The Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) said yesterday that it will hold business missions to eight countries this year, with the support of government agency IE Singapore.

The missions are meant to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) insight into global industry trends as well as market conditions and business opportunities overseas.

Participants will be able to attend seminars and take part in networking sessions.

Mr Dainial Sani Lim, chairman of SMCCI's programmes and internationalisation committee, said in a statement: "Internationalisation has become the leading engine of growth for Singapore companies.

"More SMEs now have a clear internationalisation strategy and are going beyond exports to establish a physical presence overseas."

SMCCI president Shamir Rahim said: "Through our business missions, we hope to provide companies with a platform to increase their connectivity in Asean and beyond, with the aim of sustainable international expansion."

SMCCI's first international business mission this year will be to Manila, from March 19 to 21.

The food and beverage, and the consultancy and service sectors are among those that will be represented by the companies in attendance, SMCCI said.