Grooming Future Leaders to be “China-ready”, “China-savvy” and “Connected”
The third edition of the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme (FC-ALP) commenced on 17 March with a well-represented group of 24 participants who hailed from a diverse array of industry sectors. The venerable mix of participants include successful entrepreneurs, next generation business owners and C-suite level executives from retail, real estate, aviation, education, financial, F&B and professional services sectors.
This year’s FC-ALP, once again jointly organised by Business China and Nanyang Business School, kick-started with a series of specially curated classes taught by esteemed academia and opinion leaders with specific insider perspectives. The first segment of the programme saw participants given a comprehensive introduction to China’s past, present and future. The wide scope of topics covered included China’s history, philosophy, arts and culture, international relations and urbanization, with participants learning how these interdisciplinary factors interplay in the Chinese business culture.
Gracing the Welcome Dinner on the first day of the Programme was Mrs Josephine Teo, Business China Board Director and Senior Minister of State for Finance & Transport. “Ultimately, business is done with people and people are the products of their culture and society. If you want to succeed in business, you have to invest in learning about China’s culture and society,” said SMS Josephine Teo in her address to some 50 participants and guests comprised of Business China Chairman and Board Directors, local business leaders and top academia. She reiterated the relevance of the FC-ALP, which seeks to provide its participants with a holistic understanding of China, thus giving them an edge when conducting business in that unique environment. SMS Teo also highlighted the need to cultivate leaders with vast knowledge of China and deep linkages with their Chinese counterparts.
Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh remarked on the timeliness of the Programme in his welcoming speech, ““China has just concluded the second annual session of the 12th National People’s Congress. Implementation of the reforms is being carried out in full force by the new leadership. The Chinese society is currently experiencing unprecedented changes at all levels. This programme is indeed timely as it provides a platform for participants to gain insights into the latest developments in China.”
Nanyang Technological University’s Vice President (International Affairs), Professor Er Meng Hwa urged the participants to be resolute in their journey towards understanding China. He stated that, “There are many windows of opportunities in China. We may be familiar with the success stories highlighted in the media, but there are also many cases of failure due to the complexities of the China market. The intent of this program is to help you navigate the China market effectively to achieve success.”
The second leg of FC-ALP will be held in April where participants would embark on a week-long experiential learning journey to three cities situated along the Yangtze River, namely Shanghai, Chongqing and Chengdu. This segment is led by Business China Board Director and Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development Mr Lee Yi Shyan, and will address hot-button issues related to the Shanghai FTZ, its corresponding impact on Shanghai and projected economic spinoffs from the development of key cities such as Chongqing and Chengdu along the Yangtze River. Exclusive networking sessions with senior government officials and key business leaders as well as a business forum in Chongqing will also provide participants with first-hand knowledge of China’s latest developments, with a view of enhancing their China Quotient.
First launched in 2012, the FC-ALP is the only executive management course in Asia to comprehensively address the complex dynamics between social, political, economic and cultural factors that are fuelling China’s rapid rise. Designed to provide an immersive and holistic learning experience, the Programme will give participants a comprehensive and first-hand understanding of doing business in China.