(English translation, for reference only)
(Check against delivery)
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Teo Chee Hean;
Minister for National Development, Mr Khaw Boon Wan;
Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong;
Ministers of State, Parliamentary Secretaries, Diplomatic Envoys;
Group CEO of OCBC Bank, Mr Samuel Tsien;
Board Advisers and Directors of Business China;
Distinguished guests, ladies & gentlemen,
Good evening!
Tonight, I am very honoured to be here with you, to witness the fifth edition of the Business China Awards, and to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Business China. On behalf of the Business China Board and Secretariat, we warmly welcome DPM Teo and all our distinguished guests to this evening’s Awards ceremony.
The annual Business China Awards is a meaningful award aimed at honouring outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions to Singapore-China relations. It is known that Singapore-China relations goes back a long way, and both nations share a common cultural heritage. The number of companies and individuals with business operations in both two countries has been on the rise year after year. Most notably, during the recent 30 years of China’s economic reforms, trade volume between Singapore and China’s reached an unprecedented peak, with China becoming Singapore’s largest trading partner last year.
These organisations and individuals, apart from establishing and expanding their businesses in China, are also very active in maintaining effective bilateral cooperation on many levels.
Since the inaugural Business China Awards in 2010, the award recipients every year have proven that they are more than just leaders in their respective fields. They are also exemplary role models in strengthening Singapore-China relations. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to this year’s recipients, for having achieved remarkable success in fostering closer ties between Singapore and China.
Next year marks Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence. It is also the 25th anniversary of Singapore-China diplomatic relations, a significant milestone for bilateral relations. Since Singapore-China diplomatic relations began in 1990, we have steadily fostered partnerships on the business, economic, cultural and technological fronts.
Following the success of the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Beijing, China’s international image and her influence in the global arena have elevated greatly. China also has a growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore’s strong ties with China will aid in the development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Singapore, as the gateway to Southeast Asia, will play a significant role in promoting trade between China and the region, and in co-creating new business opportunities.
In retrospect, throughout the 24 years of friendly bilateral relations, Singapore and China have advanced together and overcome many challenges. Both nations have also embarked on mutually beneficial collaborations across different fields, which is truly remarkable.
I strongly believe that in future, be it in terms of trade or people-to-people exchanges, both countries will continue to strengthen our partnership so as to achieve sustainable economic development and create new opportunities for our people.
Launched in 2007, Business China has today, developed into a leading organisation that allows Singaporeans to acquire an in-depth understanding of China and to interact effectively with China counterparts. Within the past 7 years, Business China has organised more than 200 multi-faceted events, such as forums, conferences and seminars, which have benefitted more than 50,000 Singaporeans. Business China will continue to promote our vision of creating an environment for bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore.
Business China shoulders heavy responsibilities. We will continue to enhance our suite of programmes and initiatives to fulfil our mission of promoting bilingualism and biculturalism, with the aim of strengthening the bridge between Singapore and China.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to DPM Teo and all distinguished guests for attending tonight’s ceremony. I would also like to thank the BCA Judging Panel for their efforts and also our partner, OCBC Bank, for your strong support all these years as a joint presenter of the Business China Awards.
Business China could not have become Singapore’s leading bilingual and bicultural organisation without the support of donors, friends, partners, and our Board. Once again, I would like to express my utmost appreciation to all of you. We look forward to your continued support, as we work together to achieve sustainable development for both countries.
Thank you!