Mr Samuel Tsien, Global Head of Global Corporate Bank for OCBC Bank

Mr Alan Chan, Chairman of Organising Committee for Business China Awards
 

Directors of Business China

All media friends

Good afternoon!

 

Thank you for joining us at today’s Media Launch for Business China Award. Business China is a platform integrating economic, language and cultural elements. Since it was established two years ago, Business China has been pursuing its mission to cultivate bilingual and bi-cultural talents and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.

 

Singapore and China have developed diplomatic relations since the early 90s. There has been fruitful bilateral exchange and partnerships in a broad variety of fields from politics, economy and trade to education, culture and others. In 2009, the total bilateral trade amounted to 75.5 billion Singapore Dollar, making China the third biggest trade partner of Singapore. With increasing influence of China on the international stage, it is imminent for the relationship between Singapore and China to be closer.  

 

Business China aims to strengthen ties between the two countries, and has been nurturing our youths to have a deeper knowledge of China through various channels. Soon after it was established, Business China has been exploring to offer an award in commendation of outstanding individuals, companies or organisations, in Singapore or Greater China, who have contributed to enhancing relations between Singapore and China.

 

The award has been in conception for the past one year, and the inaugural Business China Awards will be held this year, to mark 20years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. The organising committee for this award was led by Business China Board Director Mr. Alan Chan. We hope the achievements of the award winners will motivate other Singaporeans to attain similar successes.

 

It is our great pleasure to have OCBC as a joint presenter for this brand-new prestigious award. On behalf of the Business China board and the awards organising committee, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to OCBC. We will put in our utmost efforts to make this award one of its kind.  More information about the award will be given by the Chairman of the organizing committee in a while.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that Patron of Business China, Singapore’s Minister Mentor, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, has graciously agreed to be the guest of honour for the award gala dinner on November 23, 2010. This will be held in conjunction with Business China’s third anniversary celebrations.

 

Last but not least, I would like to thank all media friends present at this Media Launch. We urge your support in promoting this event, as your coverage will surely help us identify the best candidates.

 

Thank you.