At a fireside chat with the Tsinghua and Peking University communities on 17 January 2024, Chairman Lee Yi Shyan shared his personal experience on the Suzhou Industrial Park project, and how later collaborations between Singapore and China have evolved with its long-term relations.
Chairman Lee dived deep into his involvement in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), which was a key project marking the beginning of in-depth bilateral cooperation between Singapore and China.
He also shared his experience regarding the SIP project which faced bureaucratic challenges and a need for alignment between Singaporean and Chinese authorities. It was a key lesson in learning the importance of understanding and navigating the local administrative structures as well as the value of mutual cooperation.
In the Q&A session moderated by Yuen Yuen Ang, Alfred Chandler Chair Professor of Political Economy at Johns Hopkins University, Chairman Lee went on to discuss the importance of bilateral and multilateral relations, especially between major economies US and China.
To achieve mutually beneficial relations, finding common ground for collaboration is especially important. Chairman Lee also highlighted that an emphasis should be placed on developing solutions that are practical.
This event was hosted by Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University.