Our Journey

Business China continues to champion bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore, taking into account the changes within Singapore and in the region, and a far more sophisticated and advanced China today.

We work with an eco-system of local partners (enterprises, government agencies and educational institutes) and Chinese counterparts to strengthen mutual understanding and to build closer relations.

Genesis

Having been personally involved in the Suzhou Industrial Park project and undertaking his own bilingual journey (“My Bilingual Journey” 2006), MM Lee believed that Singaporeans should be bilingual and bicultural so as to be ready for China’s growing influence in the region and to be able to leverage on opportunities. Business China was thus launched in November 2007, witnessed by MM Lee, the Founding Patron of Business China, and Mr Wen Jiabao, Former Premier of the People's Republic of China, and Mr Chua Thian Poh, Founding Chairman of Business China, to promote a greater understanding of China amongst Singaporeans and to cultivate China-ready skills amongst young Singaporeans.

Impact of Business China

 
Prominent Business Leaders
 
Young Business Leaders
 
Corporate Members
 
BCYC Members
 
Youths Influenced

Journey Timeline

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Official Launch of Business China

19 Nov 2007

Business China was officially launched by its patron, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and China's Premier Wen Jiabao at National University of Singapore’s University Cultural Centre. The launch ceremony was attended by over 1,300 guests.

Minister Mentor Lee expressed hope that Business China would be able to nurture more Chinese Singaporeans to attain a proper grasp of the Chinese Language and understanding of the Chinese culture.

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Business China 1st Anniversary Celebration

19 Nov 2008

"With the recent signing of the China–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, there will be many opportunities for Singapore companies in China’s fast-growing markets. We should not miss the many opportunities to expand our businesses in China." - Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

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"Fun with CLing" Web Portal Launched

18 Jul 2009

“CLing”, a new Chinese-learning media platform jointly presented by Business China and omy.sg, is launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Dragonfly, St James Power Station.

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E3 Workshop Launched

21 Dec 2009

Excite, Explore & Experience were the three fundamentals that form the E3 workshop conceptualised by Business China.

Excite – To excite students to learn more about China’s present and future.

Explore – To encourage students to explore more about China and learn more the Chinese language, culture and society.

Experience – Let students take part in immersion programmes in China to personally experience China’s ever-changing society.

The E3 workshop was a preparatory workshop to help tertiary students better understand China’s culture before they embark on an immersion journey to China.

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Inaugural Business China Awards

3 May 2010

After a year-long preparation, Business China launched the inaugural Business China Awards to recognise outstanding businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals and organisations for their successes and contributions to Singapore-China relationships and the appreciation of the Chinese language and culture.

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Launch of FutureChina Global Forum 2010

12 Jul 2010

The inaugural FutureChina Global Forum, organised by Business China, was convened at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore. The forum was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and China,and brought together eminent thought leaders and practitioners from diverse fields who offered insights about China. Some 300 participated in the event to share on issues like China’s economy, society, culture, politics, technology and its international relations.

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First BCYC Overseas Immersion Trip

28 Dec 2010

A total of 20 local university students took part in the first overseas immersion trip put together by the Business China Youth Chapter. The 9-day trip was aimed at three aspects: to deepen one’s knowledge on China’s modern development vis-à-vis its rich history, to learn to engage China’s booming economy and to build contacts with like-minded China students for future collaboration.

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The inaugural Business China Awards Gala Dinner

11 Jan 2011

In his welcome address to around 700 guests, Chairman of Business China Mr Chua Thian Poh summarised Business China’s achievements for the year 2010. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Singapore-China diplomatic relationship, Business China had taken bold steps to launch two symbolic events: FutureChina Global Forum and the Business China Awards. Mr Chua also expressed his gratitude to the organisations and individuals that had donated generously to Business China, and the partners for their enthusiasm and cooperation.

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UniSIM – Business China Sponsorship MOU Signing Ceremony

12 Jun 2011

Ms Low Yen Ling, CEO, Business China and Prof Cheong Hee Kiat, President, SIM University (UniSIM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) on 12 June 2011, to launch the UniSIM – Business China Sponsorship. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister-of-State for Trade & Industry and National Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan.

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Future China Advanced Leaders Programme Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony

22 Feb 2012

A first-of-its-kind general management course in the Asian region, the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme is exclusively designed for business leaders, senior executives and heads of organisations based in Singapore, who will manage or lead operations in China. The three-week Programme comprehensively addresses the complex dynamics between social, political, economic, historical and cultural factors that are fuelling China’s rapid rise.

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Launch of Future China Advanced Leaders Programme

19 Mar 2012

The inaugural Future China Advanced Leaders Programme jointly organised by Business China and Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Nanyang Business School made its debut week bright and early on Monday, 19 March 2012. The day kick-started with a motivating introduction by Business China CEO Ms Low Yen Ling, for the 25 participants who have been identified as future leaders or upper echelon managers of their organisations.

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First Time in Singapore: A Special 3D Digital Cultural Relics Exhibition

13 Oct 2012

In a bid to enhance the cultural bridge linking Singapore and China, for the first time in Singapore, Business China and Chasen Sino-Sin jointly presented a special 3D digital cultural relics exhibition. “Discovering a Lost Dynasty – the Mysterious Liao Dynasty of Inner Mongolia” (追寻逝去的王朝–中国内蒙古辽代考古研究) featured more than fifty priceless cultural relics in 3D.

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The inaugural China-Quotient Teachers’ Forum

17 Apr 2013

The inaugural China-Quotient Teachers’ Forum jointly organised by Business China and Pioneer Junior College on 17 April received an overwhelming turnout. More than 600 educators from upper primary right up to pre-university levels gathered to ponder over the theme “Preparing Singaporean Youths to be Future-ready and China-savvy”. Minister for Education, Mr Heng Swee Keat, graced the Forum as the Guest-of-Honour and addressed participants in a keynote speech.

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Inaugural Chinese Community Sharing Forum

19 May 2013

For the first time ever in Singapore, the four major Chinese community organisations namely Singapore Federation of Chinese Clans Association (SFCCA), Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCCI) and Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), and Business China, joined forces to engage the community in the inaugural “Chinese Community Sharing Forum”.

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Inaugural FutureChina Youth Forum

10 Jul 2013

In collaboration with the annual FutureChina Global Forum, Business China organised the inaugural FutureChina Youth Forum (FCYF) on 10 July. More than 350 students across various Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities, as well as young leaders from the Chinese community, eminent leaders from the cultural, academia and political sectors, attended the event.

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Inaugural BCYC Retreat

31 May 2014

Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) organised their inaugural BCYC retreat on 31 May. The day was packed with cultural activities and insightful sharing sessions by the founders – Zi Qian & Heng Hui; followed by a closed-door dialogue session with Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office & Culture, Community and Youth, and Business China Go East Committee Chairman, Mr Sam Tan.

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China Insights: 2015 China Business Network Forum

13 May 2015

Jointly organised by China Business Network (CBN), My China Channel (MCC), co-organised by Business China, and supported by IE Singapore and The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, the inaugural 2015 China Business Network Forum (Singapore • Shanghai), held on 13 May at Shangri-La Hotel, attracted over 120 guests in attendance.

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Inaugural China Studies Perspectives

18 May 2016

On 18 May 2016, more than 650 students across various Junior Colleges, IP Schools, Polytechnics and Universities attended the Inaugural China Studies Perspectives jointly organised by Business China and River Valley High School.

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Inaugurated The 4th Board In 2016 Of Business China

1 Oct 2016

In October 2016, Patron of Business China, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the 4th term of the Board of Business China .

Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OUE, Mr Lee Yi Shyan took over the helm as Chairman from Mr Chua Thian Poh, chairman and chief executive officer of Ho Bee Land Ltd.

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Business China Awards 2017 held in conjunction with Business China’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

14 Jul 2017

On 14 July 2017, Business China commemorated its 10th anniversary and the 8th edition of the Business China Awards (BCA), with more than 700 distinguished guests and stakeholders attending the celebration held at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. This special milestone was witnessed and graced by Business China’s Patron, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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Business China signs MOU with China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat to Deepen Cooperation and Extend Network

12 Sep 2017

On 12 September, Business China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat during the Singapore-Guangxi Networking Dinner of the 14th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), to deepen collaboration and extend network through flagship event tie-ups, and information sharing.

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Business China and Republic Polytechnic Signed Memorandum of Understanding to Nurture China-ready Young Singaporeans

28 Apr 2018

One of the highlights of this collaboration is the introduction of the Certificate in China Business Perspectives Programme for RP students. Dr Michael Koh, Deputy Principal of Republic Polytechnic, remarked that through the Programme, the students will become aware, acquire knowledge and gain insights of the Chinese business environment as well as the protocol and culture of the Chinese.

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang: Frequent meetings between Singapore, China leaders to deepen ties among younger leaders

13 Nov 2018

In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up, Premier of the State Council of China, Mr. Li Keqiang, was invited by Business China and ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute to deliver the 44th Singapore Lecture on 13 November 2018.

More than 500 government officials, business leaders and representatives around the world attended this lecture, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat and Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo.

Chinese State Councillor & State Council Secretary-General Xiao Jie, Finance Minister Liu Kun and China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission Chairman Guo Shuqing also attended the event.

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Business China to foster comprehensive ties with Jiangsu Youth Federation of Entrepreneurs

20 Nov 2018

In the spirit of friendship and collaboration, Business China organised the “Singapore-Jiangsu Networking Event” at the sidelines of the SJCC on 19 November 2018. The event was supported by Enterprise Singapore and Jiangsu Department of Commerce. Also supporting the event were Singapore companies including United Overseas Bank, Singapore Stock Exchange and Rajah and Tann. Business China Chairman Mr Lee Yi Shyan and JYFE President Mr Shen Bin graced the event and delivered welcome remarks to an audience of 80 guests, including 30 members of JSFYE comprising business leaders from top Jiangsu enterprises. Both Singapore and Jiangsu enterprises also shared their insights on going global via the countries onboard the “Belt and Road Initiative”.

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Launch of “Business China-Bank of China Internship Programme”

13 May 2019

Following the signing of a three-year Framework Agreement with Bank of China (Singapore Branch) in August 2018, the "Business China-Bank of China Internship Programme" was officially launched on 13 May 2019.

10 outstanding students were selected from the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University to participate in the Internship Programme at Bank of China (Singapore Branch) and other institutions of Bank of China Limited.

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Inaugural Business China Youth Forum

7 Jun 2019

Business China Youth Forum (BCYF) has been organised in tandem with the FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF) since 2019 by the BCYC members. It aims to bring together youths in the ASEAN-China region to discuss in-depth critical issues and trends which are of interest to youths, and to provide the latest updates on exciting developments in China.

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Strengthened partnership between Business China and Ngee Ann Polytechnic with renewal of MOU for the China Readiness Programme

1 Jul 2019

Business China and Ngee Ann Polytechnic renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the China Readiness Programme on 1 July 2019, which signifies a further strengthening of the relationship between the two parties. The MOU was first inked three years ago.

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Business China collaborates with Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) for the first time to share insights on AI and the Future of the Media Tech Industry

18 Sep 2019

The Business China X IMDA Tech dialogue, a first-time collaboration between Business China and the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), was held at PIXEL @ One North on 18 September 2019.

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Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat Welcomes New Board Members As 5th Term Commences

6 December 2019

Business China held the first board meeting on 6 December 2019 following the commencement of the new three-year term starting 1 October 2019. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat join the inauguration luncheon and exchanged views with the board members.

The new board welcomes a new advisor in Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. Business China also welcomed four new board members in Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.com Group, Mr Sherman Kwek Eik Tse, Chief Executive Officer of City Dev

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Business China Youth Chapter 10th Anniversary

11 Oct 2019

Business China Youth Chapter (BCYC) celebrated its 10th Anniversary on 11 Oct 2019 with the launch of Business China Summer School Scholarship Programme - aimed at offering Singaporean youths opportunities to learn more about China. An MOU was also signed between Business China and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote a deeper appreciation of Singaporean Chinese business culture and entrepreneurial spirit among youths, and enhance their understanding of China’s economy and culture.

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Launch of Distinguished Leaders Dialogue Series

11 Jan 2020

Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, attended the inaugural Distinguished Leaders Dialogue Series held on 11 Jan 2020 as Guest Speaker.

The dialogue opened with Chairman of Business China, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, giving his opening remarks and introducing SM Teo's illustrious political career spanning 28 years. Mr Lee also shared that SM Teo has been very supportive of Business China events over the years.

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Inaugural Business China’s “Two Sessions” Series

3 Jun 2020

On the afternoon of 3 June 2020, Business China held its first of the“ Decoding Two Sessions” series of events, titled “Decoding China’s Economic Development”. The series was jointly organised with Enterprise Singapore, Lianhe Zaobao and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI). Professor Tan Kong Yam, Professor of Economics at the Nanyang Technological University and Mr Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research at OCBC, were invited as panellists for the event.

The virtual sharing received a warm response of over 210 participants, which comprised of Business China members (young business leaders, senior executives of corporates and working professionals), youths, members of SCCCI and invited guests of Enterprise Singapore and Lianhe Zaobao.

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Business China signs MOU with Singapore Mentorship Committee

10 Sep 2020

The MOU signing symbolises a strategic partnership between BC and SMC to: (1) Strengthen and deepen the collaboration between BC and SMC, especially in the area of nurturing Singapore-China savvy talents through company internships and mentorships, (2) Promote deep appreciation of both Singaporean and Chinese business culture and entrepreneurial spirit and enhance Singaporean Young Business Leaders understanding of China’s economy and culture through BC and SMC’s knowledge sharing during thematic webinars and closed-door networking sessions, and (3) Render mutual support in programmes and events organised by BC and/or SMC.

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Inaugural Prominent Business Leaders Dialogue Series

22 Jan 2021

Business China successfully organised the inaugural Prominent Business Leaders Dialogue Series with Founder and CEO of Winning International Group, Mr Sun Xiushun as guest speaker. Mr Sun was awarded the "Honorary Consul of the Republic of Guinea in Singapore" by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guinea and the Government of Singapore in 2016, and, the "Chevalier de l'Ordre National" by the President of the Republic of Guinea in 2018.

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Inaugural BC – SMC Young Business Leaders Seminar: New Generation Entrepreneurship

30 Jun 2021

On 30 June 2021, Business China (BC) jointly organised the inaugural BC-SMC Young Business Leaders Seminar with the Singapore Mentorship Committee (SMC). Budding entrepreneurs and co-founders of Reshape Sports, Mr Dong Haoran and Mr Zhao Hongwei were invited as guest speakers to share their insights on the seminar’s theme “Experience Sharing: New Generation Entrepreneurship”.

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Inaugural Fundraising Golf Tournament

17 Nov 2021

Held on 17 November 2021 at Singapore Island Country Club, Business China’s inaugural Fundraising Golf Tournament saw 124 golfers on the green for a good cause. The event raised funds for Business China whose mandate is to cultivate bilingualism and biculturalism amongst Singaporeans, sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and develop a cultural and economic bridge between China and the rest of the world.

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Business China Celebrates 15th Anniversary

16 Feb 2022

15 years on, Business China celebrated the milestones and successes it has achieved since its inception, such as the establishment of the annual FutureChina Global Forum, the Business China Awards, and a vibrant pipeline of exchanges and dialogue sessions for youth, young executives, and business leaders across the region.

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Inaugural Singapore Digital Economy Forum

23 Aug 2022

Business China’s very first Singapore Digital Economy (SDE) Public Forum, graced by Minister Josephine Teo as the Guest-Of-Honour, was held on 23 August 2022 in Raffles Hotel. The Forum welcomed international industry players and regulatory bodies representatives to participate in panel discussions revolving around the theme of “The Bridge between the Physical and Virtual Economy”. Gathering 374 participants joining physically and virtually, this public forum strives to provide a platform for members of the public to gain a better understanding of Web 3.0 development as Singapore embraces an inclusive digital economy, in line with a Smart Nation vision, as well as for industry players and government officials around the globe to exchange views on balancing innovation and regulation.

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Welcomes New Board Members As 6th Term Commences

1 Oct 2022

The new board welcomes two new advisors in Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, and Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry. The other advisors are Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister Ong Ye Kung and Minister Grace Fu.

Business China also welcomes seven new board members in Mr Png Cheong Boon, CEO of Enterprise Singapore, Mr Lim Hock Chee, CEO of Sheng Siong Group, Mr Wong Chee Herng, Managing Director/CEO at Straits Construction Group, Mr Lim Chee Kean, Chairman of the Singapore Smart Nation Internet of Things Technical Committee, Ms Lee Huay Leng, Editor-in-Chief, Chinese Media Group of SPH Media Trust, Mr Lei Ming, CEO of Kuwo Science and Technology and Ms Tin Pei Ling, CEO of Business China.

Business China would also like to express our immense gratitude to the outgoing adviser, Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, and board members Mr Roland Ng San TiongTion, President & Group CEO of Tat Hong Holdings, Mr Wu Hsioh Kwang, Executive Chairman of Straco Corporation, Mr Sherman Kwek Eik Tse, CEO of City Developments, Mr Mark Lee Kean Phi, CEO of Sing Lun Holdings, Mr Lim Ming Yan, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation and Workforce Singapore, Mr Teo Siong Seng, Managing Director of Pacific International Lines, Mr Tan Ser Ping, Founder and Managing Partner of Stanway Capital for their ardent support and service.