Singapore, 19 July 2025 – The Singapore-China Youth Forum (SCYF) 2025, an event jointly organised by Business China, Singapore Polytechnic and Wanhe International Singapore Pte Ltd, was held today at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre. This forum is driven by Business China youth members and student community who played a key role in its planning and execution.
Marking the 35th anniversary of Singapore-China diplomatic relations, SCYF 2025 is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the three organisations, bringing together over 600 tertiary students and participants from both countries for a full-day exchange themed “Together for a Common Future” (同心协力，共创未来).
The Singapore students attending are from local universities and polytechnics. Meanwhile, the China students are from Anhui, Beijing, Guangdong, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanxi and Zhejiang.
SCYF 2025 was graced by Senior Minister of State for Health and Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How. Mr Tan is also a Board Director of Business China.
Ms Kwek Poh Heok, CEO, Business China, said, “As we mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, this Youth Forum underscores how people-to-people ties can transcend borders and foster mutual understanding. It reflects Business China’s steadfast commitment to nurturing Singapore-China-ready youth by working with partners to create opportunities for them to engage in premier programmes and build networks. By bringing together young minds from both nations, we hope to inspire continued dialogue, and lay the foundation for future collaboration.”
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic, said, “Singapore Polytechnic is honoured to host the SCYF 2025. We are especially proud to offer a valuable platform where students from Singapore and China can engage in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange. This initiative aligns with our commitment to strengthening regional connections, allowing our youth to directly experience the importance of cross-cultural understanding and collaborative learning. We hope this forum will cultivate enduring friendships and inspire participants to contribute to a more interconnected future.”
The morning plenary, titled “Interconnected — Shaping the Future We Share”, featured panellists including Mr Tan Ying Lan, Founding Managing Partner, Insignia Ventures Partners; Dr Jason Wu Jian, Venture Partner, Source Code Capital; Ms Tan Bao Jia, Vice President, Infrastructure Department, GIC and Ms Jamie Ko, Director, Regional Public Affairs & Policy, Grab.
The discussion, moderated by National University of Singapore student Rex Loh, who is also co-founder of a startup, discussed issues on the importance of innovation, future-readiness, and cross-border collaboration. The panellists are also Business China youth members who have contributed actively to Business China’s programmes and events.
Meanwhile, participants will engage in breakout sessions to explore common challenges and opportunities such as innovation and enterprise, sustainability, the future of work, redefining success in today’s world and regional cooperation.
The Business China team delivers over 40 initiatives annually for Singaporean youth aged 17 to 35, including programmes, events, internships and cultural immersion trips in more than 20 cities in China, benefiting participants and deepening their awareness of China.