(English translation, for reference only)
Deputy President and Provost of NTU, Professor Freddy Boey
Board members of Business China
Lecturers of the Advanced Leaders Programme
Senior government officials,
Senior executives of various business organisations
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening!
1. First of all, I would like to thank all of you for attending in the inaugural Future China Advanced Leaders Programme Welcome Dinner. Today marks the beginning of the course, I hope all participants have enjoyed the classes so far and benefited from the lectures.
2. As the centre of global economic gravity shifts to the East, it is obvious that China is expanding its influence in Northeast Asia, especially in areas such as economy, trade, foreign affairs, and culture.
3. During the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress which ended last week, we could see that the Chinese Central government and the various local governments deliberated on several issues, which included income distribution, food security, housing regulation, price inflation, education reform, and anti-corruption. To ensure sustainability, more policy changes are expected to be implemented.
4. Some may think these are simply China’s domestic affairs. However, due to the sheer size of Chinese market, any changes in China will have a big impact. Hence, I believe it would be useful for all of us to have a good understanding on these issues in order to tap on the vast opportunities.
5. In addition, the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China would be held later this year, electing the new leadership. The whole world is keeping a close watch on the political structure and economic trends of China, the world’s second largest economy.
6. As the leading bilingual and bicultural channel in Singapore, Business China since incepted in November 2007, strives to help Singaporeans gain comprehensive understanding of China, through a variety of programmes and events.
7. This year, to celebrate of our fifth anniversary, more than 40 programmes and events are lined up. The Future China Advanced Leaders Programme is one of our new signature programme. We are very pleased to have Nanyang Business School as our strategic partner, to jointly conduct this brand new advanced management course. Through this programme, we hope to provide a fast track to business success in China.
8. The programme offers a unique blend of business and cultural elements, with the aim of arming the participants with tools for optimal strategic planning in China, enhancing their competitive edge as well as strengthening the bilateral ties between Singapore and China.
9. This programme is exclusive in many ways. Firstly, it is specially designed for senior executives in the private and public sectors. We ensure that the programme is customized to meet the participants’ real needs, allowing them to have an integrated in-depth understanding of China, to make precise business judgments.
10. Secondly, the course provides an effective platform to expand networks. During luncheons on the first and third segments of the course, the participants get to interact with Business China’s Board of Directors. They also will have the opportunity to establish networks with key Chinese business leaders and government officials during the field trip in China.
11. Thirdly, apart from the business-related topics, the course also includes the cultural classes to help the participants to gain a deeper understanding on Chinese history and philosophy. They will also learn to appreciate Chinese Tea and Wine Culture, Chinese Calligraphy, Painting, Poetry and Music. In addition, we have specially arranged a visit to the Confucius Temple in Shandong Qufu, one of the three ancient Chinese architectures. This will provide them to personally feel the grandeur of the former residence of Confucius.
12. Many of you here are the key leaders and representatives of enterprises and organisations. Some of you have even make a special trip from overseas to attend the course. I would like to thank all of you for the great support towards Business China, in participating in this specially-designed programme.
13. We hope after the three-week programme, all participants would have gained a holistic and in-depth understanding on China, equipped with knowledge on its cultural, historical, political and economic paradigms, and become the “China-savvy” leader of your enterprise or organisation.
14. Last but but least, we would like to extend our warmest gratitude to IE Singapore and SPRING Singapore for their tremendous support in helping us to ensure a successful launch.
15. Thank you.