Business China and its Youth Chapter members hosted a group of 16 students from Peking University’s (PKU) Yuanpei College and Guanghua School of Management from 19 to 27 January. On their 8-day ‘Singapore Learning Journey’, these PKU students were given opportunities to explore Singapore’s culture and history, as well as to understand her political, social and economic paradigms.
Accompanied by the Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) members, the PKU delegation began their learning journey with guided tours around Singapore’s civic district and Singapore City Gallery to gain deeper insights into the country’s physical transformation and urban development over the past 50 years.
The students also visited various local companies and statutory board such as Keppel Corporation, Rajah & Tann LLP, CapitaLand Limited and Ascendas-Singbridge Group, and IE Singapore. The sharing sessions at these organisations helped the students gain fresh perspectives of the opportunities and challenges Singapore faces.
The delegation also widened their knowledge on Singapore’s socio-political scene through visits to the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) and the Meet-the-People Session (MPS) with Mr Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister of Education (Schools).
Li Yucong, a Year 2 Philosophy, Politics & Economics major from PKU Yuanpei College said: “As we rarely have the opportunity to interact directly with government officials in China, the short Q&A session we had with Acting Minister Ng really helped me gain a better understanding of Singapore’s political system and culture.”
BCYC also hosted the PKU delegation for an interaction session and dinner during their stay in Singapore, where students from both countries discussed the similarities and differences of the education system between Singapore and China. The sharing session provided a platform for the Singaporean and Chinese youths to interact and enhance mutual understanding while building friendships for future possible collaborations.
President of the BCYC Executive Committee, Phua Mei Qi, said: “I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to interact with the PKU students and I hope for the bonds forged during this trip to grow into even stronger friendships and collaborations in the future.”
Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) is a voluntary group of youths formed in early 2010 and supported by the Go East Committee. BCYC’s main objective is in line with Business China’s vision and mission – to promote the significance of bilingualism and biculturalism amongst Singaporean youths and enhance their relevance in the global workplace.
To join BCYC, please email to bcyc@businesschina.org.sg.