2015 http://www.businesschina.org.sg/bcawards/
EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM Organiser:
MEDIA RELEASE: BUSINESS CHINA AWARDS 2015
HONOURING EFFORTS IN THE PROMOTION OF SINGAPORE-CHINA RELATIONS - Six significant years in the recognition of outstanding individuals and enterprises
SINGAPORE, 25 November 2015 - An esteemed Chinese civil servant, a Joint Presenter: prominent Singaporean singer-songwriter, and a leading multi-national and multi-business conglomerate were honoured in this year’s Business
China Awards.
Following its inaugural launch in 2010, the Business China Awards is now in its sixth year and aims to honour outstanding businessmen,
entrepreneurs, professionals and organisations for their successes and Supporting Media: contributions to Singapore-China relations. By recognising these
exemplary role models, the Awards also aims to promote bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore. The Business China Awards 2015 (BCA 2015) is organised by Business China and jointly presented by OCBC Bank.
The BCA 2015 Gala Dinner took place at Resorts World Sentosa on 25 November with Guest-of-Honour Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security presenting the Awards.
The recipients of the Business China Awards 2015 are:
Business China Excellence Award:
Mr Li Rongrong Vice Chairman, China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) Founding Chairman, State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) (2003 – 2010)
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Organiser: Well-recognised for his contributions towards Singapore-China relations
during his tenure as Chairman of China's SASAC, Mr Li Rongrong was a strong supporter and initiator of interaction and collaboration between SASAC and the Singapore business community. Mr Li and his team made frequent visits to Singapore. As a result, SASAC adapted and promoted Singapore’s best practices in corporate governance, and integrated
these practices with China’s realities. The extensive knowledge transfer and frequent exchanges between Singapore business leaders and their
counterparts in China enhanced mutual understanding and trust, and Joint Presenter: culminated in a sustainable long term partnership between Singapore and China.
Business China Enterprise Award:
Keppel Corporation
Supporting Media: One of Singapore’s leading multi-national and multi-business
conglomerates, Keppel entered the Chinese market in the early 1980s and has built up strong relationships and an excellent track record in China. Across 25 cities in China, it has shared its expertise, experience
and technologies, and contributed to advancing sustainable urbanisation and strengthening ties between Singapore and China. Keppel is the leader of the Singapore consortiums for two landmark bilateral projects – the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. Beyond business excellence, Keppel is committed to engaging and nurturing the local Chinese community in the cities where it operates through promotion of education, care for the underprivileged, protection of the environment and other philanthropic efforts.
Business China Young Achiever Award:
Tanya Chua Singer Songwriter
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The only Singaporean singer to be awarded the Best Mandarin Female
Organiser: Singer thrice in the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, Tanya Chua has
established a solid reputation as a multi-talented singer songwriter in the Chinese pop music arena. Effectively bilingual, she is the sole Singaporean on the judging panel of China’s hit reality singing competition “Sing My Song” for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, Tanya spearheaded Project WAO (Women as One), teaming up
with three other female singers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China to perform in unison with proceeds benefitting vulnerable women and girls
in the Greater China area. Joint Presenter: (For more details on the Awards’ recipients, refer to ANNEX 1) (For the recipients’ acceptance speeches, refer to ANNEX 2)
The BCA 2015 Panel of Judges led by Mr Lim Chee Onn and comprising distinguished business leaders, respected academia and key media executives, went through a rigorous process to select the final recipients.
Supporting Media: Commenting on the judging process, Mr Lim shared that, “This year, we received many deserving nominations from both Singapore and the
Greater China area, with the final recipients only selected after rounds of deliberation. Besides being exceptionally outstanding in their
respective field, the Awards recipients were selected for their significant
contributions in enriching the Singapore-China relations, as well as for their commitment in serving communities in both Singapore and China. It is our hope that these exemplary role models will serve as a source of inspiration for all Singaporeans to recognize the competitive advantage of being bicultural and bilingual in the context of an emerging Chinese economy.” Mr Lim is the Senior International Advisor of Ascendas- Singbridge International and Board Director of Business China.
(For Background and Criteria of Awards, refer to ANNEX 3)
In his address, Guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean noted that Singapore-China relations have always been forward-looking, innovative and pace-setting. He highlighted that “Our bilateral relations are undergirded by strong economic cooperation. China is Singapore’s
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largest trading partner. Over the past 25 years, bilateral trade volume
Organiser: has grown more than 20 times. China is also an important investment
destination for our companies. Singapore has been China’s largest source of foreign investments since 2013. ” He was also confident that as both countries deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, finance and social governance, it will bring our bilateral relations to an even higher level.
DPM Teo highlighted the roles of Business China in further enhancing
Singapore-China relations. “From the economic perspective, Singapore Joint Presenter: businesses are familiar with China and can serve as a bridge between China and the region. Business China can also help Singaporeans and Singapore businesses gain useful insights and networks in China.”
(For DPM Teo Chee Hean’s speech, refer to ANNEX 4)
In his welcome speech, Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman of Business China, Supporting Media: said that, “Since the inaugural Business China Awards, the award
recipients have proven that they are more than just leaders in their respective fields; they are also playing active roles in strengthening Singapore-China relations. Apart from establishing and expanding their
businesses and careers in China, these exemplary role models are also maintaining effective bilateral cooperation on many levels, thereby fostering deeper understanding and communication between both countries.”
Mr Chua also remarked on the appointment of Ms Sun Xueling as the new CEO of Business China, “I am confident that under the leadership of our newly appointed CEO, Ms Sun Xueling, Business China will continue to strive and fulfill our founding mission of promoting bilingualism and biculturalism, and to ride on the wave of opportunities of a growing China economy.”
(For Mr Chua Thian Poh’s translated speech, refer to ANNEX 5)
OCBC Bank returns as the Joint Presenter of the Business China Award for the sixth consecutive year. Mr George Lee, Head of
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Global Corporate Banking, OCBC Bank, said, “The Award winners have
Organiser: contributed to the depth and strength of Singapore-China ties, and this
is all the more significant as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of both countries’ bilateral relations this year. We hope these winners will inspire many other individuals and businesses to continue to build on the existing bilateral cultural and economic relations."
(For Group CEO of OCBC Bank, Mr Samuel Tsien’s speech, refer to
ANNEX 6)
Joint Presenter: The celebration provided an exclusive opportunity for more than 500 members, partners and stakeholders of Business China, including distinguished business leaders, senior executives and eminent
community leaders from Singapore and China, to interact and establish invaluable networks.
(For a detailed programme of Business China Awards 2015, refer to ANNEX 7) Supporting Media:
- End –
For further enquiries, you may contact:
Goh Wan Xin (Ms) Associate (Corporate Communications) Business China Tel: 6213 0410 Fax: 6842 2633 Mobile: 8364 6592 Email: [email protected]
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About Business China Awards
Organiser: Established in 2010, the annual Business China Awards recognises and
honours outstanding businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals, organisations and enterprises for their successful contributions in strengthening Singapore-China relations. In honouring these exemplary role models, the Awards also aim to promote bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore.
For more information, please visit: www.businesschina.org.sg/bcawards/
Joint Presenter: About Business China
Launched in November 2007 by Founding Patron and Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Business China’s mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans
through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China. Supporting Media:
For more information, please visit www.businesschina.org.sg.
About OCBC Bank
OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. Recognised for its financial strength and stability, OCBC Bank has been ranked Asean’s strongest bank and among the world’s five strongest banks by Bloomberg Markets for five consecutive years since the ranking’s inception in 2011.
OCBC Bank and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of commercial banking, specialist financial and wealth management services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management and stockbroking services.
OCBC Bank’s key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has over 620 branches and representative offices in 18
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countries and regions. These include the more than 330 branches and
Organiser: offices in Indonesia under subsidiary Bank OCBC NISP, and more than 90 branches and offices in Hong Kong, China and Macau under OCBC
Wing Hang.
OCBC Bank’s private banking services are provided by its wholly-owned subsidiary Bank of Singapore, which has received increasing industry recognition as Asia’s Global Private Bank, and was voted “Outstanding Private Bank in Southeast Asia in 2014” by Private Banker International.
OCBC Bank's insurance subsidiary, Great Eastern Holdings, is the oldest
Joint Presenter: and most established life insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia. Its asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors, is one of the largest private sector asset management companies in Southeast Asia.
For more information, please visit www.ocbc.com.
Supporting Media:
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Details on the Awards’ Recipients
2015 Business China Excellence Award Recipient
Li Rongrong, 李荣融, Age: 71 Vice Chairman, China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) Founding Chairman, China State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) (2003 – 2010)
Contributions to Singapore-China Relations
Mr Li was inspired by the corporate governance model in Singapore during his visit in 1999 with then Premier Zhu Rongji. Following his appointment as Chairman of SASAC, he chose Singapore as his first stop in 2004 to study the operations of Temasek Holdings and expressed that “the way Temasek manages its TPCs is a good reference for China and worthy of study”.
Mr Li was a strong supporter of interaction and partnership between SASAC and Singapore companies. Mr Li and his team’s frequent visits to Singapore deepened ties between China and Singapore, where the SASAC and various Chinese government agencies learnt from and interacted with Temasek Holdings.
From 2005, SASAC and Temasek have jointly hosted the SASAC-Temasek Directors Forum twice per annum in Singapore. At each forum, the SASAC delegation, comprising SOE board members and executives will conduct discussions and site visits with Temasek and its portfolio companies. As of 2015, 22 forums had taken place.
The exchange platform allows Singapore companies to better understand China and the Chinese SOEs, explore cooperation opportunities and proactively participate in China’s opening up and reforms. The in-depth interaction between both parties enhanced mutual understanding and trust between Singapore and China, creating a positive environment for a sustainable long term partnership.
In addition, with Mr Li’s strong support, Temasek has partnered SASAC to share its corporate governance experiences with provincial SASAC and their SOEs across China, including Shanghai, Yinchuan, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Shenyang, allowing these regional SASAC and SOEs to have a better understanding of the modern corporate governance system.
Up to 2015, Temasek Holdings has trained 940 Board Chairman, directors, CEOs and senior personnel from Chinese SOEs under SASAC.
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The closer ties forged between China and Singapore while SASAC was under the charge of Mr Li led to the launching of the Stewardship & Corporate Governance (SCG) Centre (now Stewardship Asia Centre, SAC) by Temasek Holdings.
Li Rongrong spoke at the first Stewardship Asia Forum on 24 June 2015, held in Singapore, organised by SAC.
The promotion of Temasek and other Singapore companies’ corporate governance model in China, resulted in frequent exchange between top Singapore business leaders and their China counterparts, contributing to the strengthening of ties between both countries.
Mr Li served on the Joint Steering Council of China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) from 1998-1999, playing a key role in the development of the industrial park.
Background
Born in 1944 in Jiangsu Province, Suzhou City; graduated from Tianjin University in 1968; joined the CPC in 1983.
Worked his way up from a worker to Workshop Director, Deputy Factory Director and finally Factory Director from 1968 to 1986.
After 1986, he was appointed Vice-Director of the Economic Commission, Director of the Light Industry Bureau, and Director of the Planning Commission, of Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, and Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Planning and Economic Commission. From 1998-1999 he was Vice-Minister of the State Development Planning Commission. From 1999-2001，he was Vice- Minister of the State Economic and Trade Commission. From 2001-2003，he was Minister of the State Economic and Trade Commission.
From 2003 to 2010, Mr Li was the Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), having an ownership responsibility for over a hundred of China’s largest state enterprises.
Mr Li was previously the Vice Chairman of the 11th CPPCC Economic Committee and a member of the 16th and 17th CPC Central Committee.
Mr. Li is a professor at Tianjin University, adjunct professor at School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University and at Shanghai Jiaotong University, and a Distinguished Professor at China Business Executives Academy, Dalian., teaching the EMBA course to foster entrepreneurs.
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In May 2011, he served as the Non-Executive Director of Noble Group till February 2015. From 2009, Mr Li has been serving as Vice Chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE).
Achievements
As the Chairman of the newly set up SASAC, Mr Li was the first chief of China’s state-owned assets. During the founding years, he drove the important evolvement of China’s economy in which the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) transformed from being heavy burdens into key pillars of China’s economy.
One of his responsibilities was to draft rules for SOEs and appoint their chief executives. Under his leadership, there were significant improvements in the management of Chinese SOEs.
This is evident in the introduction of a new regulation, the Interim Regulations on Supervision and Management of State-owned Assets of Enterprises, which was announced after Mr Li assumed the position as the director of SASAC.
In 2004, in an effort to change the system whereby an individual is assigned full responsibility of a company, Mr Li piloted the Board of Directors system.
Over the 7 years of his tenure, SASAC reduced the number of SOEs from 196 in 2003 to 123 in 2010 in a bid to restructure and minimise non-performing SOEs through listings, divestments and mergers.
The measures Mr Li introduced helped to raise the revenue of SOEs. It is not uncommon by 2010 for the annual increase of the profit of central SOEs to hit RMB 100 billion.
The total value of SOEs also increased from RMB 7 trillion in 2002 to RMB 24 trillion in 2010, with profits increasing from RMB 241 billion to 1.14 trillion.
The number of SOEs listed in the Fortune 500 companies also increased from 6 in 2003 to 30 in 2009.
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2015 Business China Enterprise Award Recipient
Keppel Corporation 吉宝企业
Background Keppel Corporation, incorporated as Keppel Shipyard (Pte) Ltd in 1968, is one of the earliest Singapore companies to regionalise. It was listed on the Singapore Exchange on 24 October 1980.
Keppel is today a multinational, diversified conglomerate with key businesses in Offshore & Marine, Property and Infrastructure. Operating in 30 countries worldwide, it has a workforce of about 40,000.
Key Achievements Keppel Corporation has delivered more than a decade of healthy growth in net profit, increasing from S$267 million in FY2001 to S$1,885 million in FY2014; 2014 marked the eighth consecutive year that it managed to achieve a threshold of net profit exceeding S$1 billion.
Keppel was appointed the Singapore consortium leader for the first two Government-to-Government projects between Singapore and China, the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco- City.
As at end-2014, property arm of the Group, Keppel Land, has a portfolio of assets worth about S$6.3 billion (RMB29.9 billion) in China, comprising more than 20 projects in ten cities, with focus in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu and Wuxi.
Keppel is one of the leading providers of imported Waste-To-Energy (WTE) technology in China and has supplied WTE technology packages to China’s largest operating WTE plant.
Keppel Offshore & Marine delivered 40% of the world’s rigs in the last ten years. It holds the Guinness World Records as the largest manufacturer of offshore rigs, delivering 21 offshore rigs to its customers in 2013.
Keppel is the first shipyard in Asia to build icebreakers and ice-class vessels.
Key Contributions to Singapore-China Relations
Keppel continues to build on the strong relationship with China, committed to share its expertise, experience and leading-edge technologies.
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Keppel is the Singapore consortium leader for the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco- City, a landmark bilateral project between Singapore and China to create a model for sustainable development. o The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City is a sustainable township, housing more than 30,000 residents and more than 2,500 registered companies. o In March 2014, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City was selected as a “National Green Building Base” by the China Green Building Council. o In October 2014, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City's National Green Development Demonstration Zone Implementation Plan was approved by China's State Council.
China is one of Keppel Land’s two key markets, besides Singapore. As at end 2014, China contributed about 44% of the Keppel Land Group’s total assets, more than doubled from 20% in 2010.
The infrastructure division is one of the largest imported WTE technology providers in China. o Keppel’s WTE technology is used for China’s largest operating WTE plant in Baoan, Shenzhen, Guangdong. o In 2015, Keppel secured deals to provide technology packages and services to two WTE plants in Beijing and one WTE plant in Guilin. The total value of the three deals inked this year exceeds €30 million.
In 2011, Keppel formed a joint venture with a Tianjin partner to execute the building, owning and operating of a water reclamation plant in the Sino- Singapore Tianjin Eco-city.
Keppel Telecommunications and Transportation (Keppel T&T) also entered into a joint venture with the Jilin City government to develop and operate the Sino-Singapore Jilin Food Zone International Logistics Park. The joint venture company will be the sole food logistics park operator within the Sino- Singapore Jilin Food Zone and will provide a consolidated platform for the trading, storage and distribution of food products.
In 2012, Keppel T&T entered a joint venture agreement to develop the Keppel Wanjiang International Coldchain Logistics Park in Lu’an City, Anhui Province which will serve as a consolidated platform for trading and food distribution, providing vital support to Anhui's food-processing industry.
In 2013, Keppel Land and China Vanke Co. Ltd (Vanke), China's foremost property developer, entered into a strategic alliance that will see both companies jointly develop properties in China and Singapore. Through this collaboration, Keppel Land aims to deepen its presence in high growth cities in China.
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Key Philanthropic Work
The Keppel Care Foundation was set up in 2012 and is focused on providing assistance for the needy and under-privileged, promoting education and encouraging eco-friendly initiatives. The Group has pledged up to 1% of its annual profits to the Foundation.
The Keppel Land China team in Kunming has been supporting a local community initiative since 2009 which involves the training of village doctors and implementation of healthcare projects, such as offering subsidised or free cataract surgery for the minority ethnic groups.
Keppel responds in cash and kind to bring relief to the Chinese community during disasters, such as the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, as well as the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that jolted Ludian County of Yunnan Province in 2014.
Keppel Logistics (Foshan) initiated a bursary scheme to support needy students from Foshan University of Science and Technology.
To encourage reading and environment conservation, Keppel T&T launched a mobile library project “Keppel Nurture-On-Wheels” both in Singapore and China in 2013. More than 1,000 books and magazines were collected over a period of three weeks and were presented to Nanhai Welfare Centre in Foshan, China.
Beyond developing academic talents, the Group also actively develop sport talents. Through Spring City Golf & Lake Resort’s (Spring City) Junior Golf Programme, Keppel Land China provides free classes to students in surrounding villages. Promising young golfers who wish to further their skills can also apply for Spring City’s sponsorship programme. One such success story is a junior golfer who trained under Spring City’s Junior Academy Programme and won a national match play championship in 2011, followed by another win at a national amateur event in 2012.
Volunteers from Keppel Land’s Tianjin team also regularly engage students from Xiangyu Autism Mutual Aid Association with various activities. Through regular engagement with the association, Keppel Land is working to raise awareness and understanding of children with autism.
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Awards – highlights (2011-2015)
a) Business Excellence
Asia Excellence Brand Award
‐ Keppel Land was conferred the Asia Excellence Brand Award by Yazhou Zhoukan(2014)
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
‐ Best Golf Course in China, Asian Golf Awards 2014 ‐ Top Golf Course in China by Golf Magazine (China Edition) (2014) ‐ Gold Caddie Service Award, Top Golf Courses Awards 2013/14 ‐ Top 18 Famous Holes, China Awards (2014)
Top Golf Courses Awards
‐ Eco-City International Country Club won the Gold Award (Wetlands category) at the Top Golf Courses Awards 2013/14
Pearl River Delta Property Awards
‐ Keppel Land China: Integrated residential – cum – marina lifestyle development Keppel Cove in Zhongshan, China, was named the Most Anticipated Project by the Guangzhou Daily (2011)
World Travel Awards
‐ Keppel Land Hospitality Management: Asia’s Leading Golf Resort (Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Kunming, China)(2013)
b) Sustainability
Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Asia Pacific
‐ Keppel Corporation: an index component of the DJSI Asia Pacific for the third consecutive year in 2015; the only industrial conglomerate and one of four Singaporean companies listed as a component of the DJSI Asia Pacific 2013/2014 ‐ Keppel Land: listed on the DJSI World and Asia Pacific Indices for the third and fourth consecutive years respectively (2013)
Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Awards
‐ Keppel Land was awarded the Green Mark Champion Award 2014 ‐ Central Park City Plot One in Wuxi, China, Gold (2014) ‐ Stamford City Block Five in Jiangyin, China, Gold (2014) ‐ Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City’s Low Carbon Living Lab, Platinum (2013) ANNEX 1 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
‐ Hill Crest Residence in Spring City Golf & Lake Resort in Kunming, China, Gold (2013)
China’s National Green Building Base
‐ The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City was named the National Green Building Base by the China Green Building Council while its Low Carbon Living Lab was conferred 3 stars by China’s Green Building Design Label
Best Eco-Friendliness Award
‐ Spring City Golf & Lake Resort: Received the Best Eco-Friendliness Award by Golf Magazine China (2012)
c) Corporate Citizenry
President’s Award for Philanthropy (Corporate)
‐ Keppel Group: Won the President’s Award for Philanthropy (Corporate) for best practices in community involvement and corporate philanthropy (2013)
TOP 10 ASEAN companies in China
‐ For its economic and social contributions to the country, Keppel Land China was ranked among the TOP 10 ASEAN companies in China by the China- ASEAN Business Council for the third consecutive year (2014) ‐ Mr Ang Wee Gee, CEO of Keppel Land, was named among the Top ASEAN Entrepreneurs in China (2014)
Tianjin Charity Star Company Award
‐ The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co., Ltd. was conferred the Tianjin Charity Star Company Award at “The Third Tianjin Charity Star Selection Activity” (2014)
d) Safety
Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Awards
‐ The Keppel Group: clinched 35 WSH Awards conferred by the WSH Council and Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, the highest number of safety awards achieved by a single organisation in the year (2015)
Model Enterprise in Safety Culture
‐ Keppel Logistics Foshan: Won Model Enterprise in Safety Culture (2013)
Foshan City Industrial Injury Prevention and Safety Advancement Awards
‐ Keppel Logistics Foshan: Runner-up, Foshan City Industrial Injury Prevention and Safety Advancement Awards (2013) ANNEX 1 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
2015 Business China Young Achiever Award Recipient
Tanya Chua 蔡健雅, Age: 40 Singer Songwriter, Tangy Music International Group
Contributions to Singapore-China Relations
Her greatest contribution to the Singapore-China relations is through her status and profile in the Chinese pop music scene. Along with JJ Lin and Stefanie Sun, Tanya is one of Singapore’s most well-known Mandopop exports.
In 2008, she was selected by Singapore Tourism Board to be its ambassador to China for two years due to her popularity overseas.
At the Shanghai World Expo 2010, Tanya along with fellow Singaporean singers JJ Lin, Stefanie Sun and Ah Du performed a song titled “Every Touching Moment”, helping to raise Singapore's profile in the global event held in China.
Took on the role of producer for China’s Mandopop queen Na Ying (那英)’s new album entitled “So What” in 2010. This was the first time Tanya had produced an entire album for another singer. This new role also helped to raise her profile in China as a multi-talented Singaporean musician.
In 2014, she was appointed as one of the 4 judges-mentors on China’s CCTV reality singing competition Song of China (中国好歌曲), where contestants perform their original compositions. Tanya is the sole Singaporean representative on the panel. The show was a hit in China, thus helping to raise the profile of Singaporeans in the Chinese entertainment scene. She was re- appointed for the 2015 season.
In 2014, she spearheaded Project WAO (Women as One). She teamed up with fellow female Mandopop powerhouses A-Mei from Taiwan, Sandy Lam from Hong Kong and Na Ying (那英) from China to record her self-composed song “We are One”.
The project is a charity concert and music festival consisting solely of female solo artists and female-led bands, which benefits abused women and girls.
The first WAO concert at Taipei Arena in April 2014 was a sell-out within minutes and raised about NT$10 million. 10,000 fans attended the concert. All proceeds went to the New Taipei-based City People Foundation to support its program for abused females aged 10 to 18. ANNEX 1 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
The second WAO concert, “Project WAO x Kiehl's”, was held in September 2014 in Hong Kong. The concert raised over HK$4.3 million. All proceeds went towards the Hong Kong End Child Sexual Abuse Foundation (香港護苗基金).
Tanya has also indicated her inclination to bring Project WAO all over Asia where there is Chinese music and especially Singapore because it is her hometown.
Tanya had also previously performed in charity events benefiting social and welfare organisations like the Community Chest (2002) and the National Kidney Foundation (2001).
She has also held many concert tours in many Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing.
Background
Born in Singapore in 1975 as the younger of two daughters.
Attended CHIJ Saint Nicholas Girls School and graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Business Administration.
Actively participated in numerous music competitions throughout her schooling years, inspiring her to embark on a music career.
In 1994, she became the lead singer in a band, performing live covers of English songs in hotels and pubs. She was inspired to train herself to play the guitar and also tried her hand at song-writing.
Released her first English album, Bored, in 1997 in Singapore. This album comprises most of her original compositions, including the hit song, My Colour TV Set which received extensive airplay in Singapore.
In 1998, she went on to further her studies at the Los Angeles Musicians’ Institute in the United States.
In 1999, she released her debut Mandarin album, 蔡健雅 (Tanya), which has sold over 150,000 copies to date and she was nominated as Best Newcomer in Taiwan’s 11th Annual Golden Melody Awards.
In 2006, she moved to Taiwan and based her music production career in Taipei. This move was a turning point for her as it improved her Mandarin and allowed her to capitalise on the opportunities present in Taiwan and China.
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In 2006, she established her own music production companies, Tian Ya Music Productions (based in Taiwan) and Tangy Music International (in Singapore), which is involved in music production, publishing and talent management.
Effectively bilingual in both English and Mandarin, she has gained popular success mainly in the Chinese music industry, releasing both English and Mandarin albums and holding concert tours in cities like Taipei, Beijing and Shanghai.
Released 11 Chinese albums, 5 English albums, 4 soundtracks, 2 compilation albums and 3 singles since 1997.
Composed and performed the 2001 national day theme song, “Where I Belong”.
Composed songs for many other famous Asian singers such as Faye Wong, A- Mei, Fish Leong and Stefanie Sun.
Achievements
First Singaporean to win an award in the Asia Song Festival with her composition “Hear Me” in 1998. She came in first in the "Unpublished" category of the annual song-writing competition held in Manila, the Philippines.
Only Singaporean singer to be awarded the Best Mandarin Female Singer thrice in Taiwan’s biggest musical event, the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, winning in 2006, 2008 and 2012. The historic three wins have established a solid reputation for her as a multi-talented singer, song-writer and album producer in Asia.
Tanya has since won four Golden Melody Awards including one in 2008, where she was named the Best Album Producer for the album, Goodbye & Hello. She composed all the music of that album and wrote the lyrics for six songs.
In 2008 alone, Tanya garnered a total of 21 awards.
Her self-titled debut Mandarin album, Tanya, was released in 1999 and topped the charts in Taiwan. The album also spawned an instant hit, Breathe.
Her second Mandarin album, Remember, reached the No 1 spot within the first week of its release in 2000 and she was nominated Best Newcomer at the Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards.
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Bagged the “Young Composer of the Year” Award and “Top Local Artiste of the Year” Award at the annual Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (Compass) Awards in 2001, which honours performers in Singapore’s music scene.
In 2009, Tanya's seventh album 若你碰到他 (If You See Him) was awarded one of the Top 10 Selling Mandarin Albums of the Year at the 2009 International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Hong Kong Album Sales Awards, presented by the Hong Kong branch of IFPI.
In 2011, she held a sold-out solo concert at the 13,000-capacity Taipei Arena in Taiwan.
The same year, she returned to Singapore for her first solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Awards
2014: o Best Album Producer, Best Foreign Singer (Singapore), Top Ten Mandarin Songs, Taiwan’s Hito Music Awards ceremony o Top 10 albums of 2013 in Taiwan, Chinese Music Man Association
2013: o Best Local Music Composition, Singapore Hit Awards
2012: o Best Mandarin Female Singer, Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan o Artistic Excellence Award, Composers and Authors Society of Singapore
2010: o Best Local Music Composition & Best Local Artiste, Singapore Hit Awards
2009: o Best Local Lyrics; Most Outstanding Local Musician; Asian Media’s Best Female Singapore, Singapore Hit Awards
2008: o Best Mandarin Female Singer; Best Album Producer for Goodbye & Hello, Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan
2007: o Most Popular Duet, Global Chinese Music Awards, Hong Kong
ANNEX 1 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
2006: o Top 20 Songs; Best Composition, Global Chinese Music Awards, Singapore o Best Mandarin Female Singer, Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan
2005: o Most Popular Singer Songwriter; Most Popular Duet, Global Chinese Music Awards, Taiwan o Best Composing Artiste, Singapore Hit Awards
2004: o Best Local Music Composition; Best Local Music Arrangement; Top 10 Most Popular Songs, Singapore Hit Awards
2000: o Best Local Music Composition, Singapore Hit Awards
1999: o Best Local Music Composition, Singapore Hit Awards
1998: o Best Music Composition for “Hear Me”, Asia Song Festival
ANNEX 2 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
Acceptance Speeches by Recipients
2015 Business China Excellence Award Recipient
Li Rongrong (Please check against delivery)
尊敬的张志贤副总理、蔡天宝主席，女士们、先生们：
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean，Chairman Chua Thian Poh，
Ladies and gentlemen,
谢谢授予我这个奖项！
Many thanks for granting me this award.
我在与新加坡企业、政府和学校的交往中,尤其是和淡马锡的合作中受益颇丰，不仅使 我认识许多杰出的人士和朋友，更使我学习到很多十分有益的经验和知识。
The communication with Singapore companies, government and universities, especially the cooperation with Temasek, benefits me so much. Through the communication and cooperation, not only did I know many excellent people and friends, but also I learn lots of useful experience and knowledge.
今年是新加坡成立五十周年，新加坡从一个贫穷落后的国家，成为当今世界发达国家 中竞争力名列前茅的国家，可以说这是伟大的实践，伟大的成功！
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the independence of Singapore. During the last five decades, Singapore has evolved from a poor and backward country to the current one, whose competitiveness comes out in front among the developed countries all over the world. It is truly a great practice and a great success.
通商不是最终目的，它更能促进交流，推动两国的繁荣与发展。
Business is by no means the final purpose. It can also advance exchanges, ANNEX 2 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM and promote bilateral prosperity and development.
前不久,习近平主席和李显龙总理将中新关系确定为与时俱进的全方位合作伙伴关系, 这反映了两国共同的愿望:为促进亚洲的繁荣和发展、促进世界的和平与发展注入正能 量。
Recently, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong turned Sino- Singapore relations into an all-round cooperative partnership progressing with the times. It reflects our two countries’ common wish——Adding positive energy into the promotion of the prosperity and development of Asia, as well as the promotion of the peace and development of the world.
我将以获奖为新起点，继续努力！
I’d like to regard this award as my new starting point, and I will keep trying my best.
谢谢大家！ Thank you!
ANNEX 2 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
2015 Business China Enterprise Award Recipient Keppel Corporation
Delivered by Non-Executive and Independent Director Mr Danny Teoh (Please check against delivery)
Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister for Manpower, His Excellency Chen Xiaodong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Singapore, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Good evening.
On behalf of the Keppel Group, I would like to thank Business China for presenting us with this important and prestigious award. It is particularly meaningful for Keppel to receive this recognition in the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-China diplomatic relations.
In tandem with Singapore’s growing relationship with China, Keppel has had the privilege of contributing to strengthening bilateral ties and to sustainable development in China.
Keppel led the Singapore consortiums in two high-level Government-to- Government projects. The China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has become one of China’s most successful industrial parks.
Since 2008, we have also been working closely with our Chinese partners to develop the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. Now into the eighth year of development, the city has been transformed from saline and alkaline land into a green township with more than 30,000 residents and 2,500 registered companies. It has also received good international recognition and been named China’s first National Green Development Demonstration Zone. ANNEX 2 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
The Keppel Group is currently operating in 25 cities across China, in offshore and marine, property, infrastructure and logistics. Our distinct blend of competencies allows us to provide holistic solutions to meet China’s needs in sustainable urbanisation.
At Keppel, we are very excited and honoured to be able to contribute to China’s continuing growth story, and look forward to further expanding our presence in China.
Thank you, once again, for the honour of this award.
ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
Background and Criteria of Awards
The Business China Awards aim to honour outstanding businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals and organisations for their successes and contributions to Singapore- China relations as well as strengthening of bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore.
There are three award categories, namely: • Business China Excellence Award • Business China Enterprise Award • Business China Young Achiever Award
Who can participate Business China Awards are open to CEOs, entrepreneurs, professionals and organisations in Singapore or Greater China in a broad variety of fields. Please refer to Awards criteria for eligibility.
Who can nominate Any individual or organisation in Singapore or Greater China can submit their nominations to Business China Secretariat.
How to nominate You may download the nomination form from www.businesschina.org.sg/bcawards or call the secretariat at 68421233:-
For enquiry, you may email [email protected].
For further details, visit: www.businesschina.org.sg/bcawards/
ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
Judging Criteria
The judging criteria for the awards are as follows.
BUSINESS CHINA EXCELLENCE AWARD
This award will go to an outstanding Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or resident of Greater China who can best demonstrate exceptional vision and leadership in the development and sustained growth of a business or profession in China or Singapore, respectively.
The candidate must also be an exemplary role model to other Singaporeans in the learning and appreciation of the Chinese language and culture.
Eligibility
• The candidate should be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, or a Resident of Greater China.
• If the candidate is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, he/she should be involved in a business enterprise or profession in China. If the candidate is a Resident of Greater China, he/she should be involved in a business enterprise or profession in Singapore.
• There is no restriction on gender, age or race.
The nominees for Business China Excellence Award are assessed in 4 key areas:
1. Financial Performance
The candidate must have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to his/her company or profession in China, or in Singapore if the candidate is a resident of Greater China.
In the case of a publicly-listed company, the candidate must have contributed substantially to growth in the company's profit, sales, and return on shareholders’ funds. Consideration will also be given to the standard of corporate disclosure of the candidate’s company.
In the case of a private company or sole proprietorship etc, the candidate must have contributed substantially to the growth in his/her organisation's profit, sales and return on capital invested.
In the case of a profession, the candidate must have contributed substantially to his/her profession’s growth and development as well as made a big impact in enhancing the reputation of Singapore in that profession. ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
2. Contribution to Singapore-China relations
The candidate or his/her organisation must have made a major contribution to Singapore-China relationships. This can be in business or in the economic, social and cultural areas. In the case of a Singapore citizen of permanent resident, he/she should also be a good role model to other Singaporeans in the learning and appreciating of the Chinese language and culture.
3. Managerial Skills
· Depth of management The candidate should have contributed to the raising of management skills and the establishment of a viable profession or organisation structure.
· Adaptability The candidate must have adapted to the changing environment and demands.
· Tenacity The candidate should have displayed perseverance and tenacity in working towards the goals and objectives of his/her organisation or profession.
· Productivity The candidate should have made a substantial contribution to improving the output of his/her employees.
· Creativity/Innovation The candidate should have an innovative approach to his/her business affairs.
4. Personal Qualities
· Integrity The candidate's integrity must be of the highest standard.
· Vision and Leadership The candidate must possess great vision and astute foresight. He/She must be someone who has won the respect of his/her subordinates and whose actions set an example for his/her organisation or profession. He/she should be adept at motivating employees and have a track record of establishing and maintaining harmonious relations in the organisation or profession.
· Entrepreneurial abilities The candidate must display outstanding entrepreneurial skills.
· Social responsibility The candidate's contribution to the community will be considered favourably. ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
BUSINESS CHINA ENTERPRISE AWARD
This award will go to a Singapore company/organisation or a Chinese company/organisation registered in Singapore which has best demonstrated exceptional drive and vision as well as enjoyed substantial growth in its business in China or Singapore, respectively.
The nominees for Business China Enterprise Award are assessed in four key areas:
1. Financial Performance
The Singapore or China company/organisation must have an outstanding and sustained growth in profit and sales in its business in China or Singapore, respectively.
2. Contribution to Singapore-China relations
The company must have made a major contribution to Singapore-China relations.
3. Innovation
The company/organisation will be assessed on the success of its product innovation. The focus will be on the company’s/organisation’s penetration of the China market, drawing on enterprise and expertise of its Singapore base. For China companies/organisations in Singapore, the focus will be on the company’s/organsation’s operations in Singapore.
4. Company/Organisation Management
The company/organisation must display an effective management style and have a viable organisational structure. The company must have a track record of establishing and maintaining harmonious relations within the organisation and set examples for the industry it is in.
ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
BUSINESS CHINA YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
This award will go to an outstanding Singapore citizen or permanent resident, or a resident of Greater China who has best demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in the development and sustained growth of a business or profession in China or Singapore, respectively.
· The candidate should be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, or a Resident of Greater China.
· If the candidate is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, he/she should be involved in a business enterprise or profession in China.
· If the candidate is a Resident of Greater China, he/she should be involved in a business enterprise or profession in Singapore.
· The candidate must be below the age of 45.
· There is no restriction on gender or race.
The nominees for the Business China Young Achiever Award are assessed in 4 key areas:
1. Financial Performance
The candidate must have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to his/her company or profession in China, or in Singapore if the candidate is a resident of Greater China.
In the case of a publicly-listed company, the candidate must have contributed substantially to the growth in the company's profit, sales, and return on shareholders’ funds. Consideration will also be given to the standard of corporate disclosure of the candidate’s company.
In the case of a private company or sole proprietorship etc, the candidate must have contributed substantially to growth in his/her organisation's profit, sales and return on capital invested.
In the case of a profession, the candidate must have contributed substantially to his/her profession’s development and growth as well as made a big impact in enhancing the reputation of Singapore in that profession.
2. Contribution to Singapore-China relations
The candidate must have made a major contribution to Singapore-China relationships. This can be in business or in the economic, social and cultural areas. In the case of a Singapore citizen of permanent resident, he/she should also be a ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM good role model to other Singaporeans in the learning and appreciating of the Chinese language and culture.
3. Managerial Skills
· Depth of management The candidate should have contributed to the raising of management skills and the establishment of a viable profession or organisation structure.
· Adaptability The candidate must have adapted to the changing environment and demands.
· Tenacity The candidate should have displayed perseverance and tenacity in working towards the goals and objectives of his/her organisation or profession.
· Productivity The candidate must have made a substantial contribution to improving the output of his/her employees.
· Creativity/Innovation The candidate should have an innovative approach to his/her business affairs.
4. Personal Qualities
· Integrity The candidate's integrity must be of the highest standard.
· Vision and Leadership The candidate must possess great vision and astute foresight. He/She must be someone who has won the respect of his/her subordinates and whose actions set an example for his/her organization or profession. He/she should be adept at motivating employees and have a track record of establishing and maintaining harmonious relations in the organisation or profession.
· Entrepreneurial abilities The candidate must display outstanding entrepreneurial skills
· Social responsibility The candidate's contribution to the community will be considered favourably.
ANNEX 3 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
Judging Panel
Chairman : Mr Lim Chee Onn Senior International Advisor, Ascendas-Singbridge Pte Ltd Board of Director, Business China
Member : Ms Janet Ang Vice President, IBM Asia Pacific
: Mr Thomas Chua Chairman & Managing Director, Teckwah Industrial Corporation Ltd President, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Director, Business China : Mr Stephen Lee
Chairman, Singapore Airlines
: Mr Lim Jim Koon Former Editor-in-Chief, Chinese Newspapers Division, SPH
: Mr Anthony Tan Executive Vice President, Chinese Media Group, SPH
: Prof. Tan Kong Yam Professor, Division of Economics, Nanyang Technological University
: Mr Alvin Tay Editor, The Business Times
: Mr Teo Eng Cheong Chief Executive Officer, IE Singapore
: Mr Samuel Tsien Group Chief Executive Officer, OCBC Bank
(updated as at 25 Nov, 2015)
ANNEX 4 EMBARGOED TILL DELIVERY CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
SPEECH BY MR TEO CHEE HEAN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER & COORDINATING MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY, AT THE BUSINESS CHINA AWARDS 2015 ON 25 NOVEMBER 2015 AT RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA
通商中国主席蔡天宝先生
各位嘉宾，
大家晚上好！
1．今晚，我很高兴再次来颁发通商中国奖，表扬对新中关系做出重大贡献的个人和团 体。
2. 对新中关系来说，今年是很特别的一年。两国庆祝建交 25 周年。七月陈庆炎总统 访问中国，这个月初，中国国家主席习近平也刚访问新加坡。
3. 习主席访新时，新中两国建立与时俱进的全方位合作伙伴关系。全面加深两国在贸 易、投资、金融和社会治理， 等方面的合作。两国关系将推向更高水平。
4. 接下来，让我用英语发言。
Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman of Business China
Distinguished Guests
Good evening.
1. I am happy to join you again at this year’s Business China Awards to recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to Singapore-China relations.
Forward-Looking, Innovative and Pace-Setting Bilateral Relations
2. This is a very special year for Singapore-China relations. We celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties. Singapore President Tony Tan made a successful State Visit to China in July this year, while Chinese President Xi Jinping just visited Singapore earlier this month.
3. During President Xi’s visit to Singapore, Singapore and China established an “All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times”. This Partnership will see our two countries deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, finance and social governance. This will bring our bilateral relations to an even higher level.
4. Let me continue my speech in English. ANNEX 4 EMBARGOED TILL DELIVERY CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Substantive Bilateral Economic Relations
5. Singapore-China relations have always been forward-looking, innovative and pace-setting. As we bring our bilateral relationship to the next level, these characteristics will continue to define our partnership.
6. Our bilateral relations are undergirded by strong economic cooperation. China is Singapore’s largest trading partner. Over the past 25 years, bilateral trade volume has grown more than 20 times. China is also an important investment destination for our companies. Singapore has been China’s largest foreign investor country since 2013. Our companies are investing in more sectors and regions across China. At the same time, more than 6,000 Chinese companies have used Singapore as a base to venture into the region.
7. The launch of the negotiations to upgrade the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA), announced during President Xi’s State Visit is thus timely. When completed by next year, the upgrade will pave the way to further enhance trade facilitation, services cooperation and improve investment protection for businesses from both countries.
8. Our two Government-to-Government (G-to-G) projects, the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City, have also made good progress. They serve as models to pilot new measures that are aligned with China’s development needs. Similarly, the third G-to-G project in Chongqing, which was also launched during President Xi’s State Visit, will be of a high starting point, of high standard, and innovative. As a priority demonstration project for China’s national strategies like the “One Belt One Road”, Western Region Development and Yangtze River Economic Belt, we hope that the project will play an important role in catalysing the development of China’s Western Region, as China embarks on the next stage of its reforms.
Collaboration through Closer Regional Economic Integration
9. Beyond bilateral cooperation, Singapore and China also share a common interest in advancing regional integration through economic architecture such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the recent upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). These regional economic integration efforts are important to improve collective economic development and strengthen regional stability and peace. ANNEX 4 EMBARGOED TILL DELIVERY CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
10. With its large and growing economy, China has an important stake in the evolving regional architecture. First, China has an important role to play and has declared its commitment to maintaining a stable and peaceful regional order, including cross-strait relations. Singapore is honoured to have hosted the historic meeting between leaders from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. A stable regional order that is not overshadowed by nationalism and territorial disputes will boost investor confidence in the region and provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
11. Second, China has engaged the region with its “One Belt, One Road” vision. As a key hub in ASEAN, Singapore can play a constructive role in enhancing trade, finance and logistics connectivity between China and ASEAN. A key focus of the third G-to-G project is to catalyse the growth of Western China by enhancing connectivity in the areas of finance, aviation, logistics and ICT. The CSFTA upgrade will also bring about greater trade connectivity between both sides. Singapore is also happy to be one of the earliest prospective founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, a key initiative under the “One Belt, One Road” vision.
Role of Business China
12. Another critical element of connectivity that will further enhance Singapore-China relations is people-to-people linkages. There are exchanges between the schools and institutions of higher learning in both countries. Close to 50,000 Chinese officials and cadres have visited Singapore for study trips and courses since the 1990s. We also have growing numbers of Singapore public officers going to China to experience and learn more about China’s impressive development.
13. From the economic perspective, Singapore businesses are familiar with China and can serve as a bridge between China and the region. Business China can also help Singaporeans and Singapore businesses gain useful insights and networks in China.
14. Tonight, we celebrate the recipients of this year’s Business China Awards. Congratulations! I hope their successes will inspire more Singaporeans to continue to enhance our people-to-people linkages with China, and help strengthen Singapore’s overall relations with China.
15. Thank you.
ANNEX 4 EMBARGOED TILL DELIVERY CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Translation
Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman of Business China
Distinguished Guests
Good evening.
1. This evening, I am happy to join you again at this year’s Business China Awards, to recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to Singapore-China relations.
Forward-Looking, Innovative and Pace-Setting Bilateral Relations
2. This is a very special year for Singapore-China relations. We celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties. Singapore President Tony Tan made a successful State Visit to China in July this year, while Chinese President Xi Jinping just visited Singapore earlier this month.
3. During President Xi’s visit to Singapore, Singapore and China established an “All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times”. This Partnership will see our two countries deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, finance and social governance. This will bring our bilateral relations to an even higher level.
4. Let me continue my speech in English.
5. 新中关系一向具有前瞻性和开创性的特点。在提升双边关系的同时，这些特点 将继续为我们的合作关系定位。
6. 新中关系建立在两国紧密的经济合作基础上。中国是新加坡最大的贸易合作伙 伴。25 年来，双边贸易额增长了 20 多倍。中国也是我国企业重要的投资目的地。自 2013 年以来，新加坡已是中国最大的外资来源国。我国企业正扩大在中国各地多个行 业领域的投资。同时，已有超过 6,000 家中国企业以新加坡为基地，扩展区域业务。
7. 习近平主席访新期间所宣布的新中自由贸易协定升级版谈判的启动，可谓非常 及时。到明年完成谈判后，升级版的自贸协定将开辟崭新渠道，促进双边贸易便利、 服务业合作，并加强两国企业的投资保障。
8. 两项政府间的合作项目，苏州工业园和天津生态城，也取得了良好的进展。这 两个项目是测试中国发展所需之新措施的楷模。同样的，习主席来新访问时所启动的 位于重庆的第三项政府间的合作项目，将会是“高起点”、“高标准”，同时也具有开创 性。作为一项为中国国家策略如“一带一路”、西部大开发和长江经济带的优先示范项 ANNEX 4 EMBARGOED TILL DELIVERY CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
目，我们希望该项目能够为中国西部的开发，扮演抛砖引玉的角色，促进中国下一个 阶段的改革。
9. 在双边合作之外，新中两国也秉持着共同的目标，通过如区域全面经济伙伴关 系（RCEP）和亚细安—中国自由贸易区（ACFTA）等经济架构，推进区域一体化。 这些为区域经济一体化所做的努力，将有助于提升集体经济发展，并促进区域稳定与 和平。
10. 以其庞大且增长中的经济，中国的利益与区域架构的演进紧密相连。首先，中 国扮演着举足轻重的角色，也承诺维护区域稳定与和平，包括两岸关系。新加坡非常 荣幸能够作为两岸领导人历史性会面的东道国。一个稳定而不受民族主义和领土争端 影响的区域，将提高投资者的信心，并提供一个适于企业蓬勃发展的大环境。
11. 第二，中国已以“一带一路”计划积极与区域国家互动。作为亚细安的重要枢纽， 新加坡可扮演建设性的角色，促进中国与亚细安在贸易、金融和物流领域的互联互通。 第三项政府间合作项目的重点之一，就是通过提升金融、航空、物流和信息通讯技术 领域的互联互通，来推进中国西部的发展。新中自由贸易协定的升级版，也将带给双 边贸易更紧密的互联互通。新加坡也乐于是亚洲基础设施投资银行最早的创始成员国 之一。亚投行是“一带一路”的其中一个重点方案。
通商中国的角色
12. 另一可促进新中关系的互联互通关键要素，是人与人之间的联系。新中两国的 学校、高等学府有着频繁的交流。自 1990 年以来，已有近 50,000 名中国官员及干部 前来我国考察学习。我们也有越来越多的公务员到访中国，体验并认识中国的卓越发 展。
13. 从经济的角度而言，本地企业熟悉中国，可成为中国与区域连接的桥梁。通商 中国也可协助国人与企业，深度了解中国，拓展人脉网络。
14. 今晚，我们在此嘉奖第六届通商中国奖的三位得主。恭喜各位！我希望他们的 成功能启发更多国人，继续深化与中国的人际联系，协助加强新中两国的关系。
15. 谢谢。
ANNEX 5 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
BUSINESS CHINA AWARDS 2015 WELCOME SPEECH BY MR CHUA THIAN POH, CHAIRMAN OF BUSINESS CHINA RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA, SINGAPORE WEDNESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 7PM
English translation, for reference only (Please check against delivery)
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean; Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say; Ministers of State, Parliamentary Secretaries; The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Chen Xiaodong; Group CEO of OCBC Bank, Mr Samuel Tsien; Board Advisers and Directors of Business China; Distinguished guests, ladies & gentlemen, A very good evening!
1. I am indeed very honoured to be here with you tonight, to witness the sixth Business China Awards ceremony, and to celebrate Business China’s eighth anniversary. On behalf of the Business China Board and Secretariat, I warmly welcome Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean, and all our distinguished guests to this evening’s Awards ceremony.
2. The annual Business China Awards is a meaningful award aimed at honouring outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions towards Singapore-China relations, and the promoting of Chinese language and culture in Singapore.
3. As Singapore celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year, Singapore and China also celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations. Over the years, trade between the 2 countries has continually increased, mutual collaboration between the two people has deepened, creating one milestone after ANNEX 5 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM another. In commemoration of the Double Jubilee, visits of the highest level were conducted by both countries.
4. At the beginning of July, President Tony Tan visited China. Earlier this month, China’s President Xi Jinping made his State Visit to Singapore, reaffirming the “wide-ranging, indepth, and high-level all round cooperative partnership” enjoyed by the countries. He also announced that the third government-to- government project will be “operated out of Chongqing”. As China continues to pursue economic restructuring and industrial upgrading, coupled with the “One Belt One Road” initiative, the prospects for bilateral collaboration will definitely broaden.
5. In the presence of PM Lee and President Xi, both countries signed 8 memoranda of agreement, including the launch of discussions to upgrade the China-Singapore FTA, opening up more opportunities for collaboration in the areas of trade, education and urban development. President Xi, whilst looking forward to future collaborations, also paid tribute to Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister, Business China’s Founding Patron Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and his immense contributions towards establishing Singapore-China relations.
6. Business China was launched 8 years ago by Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, with the mission to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China. Although the great man had passed on, I deeply believed that his passion is with us.
Business China has important missions, and I believe that under the leadership of our newly appointed CEO, Ms Sun Xueling, Business China will be able to fulfill our founding mission of promoting bilingualism and biculturalism, and to ride on the wave of opportunities of the growing China’s economy.
7. 各位先生们、女士们
建国总理李光耀先生，在 8 年前创立通商中国，旨在搭建联系新中文化和经济的桥梁。 这个高瞻远瞩的愿景，使新加坡能够继续作为东西方之间商业与文化联系的纽带。我 ANNEX 5 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
相信在新任总裁，孙雪玲女士的领导下，通商中国将竭尽所能，延续创会理念，推动
国人更好的掌握双语双文化，把握中国经济崛起的契机。
8. 今年新中欢庆建交 25 周年，在这 25 年间，双边互惠合作不断加深，为两国企业和 人民带来无数互利机遇。
9. 随着苏州工业园区和天津生态城的成功，习近平主席在本月初的访新期间，宣布正 式启动“以重庆市为运营中心”的第三个政府间合作项目。
10. 新加坡也同时是两岸领导人习近平先生和马英九先生会面的首选地点，象征了我 国在促进多边关系方面微小而重要的角色。
11. 随着中国不断推进经济转型和产业升级，再加上“一带一路”以及亚洲基础设施 投资银行的倡议，新中两国的合作前景势必将更加广阔。
12. The first 25 years of Singapore-China diplomatic relations is indeed fruitful. In order to better record and commemorate this significant milestone, and to inspire future bilateral developments, Business China and Lianhe Zaobao co- published the Singapore-China 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Commemorative Book.
The book was presented to President Xi Jinping during his State Visit to Singapore by our Patron, Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong. It is indeed our honour to play a small part in further enhancing Singapore-China bilateral relations.
13. The recipients of the Business China Awards, were also dedicated to enhancing Singapore-China relations. They are not only leaders in their respective fields, they are also important links in strengthening Singapore- China relations. Apart from developing their businesses and careers, these exemplary role models also actively foster mutual engagements, including in the areas of community and education services. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to this year’s recipients, and hope that the recognition will inspire others to continue to foster strong bilateral ties between Singapore and China. ANNEX 5 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
14. Since our establishment, Business China has been receiving strong support from individual and corporate partners, and I herewith express my heartfelt gratitude. Business China Awards is into the 6th year, and I would like to specially thank our Co-presenter, OCBC Bank, for their strong support towards this prestigious award; and the judging panel who took time off their busy schedule to conduct a rigorous selection process. We look forward to your continued support, as we work together to deepen bilateral collaborations and developments.
15. Thank you!
ANNEX 6 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
Business China Awards Dinner 2015 Speech by Mr Samuel Tsien, Group CEO, OCBC Bank Theme: for the outstanding who made the moves and built the ties Resorts World Convention Centre, Compass Ballroom (West) Wednesday, 25 November 2015, 7pm
Our Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Chen Xiaodong Chairman of Business China, Mr Chua Thian Poh Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen
Good evening.
1. It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening to recognize and honour the exemplary role models amongst you who have devoted themselves to the development and strengthening of the business, social and cultural ties between Singapore and China.
2. The bilateral relationship between Singapore, a city-state of 5.5 million, and China, a powerhouse with 1.4 billion people, has always been special.
3. Our pioneer leaders laid the foundation for our longstanding friendship dating before 1990.Over the short span of 25 years since the establishment of our formal diplomatic relations, we saw amazing progress:
China is Singapore's largest trading partner. Between 1990 and 2014, trade grew by more than twenty-fold; Singapore is China's largest foreign investor for the past 2 years; and In 1990, our people made 100,000 trips between the two countries. Last year, that number reached 2.7 million.
4. And the best is yet to come. The recent state visit by China’s President Xi Jinping further reinforced our relationship by calling for the establishment ANNEX 6 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
of an “all-rounded cooperative partnership which progresses with the times” “与时俱进, 全方面合作伙伴关系”。 Also announced were a series of other new initiatives:
The upgrading of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, targeted for completion by 2016; The third government-to-government project in Chongqing; The doubling of Singapore’s quota under R-QFII, the RmB Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor scheme to 100 billion RmB; and The renewal and enhancement of the bilateral currency swap arrangement between MAS and PBOC.
5. To support the efforts by our respective governments, we need passionate individuals and corporations to carry the will and realise the full potential of the initiatives. We need people to take the lead, drive forward and be the role models to build upon governmental efforts and deliver a higher level of accomplishments that are beyond their original design.
6. As in past years, this year’s award recipients have excelled in this complex role. They have advanced our bilateral ties holistically. Before we hear their inspiring accomplishments, allow me to share my remaining remarks with you in Mandarin to be consistent with the mission of Business China of nurturing multi-lingual and multi-cultural inclusivity, and in the context of the changing socio-economic scene that we are all part of.
7. 在适应新局面的历程中，我们除了关注自己的未来方向，也要注意到大环境的改 变, 其中包括科技创新, 社会责任, 互联网媒体, 年轻人思维等的种种变化。在新的 时代背景下，对社会、市场、客户、风险、以至对整个商业生态, 都需要进行重 新定位。
8. 虽然中国经济已经进入了一个与过去 30 年高速增长期有所不同的新阶段，但是 新常态下出台的宏观政策和经济调节，同样会给大家带来了前所未有的发展机遇。 「一带一路」基础施,互联互通的推动，包含着巨大的跨境业务商机, 也包含着巨 大的资金需求。资金的融通会更进一步强化人民币国际化的发展，随着资本市场 的进一步开放，境内、境外的相互投资和资金流动、将变得更兴旺。
ANNEX 6 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
9. 在新常态下，我们是见证者, 也是参与者。多年来、华侨银行在长三角地区、环 渤海湾、珠三角、以及中国西部地区、持续拓展业务。去年我们完成对香港永亨 银行（现在已更名为华侨永亨银行）的五十亿美元摒购。全面提高各产品范围, 扩大市场占有率，提升创新能力，从而加强核心业务的有机增长。
10. 今天晚上，我们相聚于此，是为了肯定克服挑战, 迎难而上的企业和人士，表扬 他们过去为促进新加坡与中国在经济、商贸、社会和文化上所做出巨大贡献! 让 我们展望未来 25 年的友谊与合作, 继续巩固我们现有的良好双边关系。
11. 谢谢各位, 祝愿大家有个精彩的晚上。
ANNEX 7 EMBARGOED TILL 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 10PM
Business China Awards 2015 Programme
Date ：25 November (Wednesday) Time ：7.00 pm Venue ：Resorts World Convention Centre, Sentosa, Compass Ballroom (West) Attire ：Lounge Suit (Gentlemen), Evening Gown (Ladies)
7.00pm Arrival of guests
7.30pm Guests to be seated
7.45pm Arrival of Guest-of-Honour Mr Teo Chee Hean Deputy Prime Minister Singapore
8.15pm Welcome Address Mr Chua Thian Poh Chairman, Business China
Co-Presenter’s Address Mr Samuel Tsien Group Chief Executive Officer, OCBC Bank
Address by Guest-of-honour Mr Teo Chee Hean Deputy Prime Minister Singapore
Commencement of Dinner
9.10pm Presentation of Awards - Young Achiever Award - Enterprise Award - Excellence Award
10.00pm End of evening