Into its 10th anniversary, the FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF) was successfully organised at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. This year, FCGF was held in conjunction with Temasek’s Ecosperity Week and the theme for this year is “Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World Order”. The event received an overwhelming response with over 800 local and overseas senior delegates attending this annual flagship forum. These high-level delegates ranges from foreign dignitaries, government officials, industry experts, senior management of companies, Business China’s members, donors and working partners.
Chairman of Business China Mr Lee Yi Shyan kick-started the event where he shared in his welcome remarks about the indispensable role of China in the global development. He also outlined concretely how China’s economic rise could benefit other parts of Asia, as long as countries continue to work together through multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations.
Guest-of-Honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat gave the keynote speech where he addressed the challenges faced by Singapore as a result of climate change. To address these challenges DPM Heng offered three broad ways to build a sustainable future of economic growth while protecting the planet: form deep international partnerships, rope in all segments of society and develop the next-generation leaders. He stressed the importance for counties and cities to co-operate together, which will help to strengthen connectivity and achieve longer term environmental, economic, and infrastructural sustainability. He also cited the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as one example of how Singapore can partner other countries such as China to pursue sustainable development.
His sentiments on the importance of sustainable development were also echoed by foreign dignitaries such as Former United Nations Secretary General, President and Chair of Global Green Growth Institute Mr Ban Ki Moon and Member of Standing Committee and Director General of Publicity Department, CPC Guangdong Committee Mr Fu Hua, who addressed how international efforts could be taken to tackle climate change and economic development in a sustainable future.
Over 50 overseas and local renowned speakers were invited to speak at the Forum. These distinguished speakers range from eminent scholars such as Professor Steven J Davis from University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Professor Fan Gang, Director of National Economic Research Institute, Prof Jiang Changjian from Fudan University and TV host, industry experts like Mr Foo Jixun from GGV Capital and China Unicorn founders such as Mr John Wu from Fenghe Group, Mr Zhang Ligang from iKang Healthcare (also founder of eLong) and management from famous Chinese companies such as SenseTimes and iFlytech. These speakers shared their wealth of experience and valuable insights on issues related to economic and financial sustainability, sustainable green economy as well as innovative technological sustainability.
Closed-door interaction sessions were also organised at the sidelines where speakers, sponsors, eminent company founders, donors and youth leaders had the opportunity to interact with DPM Heng and also Business China Board Advisors Minister Gan Kim Yong and Minister Ng Chee Meng. These discussions were highly interactive in which views on current industry trends, challenges and on the ground sentiments were exchanged.
Sustainability on talents is also important. The inaugural Business China Youth Forum was also held in tandem with FCGF 2019 where Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Mr Baey Yam Keng was the Guest-of-Honour. The theme of the forum was “Sustainable Growth Starts from YOUth – Perspectives of Singapore and China” where around 180 Business China Youth Chapter members, young working professionals and tertiary students discussed candidly on sustainability issues and challenges. Mr Jiang Changjian, Associate Professor of School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, who is also the host of famous Chinese TY game show The Brain (最强大脑), was the keynote speaker for the Youth Forum.