The Diplomatic Council, a global think tank and business network in consultative status with the United Nations, is about to launch a new mission in Singapore. Irene Ho, CEO of The Luxury Network Singapore, was named Head of the new DC Mission.

Bridge between diplomacy, economy and society

The Diplomatic Council was established as a global bridge organization between diplomacy, economy and society. DC members share the idea that economic diplomacy provides a solid foundation for international understanding and a more peaceful interaction amongst nations. Members include diplomats as well as dignities from the business side.

An ambassador or consul general is assigned to a country for a duration of approximately three to four years. Valuable relations established during this period are usually lost after the diplomat is sent to his next destination. In order to prevent this, the Diplomatic Council was founded with the purpose to maintain and expand this unique contact network even after the diplomat has moved to another country. DC diplomats always bring together their best contacts. Hence, a worldwide contact network is created which expands with every move of a DC diplomat. Each new member striving for admission to the DC community is reviewed and authorized by the Ambassadors’ Circle to guarantee a high-level network of personalities.

DC members enjoy UN consultative status and are well respected participants at all UN conferences. They benefit from “diplomacy meets business” meetings and gain access to an international business community. Business conducted within the DC network last year exceeded 1 billion US dollar.

Irene Ho Head of DC Mission

Irene Ho was named Head of DC Mission Singapore. She is one of the best connected business women in Singapore. Irene Ho founded and launched The Luxury Network Singapore in 2013 and has since grown her network to almost 60 premium brands. Some of her members include One 15 Luxury Yachting, Berkeley Group, Etihad Airways, FJ Benjamin, Penfolds, Porsche, Singapore Polo Club, Singapore Turf Club, Singapore Yacht Show, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Balvenie, William Grant & Sons and W Singapore Sentosa Cove – to name a few.

Prior to founding The Luxury Network Singapore, Irene Ho worked in Corporate Finance and has experience in cross-border business development, financial due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, valuations and assurance. She was the IPO Manager at Deloitte Singapore prior to her move to Australia in 2009 to undertake a Masters Degree in Financial Analysis from the University of New South Wales and upon graduation worked for PKF Corporate Finance in Brisbane, Australia. Irene Ho was the President of the Singapore Business Council of Australia Inc in Brisbane from 2012 to 2013. She is a Chartered Certified Accountant and since 2014 sits on the Management Committee of Australia Alumni Singapore, a non-profit organization established since 1955 with the President of Singapore and Australia High Commissioner to Singapore as Patrons.

The Diplomatic Council is a United Nations (UN) registered global think tank and business network founded with the objective to serve as a bridge between diplomacy, economy and society. Members committed and dedicated to the Diplomatic Council strongly believe that a thriving economy bringing prosperity to mankind that helps all people is one of the best guarantors for peace. Consequently, the Diplomatic Council welcomes not solely members of the diplomatic or consular corps but also personalities from industry, politics, society, healthcare, culture and sports.