The inaugural FutureChina Global Forum, organised by Business China, convened at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore on 12 July 2010 morning. This forum was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and China, bringing together eminent thought leaders and practitioners from diverse fields who offer insights about China. Some 300 participated in this high-level event to share on issues like China’s economy, society, culture, politics, technology and its international relations.
In the welcome remarks, Chairman of Business China Mr Chua Thian Poh, said, ”Each year, there are many conferences on China held within China and outside China. However, I believe few will be like FutureChina Global Forum in its ability to offer privileged access to diverse yet integrated insights into China’s fast changing realities. Through this Forum, we hope to build a “community of insiders”, which consists of decision makers from business, political, academic, technological and cultural fields as well as the key persons from the civil society. “
As part of its mission to nurture bilingual and bicultural young Singaporeans, Business China has offered student scholarships to 10 outstanding undergraduates from our three local universities to attend the Forum. After the Forum, the students will each submit an essay on a China-related topic. Three students with outstanding essays are eligible to participate in a 2-week immersion programme to China in end of this year.
The keynote speaker for the 1 and half day forum was His Excellency Mr Wu Jianmin (吴建民), Executive Vice Chairman of China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy. Evolving around the topic “Looking at China’s road map over the next 10 years”, Mr Wu concluded, In China’s next decade will be shaped by innovation and international collaboration for example partnering with US on innovative technologies. If successful, these partnerships would benefit many.
At the plenary lunch, US Ambassador to China, Mr Jon Huntsman, the China – United States relationship is strong, stable and resilient. Explaining in Mandarin, he said going forward, the stabilizing elements of strong bilateral relations are “互相帮忙、互相学习、共同进步”, which means both require a spirit of mutual learning and assistance and progress in parallel to a better future.
Many more key persons from the business, economic, financial and cultural fields spoke in other plenary discussions, providing insiders knowledge on China economic strategy, reform, geopolitics, cultural explosion and financial risk. There were high level of interaction and candid exchange of views.
The forum reached a climax with the commencement of dinner dialogue session with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yee in the evening. MM Lee is also the patron of Business China. The dinner capacity was expanded to 500 so that more members and friends of Business China could join in the occasion. Many sought advice from the guest from honour. Replying what are the critical issues facing the Chinese leaders, MM Lee pointed out the increasing disparity between the rich and poor one of the major issues. A quick solution will be building most high speed rail and highways to increase mobility between the coastal regions and the inlands. On sharing the bilingual policy with China, he said, “If the Chinese can master English, it will give them a very powerful weapon for economic growth”.
MM Lee’s dialogue lasted for about 1 hour and his words of wisdoms have helped many to gain a much comprehensive understanding of China, ending the first day on a high note.