Welcome Remarks by ACE CEO Florence Neo at ACE Christmas Party Event

Distinguished Guests, Ecosystem Partners

Ladies and Gentlemen

1          Christmas is a time for us to pause, to reflect, and celebrate our achievements. So, it is really heartwarming for me to see all of you here today, building up all the energy with your presence and your laughter.

2         And I say this because I joined ACE this year on April’s Fools Day, and it was really quiet. I only had six colleagues; they were all working from home, and I was literally the only person in office. My neighbours were moving out, and people were just coming back from the pandemic.

3         Fast forward nine months, and here we are. My team has grown to 18 people and is still growing. We organise a host of activities and events to uplift the ecosystem, and I am really grateful for that.

4          This is really a thank you speech, and to break tradition, I am going to start by thanking my very own ACE Team. It has been a difficult year. We have had many challenges, but I really appreciate your passion, enthusiasm, and dedication. You have shown that you can drive and create opportunities out of any situation. Thank you for believing in me and for helping me rebuild ACE.

5         Then, of course, I must thank all of you – start-up members and would-be start-up members for those who have not yet signed up. Thank you for journeying with us. ACE exists truly because of you. We are the national voice for the start-up ecosystem, and we are here to advocate on your behalf. So, tell us what kind of needs you have, what your issues are, and what all your difficulties are. We serve as the bridge to communicate between you and the government, among other roles.

6          I also want to thank all our partners – our board of directors, sub-committee members, ACE mentors and volunteers, ACE ex colleagues – I consider you all part of the ACE family.

7         Our corporate partners, investors, and venture capitalists who have generously lent us your industry experience and expertise, and very importantly, the Ministry of Trade & Industry, Enterprise Singapore, and JTC, my landlord. Thank you for powering on with ACE.

8      2023 will present new opportunities and challenges, but I have one piece of good news for you. ACE will turn 20 next year; it’s our 20^th birthday, you can see ACE’s journey on the board, and we will be organising a Gala event. We will unveil our new branding, and we will also have the inaugural ACE Start-up Awards. We need all your support.

9        Thank you very much, and please enjoy the rest of the programme. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a successful new year.