Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong,
Minister Chan Chun Sing,
Minister Edwin Tong,
Senior Ministers of State, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament,
President Kho Choon Keng,
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests:
Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! As we bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon and welcome the Year of the Snake, I extend my sincerest New Year greetings on behalf of Business China. I wish everyone good health, success in your endeavours, and happiness for your families in the coming year!
2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. Over these six decades, Singapore has made tremendous strides in social and economic development, joining the ranks of developed nations. Our success is attributed to the perseverance and resilience of our forefathers, the mutual trust between the government and the people, and the unity of our diverse communities working towards common goals. Singapore, being an immigrant society, has weathered many storms, and gradually forged a statehood and national identity.
However, these achievements were hard-earned and can be easily lost if we are not careful. In the face of a rapidly evolving international landscape, we must remain vigilant, always adapt, continue to learn and explore new markets to enhance our international competitiveness.
As a highly open economic system, Singapore continues to attract foreign investments which establish regional headquarters, research and development centres, as well as family offices here. We are pleased to see multinational companies and local businesses collaborating to explore both domestic and international markets. The recently launched “Singapore-Johor Economic Zone” has sparked a wave of investments. This economic zone demonstrates the commitment of Singapore and Malaysia to deepen bilateral cooperation. It also stands out as a key development in the broader trend of economic integration within the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Area.
In Business China, our work revolves around a central theme: “China insights, global perspectives” . We aim to not only be a bridge for business exchanges between Singapore and China, but also support the mission of transcending borders to promote greater understanding and cooperation. We welcome Chinese enterprises to set up in Singapore, and by collaborating with various chambers of commerce and government agencies, assist them in better integrating and developing their businesses here, working together with Singaporean companies to “go global.”
Over the past year, Business China organised more than 60 panel discussions, sharings, forums and seminars, including the 2024 FutureChina Global Forum, which set new records in terms of participation and media reach. The Singapore-China Youth Internship Exchange Programme (YES) saw more than 100 youths interning at companies in both countries; while the first batch of Singapore Education Scholarship recipients successfully enrolled in local secondary schools. Our annual Advanced Leaders Programme (ALP) delegation visited some of China’s most advanced companies in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu to experience the cities’ innovative vitality.
Finally, on behalf of the Board of Directors and the team at Business China, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the guidance, care, and support all of you have given us along the way. As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong mentioned at last year’s National Day Rally: “We hope to cultivate more talents who are not only proficient in western values and practices, but also accomplished in Chinese language and culture.” We invite everyone to support our cause to develop more bilingual and bicultural talents.
The Year of the Snake symbolises sharpness, wisdom, and rejuvenation. Let us draw wisdom from tradition, leap forward with innovation, face challenges with unwavering faith and a spirit of unity, and together, move towards a brighter future.
Thank you, everyone!
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Spring Reception by SCCCI and Business China
“Celebrating 60 Years of Peace and Prosperity, Reuniting Business Communities for the New Year”
Speech by Business China Chairman Lee Yi Shyan
Date: January 29, 2025, 11:30 AM (First Day of Lunar New Year)
Venue: 47 Hill Street, SCCCI Building, Tan Kah Kee Hall