A new award has been launched to honour companies and entrepreneurs who have helped to enhance relations between Singapore and China.

The inaugural Business China Awards will be held this year to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

China's economy continues to power ahead - registering some 12 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year - and prospects look bright.

Launching the new awards, Business China said it wants to deepen relations between Singapore and China. The agency was launched in 2007 to strengthen economic and social engagements among businessmen.

Chua Thian Poh, chairman, Business China, said: "As we know, the Chinese economy is growing, and we would like to see more Singaporeans venture into China. So with this award, we hope to encourage more Singaporeans to take the challenge in China."

The awards comprise three categories, namely the Business China Excellence award, Business China Young Achiever award, and the Business China Enterprise award.

Nominations are open to candidates in Singapore and Greater China - encompassing Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Mainland China.

Organisers said the judging criteria will be broad and inclusive.

Lim Chee Onn, director, Business China and senior advisor, Keppel Corporation, said: "One of the more important ones would be a set of attributes that are important to communities both in China and in Singapore.

"For example, I'm referring to an enterprise-corporate governance, (and) effective management. We all know that both Singapore and China are hoping to improve both corporate governance and effective management."

The awards will be held on November 23 this year, in conjunction with Business China's third anniversary.

Courtesy of Channelnewsasia.com, 3 May 2010

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