On 16th July 2014, about 280 students from various IP Institutions, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities came together at the NTU One North Centre @ Buona Vista to witness the finals of the FutureChina Youth Showdown, as well as attend a sharing session by experienced journalists, education expert and students on hot button issues surrounding the “L’enfant terribles” of our time – the Post-90s Generation of Singapore and China.
Three outstanding teams shortlisted from a total of 11 teams from 8 schools had the opportunity to present their views and research results to a ‘live’ audience as well as a panel of judges. Besides the traditional PowerPoint presentations, the teams also presented their findings via creative ways such as videos and skits.
Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport Mrs Josephine Teo graced this youthful and exciting FutureChina Youth Forum themed “What is on the mind of the Post-90s Generation?” as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the audience in both English and Mandarin in her Welcome Remarks, SMS Mrs Teo emphasised the importance for Singaporean youths to adapt to rapidly changing external environments and react swiftly with viable and sustainable solutions. SMS Teo also participated as one of the judges during the Showdown segment and shared her candid comments with the teams.
Distinguished speakers for this forum include Ms Ge Yang, Journalist, Content Planner of Conference and Events from FTChinese.com, Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng, Editor of Zaobao Online cum Editor of Crossroads with Lianhe Zaobao, as well as Mr See Yong Sheng, CEO of ITT Global Learning. This young and energetic panel shared their personal insights on the unique characteristics of the post – 90s generation, as well as these youngsters’ main preoccupation, predicament and predominant views of society. Amongst them, Ms Ge Yang is also an invited speaker for the FCGF.
The young audience was thoroughly engaged as the theme of the forum struck a close chord with them, as evident from the excited responses and cheers that burst from the gallery after each team’s presentation. The panel of judges commented that they were hugely impressed with the creativity of the participanting teams as they had showcased an array of lively presentation formats. They were also heartened that young Singaporeans remained very much aware of the issues facing their generation today and were willing to further their learning and expand their horizons, in a bid to becoming more future-ready and China-savvy.