Peking University students on a ‘Singapore Learning Journey’
Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) hosted a group of 23 students from Peking University’s (PKU) Yuan Pei College and Guanghua School of Management from 12 to 17 January 2014. The comprehensive and intensive 6-day programme equipped the PKU students with an indepth understanding of Singapore through visits to government agencies such as HDB Hub and URA gallery, international company CHARLES & KEITH, as well as Chinese clan association and heritage attractions, such as Kong Chow Wui Koon and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
Co-planned and led by active members of BCYC for the first time, the ‘Singapore Learning Journey’ enabled the PKU student delegates to interact and network with local students, professionals and civil servants, and gain expossure to Singapore’s cultural, historical, political, social and economic paradigms.
During the study visit, the PKU students also had the rare opportunity to observe a Meet the People Session (MPS) in action. We were grateful towards Business China Board Director and Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Ministries, Mrs Josephine Teo for taking time off her busy schedule to have a brief interaction with the students. The MPS was an eye-opener for the PKU students as they learnt about one of most important feedback mechanisms that contributes to the effective governance of Singapore.
Commenting on the planning of the programme, President of the BCYC Executive Committee, Lau Jun Jie, said at the Opening Ceremony held on 12 January that BCYC hoped to provide a platform for Singaporean and China youths to interact and enhance mutual understanding, thereby setting a sound foundation for future friendship and collaborations.
On the last day of the study visit, Associate Editor of Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk and recipient of Business China Young Achiever Award 2011, Ms Han Yong Hong, was also invited to share her personal China experience and observations of the Singapore-China relations with the participants.
China’s new agency, Xinhuanet interviewed the PKU participants during the trip. They commented that the trip enabled them to widen their global perspectives and build friendships with Singaporean students. (To read more, visit: http://sg.xinhuanet.com/2014-02/05/c_126089989.htm)
More learning opportunities available for BCYC
On 12 January, 20 BCYC who participated in the 2013 China Learning Journey organised by Business China to Shanghai and Beijing last December, also gathered for a post-trip sharing and feedback session.
Separately, on 2 and 3 February, members of BCYC were also selected to attend the 2014 Spring Reception jointly organised by Business China and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) with Guest-of-Honour Deputy Minister Teo Chee Hean, as well as a closed-door sharing session with Mr Michael Chew, Vice President, Shanghai Singapore Business Association and Ms Ming Chew, Board of Director, Vision Park Education. DPM Teo posted on his Facebook his interactions with BCYC members during the Spring Reception.
On 22 February, eight selected BCYC members will also attend an exclusive sharing session with Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing.
About Business China Youth Chapter
Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) is a voluntary group of youths formed in early 2010 and supported by the Go East Committee. BCYC’s main objective is in line with Business China’s vision and mission – to promote the significance of bilingualism and biculturalism amongst Singaporean youths and enhance their relevance in the global workplace.
To join BCYC, please email to goeast@businesschina.org.sg.