The Chamber • Publications
Laetitia Lautode, 10 Years at the FCCS & a Mentor for French Entrepreneurs in Singapore
This year, Laetitia Lautode celebrates her tenth anniversary at the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. Over the course of a decade, she has witnessed the market evolve, along with its needs… and her own role, which has grown to make her one of the key contacts for companies and entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the City-State.
Laetitia Lautode, a position created… then transformed
When Laetitia Lautode arrived in Singapore in 2014, it was not her first expatriation. Before Singapore, she had lived in the United States, where she worked for the French Chamber of Commerce in Houston, followed by a return to France, near the Swiss border. In April 2015, she joined the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS) in a newly curated role providing support to the person in charge of assisting companies in setting up subsidiaries. A few months later, that colleague left the Chamber. Laetitia Lautode then took over the business development side in regard to company setup and administrative management of subsidiaries: registering the entity and applying for the first work pass.
“Personalisation, and going beyond a simple meeting, is what motivates me every day.”
Gradually, she helped the Chamber evolve from a model first centered on subsidiaries to a broader, structured offering also designed for entrepreneurs. In 2017, she passed the exam to become an Employment Agent. It marked a decisive turning point: “The idea was to offer comprehensive support backed by real expertise: preparing the incorporation in the best possible way to optimise the chances of success for the first work pass.” By structuring a dedicated offering, she addressed an underrated need: French entrepreneurs willing to start a business in Singapore but feeling lost in the regulatory jungle.
A tailored support method in Singapore
Whether dealing with an entrepreneur or a subsidiary, everything begins with an initial consultation. Laetitia Lautode takes the time to explore the project, understand the sector, check for any specific regulations, clarify immigration constraints, and anticipate the following steps: recruitment, business development, regional expansion. “Personalisation and going above and beyond to present our services, is what motivates me daily,” she explains.
The FCCS offers a turnkey, three-month support program covering all regulatory obligations involved in registering a company in Singapore. It also includes opening a business bank account, work pass strategy and application, and coordination with partners when needed. Throughout those three months, Laetitia Lautode remains the main point of contact. At the end of the package, the company is fully operational and can freely choose whether to continue working with selected partners. Other Chamber services can then support the company’s development: recruitment, payroll management, office solutions, visibility, and networking through the French Chamber’s business community.
Stepping in after 30 years of expertise: a human and professional challenge
A major turning point occurred in 2023 with the retirement of Philomena Waung, an emblematic figure at the Chamber and pioneer of work pass services. “She had been there for almost thirty years. Many clients came as much for the Chamber as for her—for the trust and experience she embodied.” For Laetitia Lautode, the challenge was twofold: taking over and reorganising the service. She became head of the “business setup and work pass” division and began supervising a new team member.
When asked about her “strength” she hesitates, modest. But those who have worked with her describe her as responsive, rigorous, and transparent. She sums it up this way: “I like giving as much information as possible, so people have a clear understanding of what they’re getting into”. That also means explaining the framework that applies depending on the project and activity—financial requirements, work passes, and regulatory obligations. This more demanding approach builds long-term trust: “It’s always touching to see former clients return years later because they remember we provide a reliable service”.
At the heart of her daily work are work and family passes. Immigration questions are among the most frequent interrogations. “The authority in charge is independent when taking decisions”, she often reminds people. Still, the expertise she has accumulated since 2017 truly helps optimise approval opportunities. She works on choosing the right work pass, ensuring that the application aligns with the company’s project, highlighting the strengths in the applicant’s profile, and flagging factors that could weaken the case. Looking back at the number of completed projects and approved visas, she feels proud of the journey so far.
Success story: when the ecosystem makes the difference
Among the standout cases of the past decade, Laetitia Lautode recalls the story of three young French engineers with a promising tech idea. They launched in Asia while simultaneously creating a company in France to structure their investment. “They had a great idea but limited resources: little experience in founding and managing a company, no experience in Singapore, and no one to act as director in Singapore” she recalls. The challenge was multiple: structuring a viable company, identifying a suitable partner to fulfil certain functions, and finding a visa strategy for the partner who would carry the project in Singapore—with limited resources.
Once the structure was in place, another issue emerged: commercialisation. That’s when the FCCS ecosystem fully played its role: the Chamber sought a mentor for the start-up. Convinced of the project’s potential, he ultimately became an investor and a driving force behind the company’s expansion. With this support and the credibility built since its launch, the start-up quickly attracted attention from the local ecosystem: “We went from three very technical engineers, not very comfortable with business, to a solid structure backed by local players” she says. “It’s exactly the kind of story that shows what the Chamber’s ecosystem can bring, beyond administrative setup”.
“Meeting needs”: her advice for setting up in Singapore
To entrepreneurs and companies considering establishing themselves in Singapore, she delivers a clear message: “You need to identify a need” she insists. “You can’t just duplicate a business that works in France and assume the Singaporean market will be similar. It’s also not the kind of country where you can reinvent yourself by saying ‘I’ll just try out something to see what happens’. The market is highly competitive.”
“Many entrepreneurs join a network but rarely use it. In Singapore, you need to be active: participate, introduce yourself, explain what you’re looking for”
To avoid disappointment, she highlights key points:
It is essential to analyse the market beforehand: the Chamber has a department called Team France Export offering market studies, prospection missions, test on offer, and tradeshows.
It is also crucial to position oneself clearly by differentiating one’s offer and using the resources of the French ecosystem.
She also stresses the importance of visibility and networking: you need to make yourself known, explain what sets you apart, and clearly express your needs: “Many entrepreneurs join a network but make little use of it. In Singapore, you need to be active: participate, show up, say what you’re looking for. That’s also how the FCCS teams can connect you with the right people”.
“Nothing is standard—every case is a new challenge”
Ten years after joining the FCCS, Laetitia Lautode has become a key figure with a 360-degree understanding of incorporation, regulatory, and work passes, a deep knowledge of local partners, and a strong sense of service and transparency. A person who, case after case, continues to love what lies at the heart of her job: “We receive projects of all sizes, in very different sectors. Nothing is standard—there’s always a new challenge, a new visa, a new case to explore. It’s demanding, but it’s what makes the work exciting”.
Article written by Adeline Marie, translated by FCCS
Published on November 26, 2025 on LE PETIT JOURNAL SINGAPOUR edition
