The fifth edition of the Business China Youth Forum (BCYF) was successfully held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, with the theme this year being “New Horizons: Trailblazers Shaping the Pathways of Tomorrow”. The forum aims to provide a platform for youths from the ASEAN region and China to exchange ideas, discuss pertinent issues of relevance to youths, and enhance their understanding of the latest developments in Singapore, China and ASEAN.
This year’s forum was conducted in a hybrid format and attracted more than 500 participants from the region.
This year, the BCYF had its first collaboration with SingCham, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China. The forum was held physically in Singapore, and online in Shanghai, China, allowing for real-time participation and interaction between the attendees in both cities. In addition to the Shanghai venue, Singapore students from Peking University also gathered to participate in the forum.
Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Mr Alvin Tan graced the event as Guest of Honour. In his speech, he encouraged youths to “Go out there, stay informed, stay relevant, stay active. Continually scan for opportunities in a more messy world. Find areas and ways you can connect and contribute and create a future that you want to see.”
Key insights from the BCYF
Unlocking AI: Exploring frontiers of innovations
With speedy development and lowering barriers of entry, AI is now the driving force behind many industries. However, problems that come along with it are worrying. Keynote speakers raised concerns about fake news, systemic discrimination, and ethics. They also evaluated the impacts of AI such as unemployment, social inequalities, and over-dependencies on AI.
However, Chief Expert & Associate Vice President, Technology Planning at NIO, Hu Chengchen encouraged attending youths to embrace AI and explore its uses actively.
Empowering youth ambassadors: Bridging divides in a diverse world
Youths are the leaders of the future, responsible for bridging diversities in an increasingly diverse world.
Young SEAkers co-founder Lee Zixin said, “The best time to build networks with foreign peers are when you’re young; as that’s when stakes are lower, and friendships can be established without external factors. She believes that these cross-border exchanges will encourage youths to be more aware of happenings in other countries, helping them to cultivate cultural sensitivities.
Wo-men: Deep dive into the dynamic world of women in tech
The forum also highlighted stereotypes and prejudices against women in the tech sector. Despite all odds, keynote speakers Charmain Tan and Daphne Tay have each carved a niche for themselves in the tech sector. QuickDesk founder Charmain Tan considers the secret to entrepreneurial success a willingness to try things out.
Bluente CEO and co-founder Daphne Tay expressed her wishes for women to pursue their passions and focus on their growth, instead of using the industry’s gender ratio as a deciding factor.
Read the full media coverage of the event.