In a joint effort to produce future leaders who are ‘China-ready’, ‘China-savvy’ and ‘Well-Connected’, Business China and Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Nanyang Business School signed a Collaboration Agreement on 22 February 2012, to launch an advanced general management programme.
The agreement was signed by CEO of Business China, Ms Low Yen Ling and Interim Dean of Nanyang Business School, Professor Gillian Yeo. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Mrs Josephine Teo, President of NTU, Professor Bertil Andersson and Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh.
Design and planning for the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme began in 2010 when Mrs Josephine Teo was Business China’s CEO. Heartened to see the Programme’s launch, Mrs Teo said it provided a springboard for participants to think differently about China. “There’s no question that businesses want to tap the growth potential of China. Everyone does but not all will succeed. What the programme offers is a unique blend of business and cultural insights to help participants think strategically about their engagement with China and identify new competencies they must develop to be effective in the long-term. In this way, we also contribute to the deepening of the relationship between Singapore and China.”
Professor Bertil Andersson, NTU’s President, said: “Our partnership with Business China marks an important milestone in our vision to forge a New Silk Road of ideas that bridges the best of the East with the West, as part of NTU’s 2015 strategic plan. The Future China Advanced Leaders Programme opens a new chapter in our aim to become a global centre of knowledge for China. For 20 years, we have been training China’s corporate and public leaders in areas ranging from international finance to international business management theory and practice. With this Programme, ideas and insights will flow in both directions, as we help business and government leaders feel the pulse of this fast evolving global powerhouse.”
Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman of Business China, said: “Since our inception in November 2007, we have strived to groom more bilingual and bi-cultural talent in Singapore through a variety of programmes and events. To achieve maximum effectiveness and outcomes, we believe it is crucial to work with strategic partners who share our vision, like Nanyang Business School. The Future China Advanced Leaders Programme is one of our signature programmes launched in celebration of our fifth anniversary this year. We hope participants will not only gain an insider’s understanding of China, they will also develop an awareness of Chinese culture, enabling them to engage their China counterparts at a deeper and more personal level in the future.”
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.
The course will be conducted by professionals from well-respected think tanks and universities, as well as business and government leaders from Singapore and China. Participants can expect to gain an in-depth study on key topics ranging from contemporary economics and social politics of China, strategies and crisis management, to Chinese arts, culture and history.
The Programme will also offer unique immersive experiences on the local culture of China, through an appreciation for Chinese tea, calligraphy, painting, music and cuisine. It also provides participants the opportunity to establish strong network with key business leaders and government officials during a week-long field visit to China – crucial for business success in China.
For more details on the course, click here.