The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Lao Tzu
18 March 2013 marked the beginning of an encore journey for Business China and Nanyang Business School with the 2nd installation of the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme (FC-ALP). And for the 20 top business leaders, senior executives and heads of organisations, it would be the beginning of a life long journey to ignite their connection with China to becoming China-ready and China-savvy.
Held at Singapore’s Shangri-La Hotel this year, the first segment of the programme saw participants given an intense introduction to China’s past, present and future by experts from well-respected think tanks and universities. Rather than merely downloading information, lecturers presented the cross-relatedness of history, philosophy, arts and culture with politics, business and economics. Participants were amazed with the interplay of these interdisciplinary factors in Chinese business culture; and the concise clarity brought about by attending this course. In addition, a session of hands-on calligraphy appreciation and writing provided participants with a respite from lectures and an intimate understanding of the value of personal cultural charisma in cultivating interpersonal relations.
The first day of the programme rounded off with a ceremonious welcome dinner for the participants with Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs & Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Sam Tan as Guest-of-Honour. In his welcome address, Mr Tan shared with some 50 guests comprised of participants and their upper management representatives, his personal experience of engaging Chinese leaders and the importance of linguistic and cultural quotient in successful negotiations. Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh and Nanyang Business School Interim Dean Professor Gillian Yeo also congratulated and encouraged the FC-ALP participants in both their speeches.
As part of the highlights of the programme, participants will be able to enjoy exclusive networking opportunities with Singapore and China business and industry leaders, government officials, as well as Business China Board of Advisers and Directors. During this first segment, luncheons involving Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh, Directors Mr Hee Theng Fong, Professor Su Guaning and Mr Thomas Chua were scheduled throughout the week. These informal exchanges were touted to be personal, insightful and critical in developing the participants’ personal networks.
As a first-of-its-kind business management course, the FC-ALP is jointly organised by Business China and Nanyang Business School for high caliber individuals who have been identified as future leaders or upper echelon managers of their organisations. The 3 week course spans across 3 months, with the second segment to be held in China for the participants to embark on an experiential learning journey.
The first segment concluded with a closing dinner hosted by Business China Board Director and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan and Nanyang Business School Interim Dean Professor Gillian Yeo.
After a month long break, participants will then convene again and embark on a “Long March” to the CPC birth place of Yan’an in Shaanxi Province. Led by SMS Lee Yi Shyan himself, the delegation will spend one week from 21 to 27 April 2013, in Xi’an and Yan’an to interact with high level officials, academia and business leaders to better grasp the psyche of the contemporary China society.