[Singapore, 26 November 2014 (Wednesday)] – The Singapore Management University (SMU) held its second China Forum today to foster a deeper understanding of the trends and influences shaping the growth and development of China. The Forum aims to serve as a platform for the business and academic communities to come together to share, discuss and debate ideas and issues about China that are current and relevant.

Mr Yu Yunfeng, Counsellor (Education) of China’s Embassy in Singapore and SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer were among the dignitaries present at the Forum, which attracted about 250 business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, academics and students.

Themed “The Next Phase of Economic Reform: The New Normal”, the Forum drew a stellar line-up of scholars and thought leaders who shared their valuable insights on various aspects of China. They include keynote speakers Professor Jia Qingguo, Dean of School of International Studies at Peking University; Professor Yuan Zhigang, Dean of School of Economics & Dean of China (Shanghai) Institute for Free Trade Zone Research at Fudan University; and Professor Sun Xiaoxia, Dean of School of Law at Fudan University.

The topics presented and discussed ranged from international challenges as China enters a new phase of economic reform, China’s financial reform, the internationalisation of RMB, the rule of law in China, and the challenges under China’s ‘new normal’ conditions.

A Letter of Intent was signed between Professor James Tang, Dean of SMU School of Social Sciences, and Mr Zhao Huitian, Secretary General of China Enterprises Association (Singapore) to promote collaboration in research, education and related activities. The signing was witnessed by SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer, Mr Meng Fanqiu, President of China Enterprises Association (Singapore), and Mr Zheng Chao, Minister-Counsellor, Economic & Commercial Office of the China Embassy.

Said Professor Arnoud De Meyer, “The SMU China Forum is an integral part of SMU’s China Initiatives which was established in the second quarter of 2012 to  raise our profile in China as a research university in the broad field of social sciences, and to actively drive and strengthen our collaboration with existing and new partner universities in research and postgraduate education.

“SMU is committed to broadening and deepening our ties with China through research collaboration, exchange programmes, as well as training and development. We believe this will help contribute to knowledge creation and talent development for both Singapore and China. Through these efforts, SMU will also be able to develop linkages, expertise and knowledge on China and Asia so that we become a partner of choice for universities, institutions and businesses.”

For more information, please contact

Teo Chang Ching (Mr)

Assistant Director, Corporate Communications

Office of Corporate Communications & Marketing

DID: 6828 0451

Email: ccteo [at] smu.edu.sg