As Singapore and China celebrate 35th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties, young leaders are encouraged to help shape future

More than 300 youth leaders, policymakers and business executives gathered for the Singapore-China Youth Leadership Forum on September 13, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China. The event was jointly hosted by the National Youth Achievement Award Council and China Daily's Youth Channel, and organized by Wanhe International.

The forum’s theme was “Transformative leadership in the 21st century”, and it provided a platform for the next generation of leaders to forge connections, discuss innovative solutions and build a foundation of mutual trust. It underscored a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration by empowering young people to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

The forum opened with remarks by James Soh, executive director of the National Youth Achievement Award Council, who talked of the forum’s role in fostering collaborative leadership. He was followed by Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, who talked of the group’s commitment to promoting dialogue and exchange.

Cao Zhongming, China’s Ambassador to Singapore, then spoke of the parallel journeys of China and Singapore. He called on young people to seize the moment and become key players in pioneering new industries and deepening the bond between the two countries.

The keynote address was delivered by Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. He stressed that transformative leadership is crucial at every level, requiring trust on the international stage, domestic adaptation to remain relevant, and the personal courage to challenge the status quo.

A highlight of the forum was a discussion whose distinguished panel included: Argus Ang, chief executive officer of RVi Group; Desmond Chong, vice-president and regional head of risk management at MasterCard Inc; and Vivienne Wu Yunwei, director of Python Asset Management Pte Ltd. The moderator was Goh Jing Rong, assistant professor of economics (practice) at the Singapore Management University School of Economics. The panelists agreed that transformative leadership today demands vision, resilience, inclusion and curiosity. They urged young leaders in China and Singapore to combine complementary strengths, such as Singapore’s diverse environment and China’s scale, and build genuine friendships to tackle global challenges together.

The forum, a flagship event celebrating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, aimed to demonstrate the robust and enduring partnership dedicated to youth empowerment. The co-host China Daily champions this mission through continuous innovation in its content and outreach. The organization’s youth channel develops media projects such as Youth Power and Youth Pulse, giving young people in Singapore, China and elsewhere the chance to establish and strengthen bonds of friendship as they pave the way for aspiring leaders to join in driving progress and innovation.