31 May marked a significant date for Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) as they had their inaugural BCYC retreat – a day packed with cultural activities and insightful sharing sessions by the founders – Zi Qian & Heng Hui; followed by a closed door session with Minister of State of Prime Minister’s Office & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Business China Go East Committee Chairman, Mr Sam Tan.
The retreat took place in a function room cum open kitchen at Kovan Residences where 24 BCYC members gathered on a Saturday morning to learn rice dumpling-wrapping. As 端午節 or the Dragon Boat Festival was round the corner, they took the opportunity to conduct the traditional rice dumpling wrapping activity, which also served to bond the BCYC family, besides serving up delicious dumplings. During the wrapping session, members helped one another as some had hardly any experience with dumpling wrapping.
After a quick lunch, Zi Qian and Heng Hui did a sharing session. Both shared their objectives and aims when they founded BCYC back in 2010. The founders emphasised the importance of BCYC being an organic chapter where members must take the initiative to spearhead activities and events.
After the one hour sharing session was a closed-door session with Mr Sam Tan. The session started with a light-hearted self-introduction of each of the members. Through the self-introduction, Mr Sam Tan branched further and shared his thoughts and experiences in relation to public services and his China experience. He emphasised the importance for the future generations to be humble and progress in unity as Singaporeans. He also advised them to broaden their horizons through reading and watching documentaries or news channels of different countries to obtain different perspectives.
The event drew to a close with members enjoying their fruits of labor made in the morning. Members commented that this session was truly enjoyable as they had the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on cultural activity, listen to seniors and interact with Go East Chairman, as well as and catch up with one another.