Singapore, 18 September 2025 — The 6th edition of the Business China Youth Forum (BCYF) will be held on 19 September 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, in parallel with the 16th edition of the FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF). More than 1,000 participants including those from 22 cities[1] across China are expected to join the BCYF onsite and virtually. This would mark the highest turnout since the inaugural BCYF in 2019.
Themed “The World in Flux: Youth Navigating in an Age of Uncertainty”, the BCYF aims to empower youth to navigate global complexities while fostering a deeper understanding of China and the region.
A highlight at this year’s BCYF will be the launch of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Business China and the five polytechnics[2] in Singapore. The MOUs – Collaboration with Polytechnics on China-ready Programmes[3] – will broaden Business China’s existing partnership with the polytechnics to encourage participation in the Singapore-China Youth Interns Exchange Scheme (YES), an initiative supported by Singapore and China governments, and other initiatives by Business China, including the Business China Youth Knowledge (BCYK) programme and Youth Leaders Programme (YLP). These include local workshops, overseas learning journeys and dialogue sessions with industry experts designed to enhance students’ understanding and engagement with China.
For example, under YES, eligible students can undertake industry internships of up to six months in China, gaining direct exposure to China’s business landscape, technology sectors and professional environments. Business China will support students and equip them with essential knowledge on cultural insights, workplace etiquette and practical tips to navigate work and life in China.
Beyond supporting students, the MOU also aims to enhance faculty members’ knowledge of China through opportunities such as short-term attachments to Business China and immersion trips to China.
Through these efforts, Business China hopes to build a pipeline of China-ready students and China-savvy educators, which will open new avenues for youth exchange and joint opportunities between Singapore and China.
The MOUs will be launched by CEO of Business China, Ms Kwek Poh Heok, Mr Russell Chan (Principal, Nanyang Polytechnic), Mr Lim Kok Kiang (Principal, Ngee Ann Polytechnic), Mr Boo Chong-Han (Deputy Principal, Republic Polytechnic), Ms Georgina Phua (Deputy Principal, Singapore Polytechnic), and Ms Anita Kuan (Deputy Principal, Temasek Polytechnic). The Guest-of-Honour of BCYF, Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development will witness the MOU-launching ceremony.
BCYF is organised by a dedicated team of youth aged 17 to 25, many of whom are long-standing participants of Business China’s programmes and events. Their leadership and involvement reflect Business China’s sustained efforts to cultivate and empower youth in the Singapore-China space.
The topics for the panel discussions have been specially curated by these youth volunteers.
Panel 1 – The Rise of AI Companions and Humanoid Robots: Exploring the Emerging Industries Trends
- Panel 1 will explore the growing role of AI and embodied robotics in healthcare, eldercare, and education sectors while examining ethical concerns. This segment will encourage youth to critically engage with evolving human-AI relationships and develop essential skills for navigating rapid technological changes.
Panel 2 – Beyond the Arena: Sports, Branding and Identity
- Panel 2 will focus on the evolving interplay between sports, branding, identity, as well as how athletes maintain authenticity amid commercial opportunities. The discussion will also examine the impact of fan culture, social causes, and digital platforms on shaping future sports communities.
Panel 3 – Connecting the World and Future: The Digital Era of Young Entrepreneurs
- This panel will bring together e-commerce professionals, youth founders, and innovation experts to explore how youth entrepreneurs can leverage e-commerce, social media, and AI to build global brands. Panelists will share strategies to navigate cross-border challenges and nuances, including the need to adapt to the global landscape to meet specific needs and cultural-context of local markets.
Highlighting the importance of youth-led initiatives, the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Goh Pei Ming said, “I am encouraged to see youths actively participating in the forum to learn about new trends and appreciate diverse cultures. Initiatives such as the Business China Youth Forum undertaken by Business China nurture a pool of young people who understand Singapore, China and global issues. In a time when the world is undergoing massive transformation and changes, the ability to navigate through uncertainties, forge mutual understanding, and build bridges of friendship and cooperation is of utmost importance.”
Commenting on the BCYF, the CEO of Business China, Ms Kwek Poh Heok said, “In today’s rapidly changing landscape, it is essential for youth to adapt, engage and learn. These qualities will help youth bridge the technological, generational and cultural divides many are experiencing today. I am heartened to see so many young people step forward to shape this forum, reflecting their commitment to enhance their understanding of the world and to develop partnerships. Business China is proud to support our youth, equipping them with the experiences and insights they need to navigate uncertainty and contribute to the future of Singapore-China relations.”
For more information, please visit the Business China Youth Forum website here.
[1] Baoding, Beijing, Chongqing, Dongguan, Foshan, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Kunming, Maoming, Nanjing, Nanning, Nantong, Shanghai, Shaoguan, Shaoxing, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Xi’an, Xinhui, Zhuhai
[2] Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic
[3] 新中通人才培养计划