HONOURING OUTSTANDING BICULTURAL TALENTS AND ENTERPRISE
In recognition of their contributions towards deeper Singapore-China ties, two distinguished Singaporeans and a university were recipients of this year’s Business China Awards. They were recognized for their outstanding contributions towards closer Singapore-China relations and understanding.
Following a successful inaugural launch in 2010, the award is now in its second year. The Business China Awards recognise outstanding businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals, organizations and enterprises for their successful contributions in strengthening Singapore-China relations. The awards also aim to promote bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore.
The Business China Awards 2011 took place at Resorts World Convention Centre on 28 November. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Teo Chee Hean.
Recipients of Business China Awards 2011:
Business China Excellence Award: Mr Teo Woon Tiong (Y.C. Chang)
The man behind PIL (Pacific International Lines), Mr Teo Woon Tiong (Y.C. Chang) is known for his visionary acumen and far-sightedness. In the 1960s, he pioneered a cargo service between China and the Middle East, shipping Chinese goods to rest of the world. Through the years, the 93 year-old shipping magnate has deepened Singapore’s bilateral exchange with China by actively bringing Chinese delegations to our island state. He has also contributed generously towards disaster relief efforts and education in Greater China. Despite his success, Mr Teo remains a humble man and is well respected by many.
Business China Enterprise Award: Nanyang Technological University (Mayors’ Class)
Providing a fertile environment to groom China’s future leaders, Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Mayors’ Class has nurtured more than 1000 Chinese government officials since 1998. The innovative programme creates a unique platform for bilateral exchange and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China senior government officials in economic and public administration. The Mayors’ Class not only forms an important bridge between Singapore and China, it is also a key channel for developing long-term relationships, new initiatives and promoting deeper and broader ties between the two countries.
Young Achiever Award: Ms Han Yong Hong
Based in Beijing, Ms Han is Lianhe Zaobao’s Beijing Chief Correspondent. A passionate journalist with exemplary professionalism, Yong Hong’s objective and incisive reports on China has won her admiration from readers in Singapore, China and Southeast Asia. She was the only journalist from Southeast Asia selected by the Chinese government to cover the Tibet situation after the Lhasa riots. Her articles have been published by the People’s Daily, a rare recognition from China for a foreign journalist.
The Judging Panel, comprising representatives from business, academia and media, went through a rigorous process to select the final three recipients.
Mr Lim Chee Onn, Chairman of Business China Awards Judging Panel said, “It was a tough selection process as all the nominees are of high calibre and every of them has contributed significantly towards deepening Singapore-China relations. Particularly for the Excellence Award, the judging panel was impressed by Mr Teo Woon Tiong’s business astuteness and political insight. He was able to seize the opportunity in the 1960s to launch a cargo service to ship Chinese manufactured goods to global markets, promoting international trade services. Despite his age Mr Teo continues to be very active in promoting bilateral exchanges.”
In the welcome speech, Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh said that ever since China and Singapore had established diplomatic ties in 1990, the two governments had collaborated closely on several projects. He emphasized, “To ensure the success of these co-developments, both countries need to create more benefits and opportunities together. As such, Business China which was set up four years ago has a significant role to help achieve these objectives. We aim to nurture a pool of bilingual and bicultural talents who can contribute towards the collaborations between the two countries, bringing greater good to the people of Singapore and China.”
OCBC Bank is the Joint Presenter for the Business China Awards. Said Mr Samuel Tsien, Global Head of Global Corporate Bank, OCBC Bank, “OCBC is delighted to return as the Joint Presenter of the Business China Awards for the second year running, underscoring our commitment to promote stronger Singapore-China bilateral relations and strengthen engagements between the two countries. With China’s growing importance in the global economy, we hope that the accomplishments of the winners will inspire individuals and businesses alike to build upon the close ties established and proactively seek out opportunities.”
The Business China Awards 2011 was held in conjunction with Business China’s 4th anniversary celebration. This gala event provided an exclusive opportunity for more than 600 distinguished business leaders, opinion makers, entrepreneurs, cultural personalities and senior executives from China and Singapore to interact and establish invaluable network.
About Business China
Business China was launched in November 2007 by our Patron Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. We are a platform integrating language, economic and cultural elements. Our mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bi-cultural group of Singaporeans through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
About OCBC Bank
OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. It is also ranked by Bloomberg Markets as the world’s strongest bank.
OCBC Bank and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of specialist financial services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management and stockbroking services.
OCBC Bank’s key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has a network of over 500 branches and representative offices in 15 countries and territories, including more than 400 branches and offices in Indonesia that are operated by its subsidiary, Bank OCBC NISP.
OCBC Bank’s insurance subsidiary, Great Eastern Holdings, is the largest insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia by assets. Its asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors, is one of the largest private sector asset management companies in Southeast Asia. Private banking services are provided by subsidiary Bank of Singapore, which has been ranked among the top three private banks in Singapore.
For more information, please visit www.ocbc.com.