On 1 December 2020, Business China successfully organised the 3rd Distinguished Leaders Dialogue Series with Minister for Trade and Industry as well as Business China Adviser, Mr Chan Chun Sing. During the session, Minister Chan shared insights on the latest global economic landscape and shed light on how Singapore should establish its global footing by engaging the rising China, emerging ASEAN and the post-election United States.
CEO of Business China Ms Tin Pei Ling kickstarted the session by giving an overview of the latest geopolitical and economic landscape with the new US administration, rising China as well as the emerging Southeast Asian market. She highlighted Minister Chan’s instrumental role in the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative (CCI) , the development of the CCI New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC) as well as the recent signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
During the dialogue session, Minister Chan shared his views on Singapore’s relations with the US and China, as well as the significance of RCEP. Minister Chan highlighted that Singapore must continue to be a principled partner and stay relevant to both the US and China. Moderated by Business China CEO Ms Tin Pei Ling, the session also saw participants actively raising questions pertaining to the challenges and opportunities for Singapore, strategies to strengthen Singapore’s supply chain, transformation of the travel industry and the role that Singapore can play in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. As a closing note, Minister Chan encouraged Singaporeans, especially the younger generation, to venture into paths less travelled to seek out new opportunities for themselves and their businesses.
The dialogue session was attended by about 80 participants which included Business China corporate members, public and business leaders, ALP alumni and BCYC members.