Newspaper Review (II)

The Straits Times

20 November 2008

Section: Prime News (Page A4)

Article: MM sees opportunities in China for Bilingual S’poreans

By: Alvin Foo & Grace Ng

Gist of the Article:

MM Lee was speaking at the 1st anniversary dinner of networking group Business China, a 900-member club started by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enable people who are interested in China to network and discuss issues in Mandarin.

Business China's patron MM Lee said: 'Business China can help those who want to explore business in China by improving their Mandarin and their knowledge of social and cultural conditions of present-day China. With the recent signing of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, there will be many opportunities for Singapore companies in China's fast-growing markets. We should not miss the many opportunities to expand our businesses in China. Singapore's high standing in China with both the government officials and businessmen will help you get started. But you must not let down the Singapore's reputation for reliability and integrity.'

Singaporeans can enjoy a head start in China, as our bilingual education policy has equipped us with a good foundation in their mother-tongues. MM Lee added: 'If they do not use the language regularly, they will lose fluency but the foundation in their early school years can revive it quickly and widen their vocabulary.

Reflections:

In 1992, China paramount leader Deng Xiaoping said: “Learn from the world and, especially Singapore, and do better than Singapore”. Over the years, Singapore and China had achieved much through active partnership. The Suzhou Industrial Park is a successful example where both countries transfer their knowledge in planning, execution and administration. Suzhou is now an icon in China for other special economic zones to learn from. After Suzhou, both countries are now committed to the Tianjin Eco City project.

Establishing the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement recently, would mean that there will be many opportunities for Singapore companies in China's fast-growing markets. As one of the world’s economy powerhouse, we cannot underestimate the benefits it would bring to us.

The young in China’s cities are now fluent in English. But their master language is Chinese as it is their preferred language. Singaporeans interact socially in Mandarin but use English for official or business matters, as our mastery of the Chinese language is at a second language level, not equal to theirs. To converse in Mandarin socially generates a sense of closeness. If we understand “Putonghua” and can read Chinese, we will have direct access to Chinese TV programmes, magazines, newspapers and can keep abreast of developments and trends.

Therefore, Singaporeans need to be eloquent in both English and Mandarin to get a head-start when investing in China. Our bilingual education policy had done a good job in preparing the younger generations so that we could take advantage of these golden business opportunities.

By: Chan Jian Da