Business China collaborated with Yishun Junior College (YJC) for the third year running to organise the 6th China Studies Seminar on 3rd August 2013.This 6th edition of the seminar, which attracted close to 500 guests and students, revolved around the many societal, economic, environmental and political concerns China faces as it welcomes its new leadership.
The seminar was graced by Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; Mayor, Central Singapore District and Board Director of Business China. Being a strong advocate for the promotion of bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore, SPS Sam Tan shared his thoughtful insights on their importance, as well as exemplifies his bilingual prowess with the effortless switch of his speech from English to Mandarin, whilst speaking off the cuff. He urged Singaporean youths to further hone their linguistics skills and leverage on their multi-cultural edge in order to sustain the relevance of Singapore in the fast changing new world order.
Mdm Koh Teck Siew, in her address to the audience, also emphasized that the primary purpose of this seminar is to enhance students’knowledge of contemporary China, so as to better grasp its future trajectories. In addition, Mdm Koh encouraged the students to give off their best, expressing confidence that they would eventually leverage on their bilingual and bicultural edge to lead Singapore forward in the future.
While providing comments for the on-site presentations of the top teams, judges were impressed by the maturity and clarity displayed by the participating teams. These traits were the results of extensive training, research and analysis conducted by the teams in preparation for the Seminar.
Out of a total of 34 teams, two students each from the English and Chinese top winning teams would receive the opportunity to participate in the Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) “China Learning Journey”, at the end of the year. This 10 day journey would not only instil in them the importance of bilingualism and biculturalism, but would also give them the immersive environment to experience China’s society and corporate culture through sharing sessions and site visits.
China Studies Seminar Competition Results
English:
Best Team：The Evolution of Sino-US Relations To Suit China’s Needs – How Should Xi Jinping Aspire to Continue That?
School：Hwa Chong Institution
Teacher：Ms Claire Tan
Team Members：Andrew Loh, Joshua Lim, Heng Yin Xin, Tan Rong Xuan
Chinese:
Best Team：从“兴教寺申遗风波”看当今中国民主决策与科学决策实践的困境
School：Hwa Chong Institution
Teacher：梁勇
Team Members：何晨，孙媛媛，刘于瑄，杨奇隆，林恩盛