Opening Remarks by Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chairman of Business China
at Spring Reception
Trade Association Hub, Jurong Town Hall
11.45am, 5 February 2019
（English translation）
Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan,
Government officials, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, fellow Parliamentary colleagues,
President of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Roland Ng,
Board of Business China and Council members of SCCCI,
Leaders and representatives of associations,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Lunar New Year!
- As the sun shines upon the majestic landscape, the early breath of Spring carries the aroma of flowers and plants.” –– Excerpt from Tang Dynasty Poet Du Fu’s poem. Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. We may be in tropical Singapore, but we can also feel the advent of Spring. This is an auspicious day, as we usher in the new year and exchange well-wishes with friends and family members.
- On behalf of Business China, I extend my warmest welcome to our Guest-of-Honour, Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, as well as all distinguished guests to today’s Lunar New Year Gathering.
- This is the second consecutive year in which Business China co-organised our Spring Reception with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI). I would like to thank SCCCI for playing an integral role in the formation of Business China, and for steadfastly supporting the growth of Business China over the past 12 years.
- Since our establishment in 2007, Business China has dedicated ourselves to nurturing a group of effectively bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans, so as to sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking China and the world.
- In our efforts to nurture Singapore-China-savvy talents, youth is a key target group for Business China.
- .Last year, I announced the establishment of the “Business China Internship Programme Fund”. This will provide financial support for Singapore students pursuing internship opportunities in China. This initiative is expected to be implemented this year, facilitating youths from Singapore and China to engage in internship opportunities in each other’s country, thereby enhancing their mutual understanding and broadening our network of Singapore-China-savvy talents. This initiative garnered strong support from senior leaders and government officials of both countries. During his speech at the 44th Singapore Lecture, co-organised by Business China and ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Chinese Premier Mr Li Keqiang underscored his support for youth exchange in the form of internships.
- As part of implementation, Business China will set up a specialized online portal to publish the list of companies with internship opportunities available in both countries. Singaporean and Chinese youths can use this platform to seek out internship opportunities. Conventionally, internship and corporate attachment opportunities were only available through schools. Through our Business China Internship Programme, youths who have graduated from Tertiary Institutions in Singapore and China have the opportunity to intern in top enterprises in each other’s country.
- Next, I would like to talk about our flagship programme – the FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF). FCGF 2018 successfully concluded with strong support from the Singapore Business Federation last year. This year, Business China will collaborate with the Temasek Foundation for the first time. The forum will take place on 7 June 2019, as an anchor event of the Temasek Ecosperity Week from 4 to 7 June 2019. The theme for FCGF this year is “Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World Order”. A special feature of FCGF 2019 is our emphasis on youths. A sub-forum fully organized by the Business China Youth Chapter will be held in parallel to the FCGF 2019. Youth leaders from around the region will convene at this youth forum to discuss future developments, in line with the theme of FCGF 2019. In the evening, Business China will host the 9th Business China Awards Ceremony. The Awards is to recognise individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of Singapore-China relations.
- Looking back at 2018, Business China made great strides and we look forward to a successful 2019 with great hope and excitement. I sincerely hope to continue working hand in hand with you and progress together in this new year.
- In the spirit of bilingualism and biculturalism, please allow me to say a few words in English.
- 尊敬的主宾维文部长，各位来宾，女士们、先生们，热烈欢迎各位出席新春团拜，恭祝大家新春愉快！
- 通商中国自从2007年创会以来， 致力于培养一批双语双文化的中流砥柱，保留我国多元文化传统，搭建联系中国与世界各地文化和经济的桥梁。多年来，我们忠实践行宗旨，也在各位的强力支持下，逐步扩建在其所在领域具备影响力的新中通人才库。
- 接下来，通商中国也将继续推动现有个人会员、企业会员以及新会员之间更紧密的合作，强化在不同行业、不同层面的联络网，进一步促进他们与中国及区域市场的衔接。诚邀各位积极参与。
- Lastly, I would like to thank Minister Vivian once again for celebrating this joyous occasion with us. To all our distinguished guests, we thank you for your presence too. Wishing everyone great spirits, great health, great joy and great prosperity in the Year of the Pig! Thank you!