SINGAPORE, 27 OCTOBER 2023 – Today, Business China held the fourteenth edition of the FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF). The forum discussed developmental trends driving China’s continued rise as a leading global economy. More than 800 government officials, business leaders, and domain experts, from Singapore, China, and the region attended the forum to exchange ideas and perspectives on issues affecting the world and the region, particularly the state of the Chinese economy and opportunities for Southeast Asia.
Themed “Pathway to Clarity – Charting the Future”, FCGF 2023 sought clarity in a world of conflicts and confusion. Separate discussion tracks on international trade, artificial intelligence, green energy, cross-border finance and investment opportunities in China provided forum participants with candid assessments of the risks and opportunities prevailing in the current operating environment.
The FCGF 2023 took place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 27 October 2023. Guest of Honour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies of Singapore, opened the forum and set the stage with his keynote address. Later in the evening, DPM Heng will also present the Business China Awards (BCA) to 2023 award recipients after a fireside chat that will take place alongside the ceremony and gala dinner.
Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chairman of Business China, said, “This is the 14th edition of FCGF. Over the years, we have seen how the Chinese economy evolved and developed, powered by different economic sectors. Yet the world is fast-changing. In fact, the global environment in which we operate in has changed so much that we need to pause and re-evaluate our options and strategies. I am sure the FCGF will give all the participants substantial insights on the latest developments in the world, China and the region.”
Mr Robin Hu, Chairperson of FCGF, Vice Chairman Asia and Operating Partner for Temasek, and Non-Resident Ambassador to Timor Leste, said, “Since the FutureChina Global Forum’s launch thirteen years ago, the annual gathering has become an iconic forum where business, thought and policy leaders from Singapore, China and Southeast Asia gather to discourse, discover, and decipher in a trusting environment while advancing mutual business interests between China, ASEAN and Singapore.”
LEADING EXPERTS DISSECT CRITICAL ISSUES
Amidst geopolitical complexities stemming from events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US-China rivalry, understanding the impact on international trade and global economy is critical. FCGF 2023 featured thought leaders from both the public and private sectors, including Mr Jörg Wuttke, President Emeritus – EU Chamber of Commerce in China, Dr Jia Qingguo, Professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University, and Mr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, shared their insights on how businesses can strategically position themselves in this evolving landscape full of emerging uncertainties.
Mr Ho Chee Hin, CEO of Business China, said: “With international trade complexities and China’s shifting economic landscape, FCGF 2023 aims to demystify these issues. FCGF intentionally gathers experts from China, the West, and Southeast Asia, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of current issues. FCGF 2023 also delved into current trending areas such as strategic philanthropy and wealth management which are of interest to, not just, businesses but also the community.”
BUSINESS CHINA YOUTH FORUM
The Business China Youth Forum (BCYF) 2023 will be held concurrently with the FCGF 2023. Titled “New Horizons: Trailblazers Shaping the Pathways of Tomorrow”, BCYF’s mission remains unaltered – uniting the vibrant youth of the ASEAN-China corridor to enable a platform that delves deep into prevailing issues, trends and budding opportunities that lie within this vast landscape.
This year’s BCYF is honoured to have Mr Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry, and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as the Guest of Honour. Hosting more than 500 youth participants from Singapore, Southeast Asia and China, BCYF 2023 will explore a range of trending topics, from unpacking artificial intelligence to understanding how the next generation can take on the role of youth ambassadors, and a contemplative look into the youth’s career choices and ventures.
BUSINESS CHINA AWARDS CEREMONY
The Business China Awards (BCA) Ceremony will also be hosted tonight, celebrating individuals and enterprises that have made significant strides in bolstering Singapore-China ties. The highlight of the evening will be an enlightening fireside chat with DPM Heng Swee Keat. The gala dinner will also present a unique networking opportunity, allowing attendees to forge meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and deepen collaborations.
The FCGF 2023 serves as a testament to Business China’s unwavering commitment to strengthening ties, fostering mutual understanding, and catalysing collaborative opportunities between Singapore, China and the world.
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