Two esteemed speakers shared their personal Western and Eastern vantage points on globalisation and inequality in China
SINGAPORE, 26 April 2017 – Some 600 students across 11 junior colleges, IP schools, polytechnics and universities participated in the bilingual student forum held this afternoon at River Valley High School. The China Studies Perspectives 2017, themed “Can Globalisation Reduce Inequality in China?”, was jointly organised by Business China and River Valley High School.
Two esteemed speakers, Dr John A. Donaldson, Associate Professor of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, and Dr Zhao Litao, Senior Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, presented Western and Eastern perspectives, respectively, on issues of inequality amongst the Chinese cities and provided a comprehensive understanding of globalisation, assessing its effectiveness in alleviating the problems of inequality in China.
Dr Zhao opined that China plays a pivotal role in globalisation and is an important driver of global equality. Despite having benefitted from globalisation, China had to tackle issues that arose with globalisation such as wealth inequality and labour rights. On China’s current developments, Dr Zhao mentioned that China’s economy is now less dependent on foreign investments and Chinese enterprises have hastened the pace of “going global”.
Assoc Prof John Donaldson, on the other hand, cited that, according to Kuznets’ curve, inequality first increases and then decreases as the economy develops. However, in the case of China, it was the opposite when its economy began to develop in the 1970s. He also illustrated China’s tremendous economic growth and income inequality through a series of photographs and charts.
Ms Sun Xueling, CEO of Business China, in her opening remarks, said: “Globalisation has ushered in a world where people, capital, ideas, goods and services flow freely and seamlessly across the globe. Nations that have leveraged on these developments have seen tremendous economic growth and social transformation. China and Singapore have both benefitted from a globalised world.”
However, Ms Sun also cautioned the consequences of globalisation such as unequal distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities. It is therefore imperative for countries to ensure equitable growth in order to prevent “social unrest and loss of political legitimacy”.
Mrs Teo Khin Hiang, Principal of River Valley High School, in her welcome remarks, said: “The growing importance of China as a regional and global power is undeniable. To stay relevant, Singapore has to nurture a core group of students who have a deep understanding of China and can engage their Chinese counterparts effectively.” She also added that China is sophisticated and one has to consider multiple perspectives to better understand the intricacies of China.
The Forum was conducted in English and Mandarin with simultaneous interpretation service provided for non-Chinese students.
The China Studies Perspective Series was conceptualised by Business China in conjunction with River Valley High School since 2016. The Forum provides a truly bilingual and bicultural platform for students to glean Western and Eastern perspectives on China-related issues, enabling them to develop their unique vantage points, thereby building a learning community of China-conversant and globally-aware students. The Forum seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of differing philosophical orientations, political views and cultural nuances in international engagements. Singapore has traditionally been situated at the crossroad of cultures. It is imperative that Singaporean students continue to augment our unique capability to code-switch and engage effectively across cultures, and to play a bigger role in global connectivity.
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For more information, please contact:
Woon Yik Huen
Senior Associate (Corporate Communications)
Business China
(65) 6213 0409
yikhuen@businesschina.org.sg
About Business China
Launched in November 2007 by Founding Patron and Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Business China’s 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 multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
For more information, please visit: www.businesschina.org.sg/en.
About River Valley High School
Founded in 1956, River Valley High School (RVHS) is a forward-looking educational institution steeped in history and Chinese culture and values. Since it was founded 60 years ago, RVHS has nurtured generations of Singaporeans who serve and lead in the community and nation.
RVHS has always been a trailblazer in the education landscape. Apart from being among the first batch of schools that were designated as Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools in 1979, the school was awarded the Autonomous status in 1994 and launched the Integrated Programme in 2006. RVHS continues to make history each year with outstanding students gaining national and international recognition.
For more information, please visit: www.rivervalleyhigh.moe.edu.sg.