Business China was officially launched on 19 November 2007 by its Patron Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jia Bao. The mission of Business China is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bi-cultural 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.
The Business China secretariat is currently headed by Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC. With effect from 1 July 2009, due to Mr Tan’s new appointments as Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts as well as Ministry of Trade and Industry, he will relinquish his CEO position at Business China. Mrs Josephine Teo, who is currently one of our Board of Directors since inception, will succeed him to be the new CEO starting from 1 July 2009. Mrs Josephine Teo is also the Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
At the same time, Business China would like to welcome Mr Sam Tan to be a member of the Board of Directors. This appointment will take effect from 1 July 2009.
Business China thanks Mr Sam Tan for his contributions towards the organisation since its inception in September 2007. Under his leadership, Business China has organised a series of activities to enhance Singaporeans’ capabilities to tap on the boundless opportunities arising from China’s economic development.
Business China also takes this opportunity to congratulate Mr Sam Tan on his new appointments. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Under the new CEO Mrs Josephine Teo, Business China will continue to serve the businessmen, professionals, young and students who are interested to explore the China market. We will create opportunities for them to interact and establish their network, stimulate their interest in learning the Chinese culture and improve their proficiency in Chinese so as to help them succeed in their China’s venture.
Mrs Josephine Teo said, ”Business China has a mission unlike any organisation in Singapore. To cultivate a new generation of bilingual and bicultural Singaporeans who can do business with China effectively, we have to tap the ideas and resources of many business, cultural and community groups, and create new synergy between them. I hope to build on the solid foundation laid by Mr Sam Tan, gain the support of Chinese community groups and reach out to a younger group of bilingual Singaporeans, to join Business China on this exciting adventure.”
Issued on behalf of Business China Board of Directors.