Never thought that representing Singapore as one of the delegates of the 2nd China Singapore Youth Leadership Programme (aka Youth Leader Campus) meant that I would get to eat the best Peking Duck I’ve ever tasted in my life, at one of the largest halal food chains in China, Zi Guang Yuan 紫光园, hosted by the 4th gen leader herself, Ai Jia. Co-organised by the National Youth Council and All-China Youth Federation (supported by partners in the Suzhou and Beijing Youth Federations and respective provincial committees), this whirlwind 6-day exchange programme in Suzhou and Beijing was aptly themed Youth Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development - 2 topics I care deeply about as both a Startups advocate in my day job and a member of the National Youth Council. It was a timely exchange as Suzhou and Singapore celebrates its 30 year partnership of the SIP, the first of several G2G development projects between China and Singapore. We had enriching discussions about the SIP’s development policies including its role in driving zero carbon efforts and attracting youth entrepreneurial talent to the city, whilst maintaining the production of its rich cultural heritage such as Biluochin Tea and silk embroidery. Just before we headed off to Beijing, we even got to have our Kopi O Kosong at the Singapore Experience Week (Shout out to team Firefly at MTI, EnterpriseSG and STB for the awesome showcase of our brands at Suzhou Center!) A must-mention highlight for me in Beijing was the showcase at the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Area and getting to ride in one of the Autonomous mini-buses across busy city streets and junctions. What a thrill! We also interacted with tech startups at Shougang Park - a key venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. A big thank you to our Chinese counterparts for their warmth and hospitality and to my fellow Chinese delegates that learnt alongside with us and for the new friendships forged. Of course the cherry on top was the SG delegation itself - a group of high-energy, curious youth crusaders all doing amazing things to make an impact to society. Be the change you want to see folks, and may our paths cross again! National Youth Council Singapore All-China Youth Federation 中华全国青年联合会 Enterprise Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) Singapore Tourism Board
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You got me interested in the duck! 😂
Faridah Saad great experience! 👏🏼
Partner at Meet Ventures | Ex-COO of Southeast Asia's Largest Healthcare (Dental) Group | I&E Fellow & Scholar | Experienced Board Member - Government Org., NPOs & NGOs
1moYes you got me interested in the duck too! Btw were you helping to lead the delegation or are you one of the youth delegates? Hope you had a great trip.