On 16 October 2020, Business China successfully organised the 2nd Distinguished Leaders Dialogue Series with Minister for Transport and Business China Adviser, Mr Ong Ye Kung. Titled “Singapore in a Post-COVID World and Singapore-China Relations”, the virtual dialogue was conducted in English.
The dialogue opened with Chairman of Business China, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, giving his opening remarks about the impact of COVID-19 on Singapore’s economy. He then briefly introduced Minister Ong’s illustrious career spanning both the public and private sector. Mr Lee also shared that Minister Ong had been very supportive of Business China events over the years.
After Mr Lee’s introduction, Minister Ong delivered his keynote address, where he shared the three imperatives for Singapore moving ahead. First, a focus on health with a short and medium goal to overcome Covid-19. Second, Singapore’s pursuit of economic growth under Covid-19 and lastly, how the growth could be an inclusive one for the Singapore society. Beyond the three key points, he also touched on the importance of the revival of Singapore’s aviation sector, emphasising that it is essential for the survival of companies as they have great needs for talents circulation in and out of the country.
After Minister Ong’s sharing, the floor was opened for the Q&A session. There was a deep and substantive exchange of opinions between the attendees and Minister Ong as the audience raised pertinent questions on Singapore-China relations, Singapore’s attractiveness, and the role of education. The Q&A session was moderated by Business China CEO Ms Tin Pei Ling.
The one and a half-hour dialogue session saw close to 80 invited attendees which included prominent business leaders, ALP alumni as well as BC corporate members.
The inaugural Distinguished Leaders Dialogue Series was held on 11 January 2020, with Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean as the featured speaker.