Opening Remarks by Ms Kwek Poh Heok, CEO of Business China, at the Singapore-China Youth Forum (SCYF)

His Excellency Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Singapore,

Mr Ren Youqun, Party Secretary of Shandong University,

Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal & CEO of Singapore Polytechnic,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Business China is honoured to partner with Singapore Polytechnic and Wanhe International to organise this forum. This collaboration reflects our shared belief in the value of connecting young people from Singapore and China. In fact, one of the things that makes this forum special is the active involvement of our youth—both from Business China and the student community here. You have played an important part in the planning and making it a reality.

It is in this spirit of collaboration and forward-looking partnership that we gather today. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. A milestone that speaks to the depth of our ties and the potential that lies ahead. The future of this relationship depends on the next generation who can build on what has come before, and take it forward in new ways.

The theme of this forum, “Together for a Common Future,” is especially timely. We are living through a time of global transformation and uncertainty – whether it is climate change, digital disruption, or shifts in the geopolitical landscape. Tackling these challenges requires that we work together, across borders and cultures.

This is why the next generation matters. As future leaders, young people play a crucial role in bridging cultures, and in co-creating solutions for a better future. This forum is an opportunity for our students to listen deeply, think critically, and take action to respond to challenges of our time.

Supporting such youth engagement is central to Business China’s vision. Beyond this forum, we offer a range of initiatives to help young people increase and deepen their understanding of China, and to foster cooperation between the two countries. Since the start of the year, more than 1,000 youth have participated in Business China’s seminars, forums, internships, scholarships and immersion visits. In September, we welcome you to take part in our annual Business China Youth Forum held in conjunction with our flagship Future China Global Forum. Therefore, I’m very happy that our key partners are here today – OCBC, Temasek, Bank of China, Tanoto Foundation, China Construction Bank, and several more. Your support makes our efforts possible.

And so, I thank you all for taking the time to be here. While programmes and platforms like this may set the stage, it is people—especially our young people—who bring them to life. We hope this forum inspires you to stay curious, stay engaged, and stay open to new ways of working together.

I’ll now switch to Mandarin to conclude my speech.

今天，我们齐聚一堂，有朋自远方来，更添几分喜悦。欢迎出席这场意义非凡的论坛。所谓继往开来，我们的上一代前辈为新中关系打下了坚固的基础，而作为下一代，也应当继续发扬前辈的精神，进一步深化两国的友谊。

我们不仅要发现共同点，更要认识到各自的不同。正是这些差异，让我们的交流更加丰富、更有价值。因为差异不是阻碍，而是可以互相补充，连接彼此的桥梁。在当今这个高度全球化的时代，我们更要放眼世界，通过交流与合作，共同为国际社会带来积极的影响。

展望未来，无论是在学术、科技、文化交流、还是社会服务方面，我们希望你们能够携手前进，为新中关系注入新的活力。少年强则国家强，期待本次论坛成为你们交流学习的起点，在新加坡建立情谊，在往后带来更多合作与发展的机会。