HONOURING OUTSTANDING BICULTURAL TALENTS AND ENTERPRISE
In recognition of their contributions towards deeper Singapore-China ties
Following a successful inaugural launch in 2010, the Business China Awards continue to recognise outstanding businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals, organisations and enterprises for their successful contributions in strengthening Singapore-China relations. Held for the second year, 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. It was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Teo Chee Hean.
In his speech, DPM Teo Chee Hean said,“I applaud Business China’s efforts in promoting biculturalism. Besides furthering Singapore-China business connections, we also hope to see more Singaporeans imbued with a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and our Chinese roots. We will need to continue grooming bicultural Singaporeans, in order to build an enduring advantage for Singapore. Tonight, we can draw inspiration from the winners of the second Business China Awards. They epitomize how Singaporeans and Singapore enterprises can successfully build on our bicultural advantage to strengthen Singapore’s relations with China. I hope their success will motivate more Singaporeans to become more bilingual and bicultural, as we continue to deepen our engagement with China at all levels.”
The gala presentation ceremony was held in conjunction with Business China’s 4th anniversary celebration. In his 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. “
Business China is proud to have OCBC bank as the Joint Presenter for a second year. OCBC Bank’s Global Head of Global Corporate Bank, Mr Samuel Tsien said,“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.”
After the rendition of some familiar music by the performers, CEO of Business China, Ms Low Yen Ling announced the recipient of the Business China Young Achiever Award. Ms Han Yong Hong, Lianhe Zaobao Beijing Chief Correspondent was the deserving recipient of the award. A passionate journalist whose objective and incisive reports on China has won her admiration from readers in Singapore, China and Southeast Asia. After the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, she was one of the first foreign reporters to enter the epi-centre, Yingxiu Town.
Next, the only award presented to an organisation, the Business China Enterprise Award went to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Mayors’ Class. Since 1998, this prestigious programme has groomed more than 1100 China’s future leaders.
Representing the NTU Mayors’ class to receive the award, NTU’s president, Professor Bertil Andersson said,” The Mayors’ Class, established in 1998, in particular, has trained more than 1,100 top level officials from China over the last 13 years. They form a strong and influential alumni fraternity in China. With their strong support, NTU has developed many fruitful collaborations with local governments, organisations and universities across China over the years. This has strengthened NTU’s position as a vital knowledge hub between the East and West.”
The evening culminated with the announcement of the Business China Excellence Award. The distinguished award was accorded to Mr Teo Woon Tiong (Y.C. Chang) who was the founder of Pacific International Lines Ltd (PIL). A far-sighted visionary, the 93 year-old shipping magnate of PIL pioneered cargo services that brought Chinese goods to the rest of the world in the 1960s. He continues to enhance our bilateral exchange with China by facilitating the visits of Chinese delegations to Singapore. He has given generously to disaster relief and education in Greater China. Despite his success, he remains humble and is well respected by many.
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.”
About 600 distinguished guests attended the Business China Awards, including distinguished business leaders, opinion makers, entrepreneurs, cultural personalities and senior executives from China and Singapore.
The Business China Awards is organised by Business China, and jointly presented by OCBC. It is supported by Business Times and Lianhe Zaobao.