The concluding of a course and the beginning of a life long journey to understanding and connecting with China
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Lao Tzu
SINGAPORE, 31 May 2013 – The last day of May marked the final day of the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme (FC-ALP) for the 20 participants who celebrated their completion of this extraordinary journey which they embarked upon on 18 March 2013, in pursuit of a fast track to success in China. In a short span of three months, the cohort which comprised of top corporate leaders and entrepreneurs who hailed from a variety of industry sectors, had honed a keener sense of China-savviness and earned themselves entry into the exclusive Future China Advanced Leaders Club, a bilingual and bicultural alumni club initiated in 2012 by the first FC-ALP graduates.
Held at the Conrad Centennial Singapore, the Commencement Ceremony was attended by more than 100 guests, with Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health and Business China Board Advisor as Guest-of-Honour for the ceremony. Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport was among the list of distinguished guests for the significant ceremony.
Unrivaled presence from Business China’s Board, exceptional networking opportunities
Jointly administered by Business China and Nanyang Business School (NBS), the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme is a first-of-its-kind business management course that is structured to encompass in-class lessons taught by experts from well-respected international think tanks and universities, as well as incorporate a week of experiential learning journey in China during the second segment of the course.
The FC-ALP delegation, led by Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development and Business China Board Member, spent the week in Beijing, Xi’an and Yan’an, the birth place of the Communist Party of China. With SMS Lee at the helm, the delegation was received by the Shaanxi Province Vice Governor Wang Lixia and had the opportunity to interact with top provincial officials, and leaders of top local enterprises and institutions to better grasp the psyche of the contemporary China society. The strong presence and support from Business China’s Board Advisors and Directors is a feature unique to the FC-ALP, and unmatched by other executive programmes.
Enabled participants to make game-changing decisions about corporate trajectories and strategies of engaging China
The recently sworn-in Xi-Li administration was observed to have swiftly implemented new policies and issued fresh strategic directives in its bid to curb corruption and promote the country’s sustained economic growth. With regards to these recent turns of events in China, the FC-ALP participants had embarked on the course with questions unanswered: Why the succinct actions of economic reform on one hand and reiteration of fundamental Communist roots on the other? Why the urgency and what are the implications on foreign investments? What must foreign investors look out for in order to further secure their foothold amidst the waves of change?
Having gone through 3 weeks of intensive lectures and extensive networking sessions spanning across 3 months, the FC-ALP graduates emerged better informed, better connected and better positioned to make game-changing decisions about their corporation’s trajectories and strategies of engaging China.
Ms Shaw Lay See, a Director from the Far East Organisation, when commenting on the effectiveness of the course, shared that “The course has given us a concise and condensed introduction to China’s past, present and future, allowing us to gain an in-depth understanding of the diversed social ecology and inter-connectedness of the country’s political and socio-economic environment. In the 3 weeks, I was in midst of so much practical intelligence, relevant experiences and diverse talents which are all sources of learning for me to better ride the tide of China’s growth.”
A truly insightful and experiential course that enlightened even seasoned China veterans
On the successful second run of the FC-ALP, Business China CEO, Ms Low Yen Ling said,” The FC-ALP not only imparts knowledge on China’s cultural, historical, political, social and economic paradigms, but also provides exclusive networking opportunities for Singapore and China business leaders and government officials to interact and share their insights with the participants. We are certain that the FC-ALP has further equipped the participants with the relevant knowledge and network to engage with China effectively.”
Eager to do their part in the deepening of Singapore-China bilateral relations, the participants also voluntarily started a donation drive which raised a total of 100,000 RMB in 4 weeks for Bethel（爱百福）, a China based organisation supporting China’s blind and visually impaired orphan population. Mr Loh Long Hsiang, one of the class representatives, updated that the funds will be used to adopt individual orphans and pay for some of their general expenses. The orphans will in turn reciprocate by sending regular letters and updates about their progress and development.
Mr Loh, Deputy Head (Origination & Client Coverage, China) and General Manager, Shanghai, Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited said, ”Despite having first-hand experience of the cultural differences during my 5 years in China, I still find the course very enlightening as it equips us with a holistic understanding of China’s business, economic, political and cultural paradigms from an insider’s perspective. In addition, the networking opportunities with business leaders and government officials provided strategic insights and practical knowledge that are critical in enhancing our China Quotient. I enjoyed the camaraderie among my fellow classmates, which demonstrates that this course is also an excellent platform for forging stronger ties of friendship.”
Interim Dean of Nanyang Business School, Professor Gillian Yeo said, “The Future China Advanced Leaders Programme embodies much of what makes Nanyang Business School distinct among the world’s top business schools. As a bridge between the East and West, we offer a unique blend of an intimate understanding of China, with robust thought leadership in international business theory and practice. I am heartened to hear how participants have been transformed by the hands-on immersion in this global economic powerhouse, as well as the strong relationships forged within and outside the class.”
In the speech delivered at the Commencement Dinner, Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh said,” The completion of this course actually marks the beginning of a life long journey to engaging China. As China continues to morph at light speed, it would be even more difficult for us to keep abreast of China’s current affairs if we do not strive to become China-ready and China-savvy right now. As such, I would like to encourage all participants to actively participate in and promote the programmes organised by Business China, joining in partnership to actualise our vision of cultivating more bilingual and bicultural Singaporeans.”
Detailed course dates for the FC-ALP as below:
Singapore: 18 – 22 March 2013
China: 21 – 27 April 2013
Singapore: 27 – 31 May 2013