To many, Singapore is already a global city - a thriving and throbbing nerve centre in the Asia Pacific for finance, commerce and technology. With a combination of a strategic location, stable government, hardworking workfoce and excellent infrastructure facilities, Singapore has been successful as a hub for global trade and a base for many multinational companies for their global operations.

As part of Singapore's vision for the future, the drive is towards the creation of a cosmopolitan city that attracts world class companies and the best talents, be it in the areas of trade and commerce, finance, education, sports or the arts. It is the vision of Singapore to transform itself into a knowledge-based and innovation driven society, capable of nurturing a pool of Singapore-based companies including multinationals, government-linked companies and local enterprises.

To support the theme of Singapore as a global city and Singapore's hosting of the World Stamp Championship in 2004, 15 renowned companies from Singapore and other countries have been invited to be part of the stamp series for the first time. The companies have been carefully selected based on their impact on Singapore and its lifestyle, their well-known company brand attributes and successes which are recognised and known by people the world over. Each company represents a particular industry in which it has made an impact. Behind the success and brand of each company, there is a story of pride, hard work and determination, a story that mirrors that of Singapore in the past and what it aspires for in the future.