBMA leading a delegation of nearly 30 to connect with key industry players and showcase the robust commercial ties between Thailand and Singapore.

Additionally, SBMA chaired the conference’s first panel, featuring four major local gold traders that highlighted the dynamics and opportunities in the country’s gold landscape. As articulated by Khun Pawan Nawawattanasub, CEO of YLG Bullion International, Thailand’s mature gold market is poised to emerge as a regional linchpin, a sentiment wholeheartedly endorsed by SBMA that also aligns with our commitment to elevate ASEAN’s prominence in the global gold market. Dive into a detailed summary of the forum in this issue.

Thailand

SBMA played a pivotal role in supporting the Thailand Gold Forum, organised by the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Thai Gold Traders Association, and the World Gold Council. The forum was well attended by over 100 delegates, with SBMA leading a delegation of nearly 30 to connect with key industry players and showcase the robust commercial ties between Thailand and Singapore.

Additionally, SBMA chaired the conference’s first panel, featuring four major local gold traders that highlighted the dynamics and opportunities in the country’s gold landscape. As articulated by Khun Pawan Nawawattanasub, CEO of YLG Bullion International, Thailand’s mature gold market is poised to emerge as a regional linchpin, a sentiment wholeheartedly endorsed by SBMA that also aligns with our commitment to elevate ASEAN’s prominence in the global gold market. Dive into a detailed summary of the forum in this issue.

Hong Kong

To fortify bonds and uncover opportunities for heightened collaboration between Singapore/ASEAN and Hong Kong/Greater Bay Area, SBMA embarked on an official visit to the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange (CGSE). Fruitful discussions about potential future partnerships are ongoing, with updates anticipated soon. Additionally, SBMA visited our Hong Kong-based members, elucidating potential business avenues. Furthermore, engaging discussions with Hong Kong bullion traders were conducted to stay abreast of developments in the gold market.

Building Singapore as a Precious Metals Hub – Phase II

Over the past decade, Singapore’s stature as a regional precious metals hub has been solidified, and the country now boasts an LBMA-accredited gold refinery, world-class bullion banks, financial institutions, international bullion houses, and global logistics services firms. The forthcoming inauguration of Silver Bullion’s new vault, The Reserve, by the end of 2023, set to store 15,000 tonnes of silver, marks a significant milestone.

In the upcoming phase, Singapore envisions fostering unity in the Asian gold market by collaborating with key regional players like China, India, Australia and our ASEAN neighbors. This will ultimately bolster Singapore’s reputation as a precious metals hub in the Asia-Pacific region. In close cooperation with its members and partners, SBMA aspires for Singapore to become a global logistics centre for refining, trading, clearing, tokenising, and custody of kilobars. This includes, but is not limited to, bullion banks, jewellery manufacturers, high-net-worth investors, institutional investors, sovereign funds, and even central banks.

Three Decades of Fostering Connections and Nuturing Growth

SBMA was established in December 1993 by 16 corporate members from the precious metals industry. It commenced operations in early 1994 with the primary objective of engaging the Goods & Services Tax (GST) Working Committee in discussions concerning the exclusion of GST on precious metals, as well as to develop Singapore as a bullion centre in the Asia-Pacific region. After undergoing professionalisation in 2015 with 22 members, SBMA’s membership base has since more than tripled to 68, and the Association is still actively reviewing new applicants.

As the region’s enthusiasm continues growing and our members engage in heightened communication initiatives, the SBMA Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to furnishing unwavering support for marketing and event management. This continual assistance will be disseminated through a range of communication channels, including our quarterly newsletter Crucible, our official website, and various social media platforms.

The annual Asia-Pacific Precious Metals Conference (APPMC) remains a key event for SBMA to connect with global bullion industry leaders and partners. APPMC 2023 concluded successfully in June, with 470 in-person delegates registering for the event. The 7th edition, to be held on 9-11 June 2024 at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, promises to be momentous as SBMA celebrates its 30th year.

As we celebrate this milestone, our mission remains steadfast: to innovate, lead, and unify the Asia-Pacific bullion market. To our members and our partners, I look forward to working closely with you in growing the Association from strength to strength.

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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.