Exploring “Deepening Reforms and the China Dream” at the 7th China Studies Seminar jointly organised by Business China and Yishun Junior College.
SINGAPORE, 2 August 2014 – The 7th China Studies Seminar was held this morning at the Yishun Junior College. Centered on the theme of “Deepening Reforms and the China Dream”, the seminar was conducted in both English and Chinese. Some 400 Singapore pre-university students and two teams from each of the two invited China institutions, Beijing Zhongguancun High School and Fushun No.2 Senior High School, came together to present, debate, and explore selected issues related to China.
This year, we are honoured to have Professor Zheng Yongnian, Director of East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore grace the Seminar with a keynote presentation. In his keynote speech, he shared China’s recent transformation and the key role of the Communist Party of China in spearheading these reforms and transformations. In particular he addressed President Xi Jinping’s push for deeper reforms and towards actualising the China Dream, a term popularised by Xi in 2013.
A panel of six experts next joined him to appraise and share their insights on the winning essays. 25 essays from ten schools were submitted from which judges shortlisted top three essays from each of the English and Chinese categories for oral presentation today during the Seminar. The teams’ performance during the oral presentation were considered when compiling the overall results.
The panel of judges includes:
- Mr Lye Liang Fook, Assistant-Director/Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore
- Dr Sarah Tong Yueting, Senior Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore
- Dr Yu Hong, Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore
- Dr Zhao Hong, Visiting Senior Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
- Dr Li Mingjiang, Associate Professor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University
- Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng, Editor of Zaobao Online cum Editor of Crossroads, Lianhe Zaobao
After a rigorous round of discussion, the final two winning teams which emerged from the six Distinction Award winners are:
- Victoria Junior College which presented on “Deepening Hukou reforms: giving migrant workers a stake in the China Dream” (English Category)
- River Valley High School which presented on the Chinese thesis of “中国城镇化进程中“拆迁富翁返贫”现象浅谈” (Chinese Category)
The top presenters from each of the Chinese and English categories will also be embarking on a fully sponsored immersion trip to China with the Business China Youth Chapter at the end of this year.
Jointly organised by Yishun Junior College and Business China since 2012, the China Studies Seminar was first incepted in 2007. Stepping into its 7th edition this year, it continues to provide a platform for students to showcase their understanding of the fast evolving China social economic landscape through the comprehensive and in-depth study of individual cases; and the opportunity to interact and exchange views with fellow youths interested in the study of China.
Over the years, the China Studies Seminar has developed to become an intellectually stimulating and lively event, a key event well attended by participants from various junior colleges and institutions with integrated programmes. The strong attendance at the seminar and the themes covered in the seven years reflected the growing enthusiasm and engagement with issues concerning China.
Attached herewith for your reference:
Annex A – Programme details
Annex B – List of participating schools with their corresponding entries
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For further enquiries, please contact:
Lim Kah Kiat (Mr)
China Studies (English) teacher
Yishun Junior College
Contact: 9139 7408
Email: lim_kah_kiat@moe.edu.sg
Yao Zhanxin (Mr)
China Studies (Chinese) teacher
Yishun Junior College
Contact: 6257 9873
Email: yao_zhanxin@moe.edu.sg
Joanna Chen (Ms)
Associate (Go East)
Business China
Tel: 6213 0416
Email: joanna@businesschina.org.sg
Ooh Yi Hui (Ms)
Senior Associate (Corporate Communications)
Business China
Tel: 6213 0410
Email: yihui@businesschina.org.sg
About China Studies Seminar
Since its inauguration in 2008, the China Studies Seminar has been organised annually by Yishun Junior College. The objective of this seminar is to engage students in issues of significance in contemporary China so as to cultivate a pool of impassioned researchers with a deep understanding of the country.
Over the years, the China Studies Seminar has developed a reputation as an intellectually stimulating and lively event and a key event well attended by participants from various junior colleges. The strong attendance at the seminar and the themes covered in the seven years reflect the growing engagement students have with issues concerning China.
About Business China
Business China was launched in November 2007 by our Founding Patron, Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Former Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao. We are a platform integrating language, economic and cultural elements. Our mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multicultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
About Yishun Junior College
Established in 1986, Yishun Junior College’s vision is to be ‘The Choice College of Leaders with Passion and Integrity’. Its mission is ‘to nurture righteous leaders, responsible global citizens, who pursue excellence in all endeavours’. We envisage our students to be significantly involved in the making of tomorrow’s Singapore and contribute confidently to this 21st century’s ever-changing world.
For more information, visit yishunjc.moe.edu.sg.