JJ Lin encouraged students to upkeep their bilingual-bicultural competency and pursue their dreams
SINGAPORE, 25 February 2015 – Addressing some 1,000 Singaporean teenage students at the China-Quotient Student Forum this afternoon, 2014 Business China Young Achiever Award recipient and St Andrew Junior College alumnus, JJ Lin Junjie shared that he was right about their age when his dreams to pursue music took shape.
Speaking in Mandarin, he encouraged the students to capitalise on the vast opportunities made available to them within the educational framework, continue to hone their bilingual-bicultural competencies and work hard to realise their potentials.
Jointly organised by Business China and St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC), the China-Quotient Student Forum 2015 was held at SAJC Cultural Centre. Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Business China Board Member, Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong, graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour.
The highly interactive forum themed “Daring to Dream, Acing with Bilingualism and Biculturalism” attracted youths and students from more than 20 Junior Colleges, IP Schools, Polytechnics, Universities and other Institutes of Higher Learnings (IHLs).
Sharing his personal anecdotes, JJ spoke about how being bilingual has been instrumental in the building of his music career in China and Taiwan over the past 11 years. He urged students to upkeep their bilingual-bicultural capability to maintain their competitiveness in this increasingly globalised world.
In addition, JJ also encouraged students to purse their dreams even if the journey was not easy. He shared three obstacles to overcome which he had learnt from his personal experience; firstly, overcoming current environment factors, secondly, overcoming failure and thirdly, overcoming success and learning how to handle it.
JJ further sang “Dreams”, the theme song that he had composed for this year’s Chingay; and in reminiscing the “good old days”, invited fellow SAJC singer and music producer, Mr Hong Junyang on stage to join in a short jamming session with him.
JJ Lin was awarded the 2014 Business China Young Achiever Award for his commitment towards bringing joy, dignity and hope to the communities in China and Singapore, and connecting the world with his music. He was also hailed for being an exemplary role model in furthering Singapore-China relations.
Guest-of-Honour MOS Sam Tan highlighted in his special address the importance of being bilingual and bicultural. He said, “In Singapore, we have a multiracial and multicultural environment, and this is our advantage. We not only have a chance to learn more about other cultures, we also have the opportunity to be fluent in at least two languages. We should continue to capitalise on this advantage, expand our horizon; and create unlimited value with limited resources.”
In showcasing SAJC’s traditional excellence in the area of cultural pursuits, the forum included a 10-minute bicultural showcase featuring performances by current SAJC students – The SAJC dance troupe moved to a remix of JJ’s songs; while Wong Yu Ting, a Top 6 finalist in 2013 Campus Superstar and current SAJC J2 student, sang “Only to you” (只对你说), composed and written by JJ in 2006.
Principal of St Andrew’s Junior College, Mrs Lee Bee Yann, said in her welcome remarks that, “With his natural talent and affinity towards music, coupled with hardwork and perseverance, JJ strived for his dreams and reaped the fruits of his labour today. I think he really is the best person to share about the advantages of being bilingual and bicultural and how that has helped launch his dreams and music career.”
Business China Chairman Mr Chua Thian Poh, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education, guests from the local music community and Business China members also attended the Forum.
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For further enquiries, please contact:
Ms Ooh Yi Hui
Senior Associate (Corporate Communications)
Business China
Tel: 6213 0410
Email: yihui@businesschina.org.sg
About China-Quotient Forum Series
Launched in 2010, the China-Quotient Forum Series aims to upkeep the bilingual and bicultural quotient of Singaporean youths. Through panel discussions, outstanding speakers from areas such as technology, lifestyle, popular culture, volunteerism and social entrepreneurship will share how Singaporean youths can leverage on their unique edge as bilingual and bicultural individuals in an increasingly competitive global market place.
About Business China
Launched in November 2007 by Founding Patron and Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Business China’s mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
About St Andrew’s Junior College
St Andrew’s Junior College has its origins in St Andrew’s School, which was founded in 1862 by the Anglican Diocese of Singapore. The College’s vision is to be a Home of Servant Leaders who brings life to the Nations. The College believes in nurturing Saints who are principled servant-leaders, upholding the WISE and TRUE values that define who we are and how we act when we stand together as a village. The College is known for its rigorous academic programmes and a vibrant college culture. In particular, the College offers a unique educational experience through its many flagship leadership programmes such as Student Government, Servant Leadership Summit and residential leadership camps to nurture future leaders of the world. For more information, please visit standrewsjc.moe.edu.sg.