Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development;
Principals and Deputy Principals of our Polytechnics;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
All our young people and friends gathered here and online today.
Introduction
1. Good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to the Business China Youth Forum 2025, or BCYF in short.
2. 各位来宾，线上和在场的青年朋友们，大家下午好！感谢大家参与第六届通商中国青年论坛。我们也很荣幸邀请到新加坡内政部兼社会及家庭发展部政务部长吴培铭先生莅临现场。接下来，我将以英文发表演讲，并在最后用中文总结。
3. BCYF is our platform for youth voices—complementing the FutureChina Global Forum held next door, which brings together senior government and business leaders, academia and experts.
a. Together, both forums show how every generation contributes to shaping our future.
4. What makes BCYF special is that it is “by youth, for youth”.
a. From shaping the themes to planning and running today’s programme, our youth organising committee has been at the heart of BCYF since the very beginning. And so, I want to thank them for their dedication.
b. This year, we have expanded our virtual reach, connecting with young people from more than 20 cities across China.
Relevance of BCYF 2025 to Youth
5. When I speak with young people, I often hear different visions about the future.
a. Some imagine working alongside AI co-workers, using new tools to create and solve problems.
b. Others see themselves driving sustainability or building creative industries that bridge cultures.
c. Many are drawn to the fast-moving world of social commerce, where livestreaming and digital platforms are reshaping how we connect and earn a living.
6. These different visions capture the reality we live in, a world of flux, full of uncertainties but also possibilities. That is why this year’s theme is so timely.
a. Adapting to new developments and change is essential, but adaptation alone is not enough.
b. We also need to keep engaging and learning, while bridging the divides that exist, which may be
i. technological, where not everyone has equal access to the same tools;
ii. generational, where different age groups experience change differently;
iii.or cultural, where perspectives may not always align in a globalised, but yet fragmented world.
c. Our curated panels will explore these issues in greater depth. With their diverse experiences, they will help us unpack the challenges and inspire new ways of thinking.
7. One of the most profound developments shaping our lives today is artificial intelligence.
a. AI is no longer just a tool to help us work or study. For example, it has evolved into companions and humanoid robots that can chat with us and keep us company.
b. But this raises important questions: How much should we really rely on them? Can these technologies truly enrich our lives, or do they risk replacing the human connection that is so essential?
8. In a different but significant way, sports and branding also shape how we connect and construe our identities.
a. Sports have always been about passion, building communities, and shared values.
b. Today, branding amplifies these, giving youths new ways to express themselves, connect with others, and create opportunities.
c. Local athletes like Vincent and Shayna show us how personal brands built through sport and leadership can inspire youths and bring people together.
9. Another dimension of connection is the use of social media and e-commerce, which now shape not only how we interact and express ourselves, but also how new ideas and ventures can take root in the digital age.
a. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are no longer just for entertainment. They influence what we buy, how we buy, and even when we buy.
b. They have also unlocked new gig economy opportunities, from livestreaming to digital marketing, offering young people new ways to build their careers.
10. Recently, I watched clips from the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, where robots competed in sports like running, boxing, and football.
a. What struck me most was not just the robots competing, but the crowd of people cheering them on.
b. It was a vivid reminder of how technology, sports, and social media are increasingly interconnected.
11. As you can see, these developments are becoming a part of our daily lives. That is why your voices matter in these discussions.
a. As future leaders, the perspectives you bring and the choices you make can open opportunities not only for yourselves, but also for those around you.
b. You can make a difference by building communities with like-minded peers, or by using your talents to shine a light on issues that matter most to you.
How Business China Supports Youths
12. This is where Business China play our part in supporting youth through bilingual and bicultural initiatives that help you navigate the region.
a. Beyond BCYF, we run programmes such as the Singapore–China Youth Interns Exchange Scheme (YES), the Summer School Scholarship, the Business China Youth Knowledge Programme (BCYK), and PolyVenture.
b. These initiatives equip young people with skills, deepen your understanding of China and the region, and create meaningful opportunities to learn and gain real-world exposure.
c. Every year, more than half of Business China’s events are youth focused, reflecting our commitment to youth engagement.
MOUs with Polytechnics
13. We are also grateful to our universities and polytechnics, for helping broaden the reach and impact of our initiatives. To build on this, Business China will be launching our Memoranda of Understanding with all the five polytechnics in Singapore today.
a. This partnership will enhance students’ readiness to engage with China through targeted programmes under Business China, promoting cross-cultural understanding.
b. We are honoured to have our Guest of Honour Mr Goh Pei Ming to witness this important milestone.
14. As you participate in BCYF 2025, my hope is that you leave today not only more aware of a world in flux but also inspired to find your own way to contribute, or even to dive into new ideas and ventures that challenge you to grow and lead.
Closing in Mandarin
15. Now let me conclude in Mandarin.
16. 今年的主题， “变局中的青年：连接不确定的世界” ，正好呼应了当下青年所面对的挑战与机遇。在这个快速变化的时代，青年要开放学习，勇于迎接挑战，把握机遇，成为连接世界的桥梁。
17. 通商中国一直高度重视为青年提供成长机会。通过实习交流计划、讲座和工作坊等项目，我们帮助青年掌握所需要的技能。今天，我们也将启动与新加坡五所理工学院签署的谅解备忘录，进一步深化合作，加强青年对新中发展动态的了解。
18. 希望我们新加坡的青年能在日常生活中多用华语，做到活学活用，学以致用，让它成为你们生活的一部分，成为你们未来发展中的优势。也正如我们常在活动中强调的口号： “双语双文化，世界无限大” 。掌握双语、理解双文化，不仅成为人与人之间联系的主要桥梁，也让青年更自信地走向世界。
19. 希望今天的讨论能为大家带来启发，也欢迎大家多多关注和参与我们通商中国其他的青年活动。谢谢大家。