Nihon M&A Center Singapore Successfully Concludes Its First Joint Event with ASME Singapore

As Nihon M&A Center celebrates its 10th anniversary of overseas expansion this year, we have been reflecting on what has truly driven cross-border M&A over the past decade. It is not only the successful matching of buyers and sellers, but also the collective efforts of business owners, advisors, financial institutions, and industry partners who help create opportunities beyond borders.

While successful transactions are an important outcome, sustainable business expansion begins long before a deal is signed. It is built through meaningful conversations, shared knowledge, and strong partnerships across the business ecosystem. With this belief, we were pleased to jointly organize our first event in Singapore together with the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) under the newly launched SME UNITE programme. The initiative, led by Mr. Alex Ng and Mr. Lee Swee Siong, aims to bring together ecosystem partners to equip Singapore SMEs with the knowledge, resources, networks, and perspectives needed to explore new avenues for growth, including inorganic growth strategies such as M&A.

Held on 13 July 2026 under the theme “Turning Japan-Singapore M&A into Strategic Growth for SMEs,” the event welcomed more than 40 business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals from across Singapore’s SME community. The afternoon explored how Japan–Singapore M&A can serve as a strategic pathway for sustainable growth, offering practical insights into the evolving M&A landscape and highlighting how partnerships between Japanese and Singaporean businesses can create new opportunities beyond domestic markets.

The session began with a presentation by our Corporate Officer & Head of Overseas Division, Mr. Yusuke Ojima, who shared an overview of the Japan–Singapore cross-border M&A market. Participants gained insights into the latest market outlook, emerging industry trends, and the key considerations Japanese companies evaluate when pursuing acquisitions overseas. His presentation also highlighted why Singapore continues to be an attractive destination for Japanese companies seeking expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Building on these market perspectives, Mr. Shawn Fang, our Senior Consultant, brought the discussion to life through two successful Japan–Singapore cross-border M&A case studies. By sharing actual transaction experiences, he explained how cross-border partnerships have supported business continuity, accelerated market expansion, and created long-term value for both parties. The session reinforced the idea that M&A is more than just a transaction — it is a powerful tool that can support the next stage of an SME's growth journey.

It was also our pleasure to have Ms. Lilian Tan, representing the Singapore Business Federation and Enterprise Singapore's Centre for Enterprise Financing Advisory (CEFA), who shared valuable perspectives on financial readiness. Her presentation emphasised the importance of building strong financial foundations and organisational preparedness, enabling SMEs to position themselves for any future strategic opportunities with confidence.

The event concluded with an interactive networking session, where participants exchanged ideas, connected with fellow business owners, and continued conversations with the speakers on the opportunities and challenges surrounding business succession and expansion. The enthusiastic engagement throughout the event reflected the growing interest among Singapore SMEs in understanding how M&A can support long-term business sustainability, succession planning, and expansion.

As our first event in Singapore, it marks a meaningful milestone in our journey to deepen our engagement with the local business community and foster greater awareness of cross-border opportunities between Japan and Singapore through knowledge sharing and ecosystem building. Looking ahead, we hope to work closely with our partners to deliver more initiatives that bring business owners together, encourage the exchange of experiences, and provide practical insights into strategic growth opportunities through M&A.

At Nihon M&A Center Singapore, we believe our role extends beyond facilitating transactions. We are committed to helping business owners access the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to make informed decisions about the future of their businesses. As we celebrate 10 years of overseas expansion, we remain dedicated to our vision of creating a world where there are no missed opportunities for business succession and growth.

Because sustainable cross-border growth is not achieved by any one organisation alone. It is made possible through the collective efforts of an entire business community.