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Good morning, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chairman of Business China; Mr Clarence Ti, Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Business China Go East Committee members, our industry partners, ladies and gentlemen:
1. It gives me great pleasure to be here today to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Business China and celebrate the launch of the Certificate in China Readiness Elective programme.
2. The launch of this programme resonates with the call for Singaporeans to build capabilities so as to operate successfully in overseas markets. It is a milestone in the promotion of China-readiness and entrepreneurship amongst young Singaporeans; and Business China is happy to partner Ngee Ann Polytechnic in this endeavor to deepen the global connectivity and capabilities of young Singaporeans.
3. In today’s context of a highly globalised world, and a fast-evolving China, it is important for our future entrepreneurs and talents to be well-connected and engaged with the world’s major markets. Business China, was set-up with such a vision, to build a core group of Singaporeans, capable of interacting and creating value for Singapore through active engagement with China.
4. We are heartened to find in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, a partner with a similar vision, to embark on the curation of the China-readiness elective programme. Since November 2015, the Go East committee, led by then Committee chair, Minister of State Mr Sam Tan and Ngee Ann Poly’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies had started exploring a course that combines academic content, as well as industry knowledge to ensure the robustness and rigour of a highly demanding topic.
5. The course would not have been complete without valuable inputs from both parties. On this note, we would also like to thank our industry partners, Qingjian Nanyang Group, represented by Executive Chairman Mr Wang Linxuan; and Haidilao Group, adding the much-coveted industry angle for a more comprehensive understanding of a multi-faceted China.
6. The Go East Committee is now led by Minister of State Mr Chee Hong Tat and we are confident that the implementation of the programme will be well supported and well carried out. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, it is our hope that the collaboration will open up new horizons for our students to gain first-hand insights and deeper understanding of China, to better prepare for an exciting future.
7. With that, I thank you.