The journey ahead
By Tran Nguyen Quoc Khanh
HAW PAR VILLA saw a record high in number of visitors when more than 100 guests attended the Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) Appointment Ceremony at Hua Sung Museum on Thursday.
They gathered to congratulate and bid farewell to several Young Business Ambassadors (YBA), recipients of the SIF’s special business exchange programme before these professionals embark on their overseas trip.
Ten Singaporeans and eight Chinese nationals will begin their 10-week stay in Shanghai and Singapore respectively, beginning this Sunday.
The YBA programme, targeted at professionals between the ages of 21 and 35, was first launched in 2000, marking the start of a Singapore-Australia partnership that placed professionals in Singapore and Melbourne. The SIF expanded the partnership in 2004, adding Shanghai as a new destination.
It was all smiles for everyone, especially the ambassadors who had a chance to mingle with the previous year’s batch during an informal buffet dinner. All of them appeared ready and eager for the new experience.
Claudia Chin, a planner with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, was excited about the upcoming trip. “I talked to some of the former ambassadors and the responses were quite positive. They all said it was a good learning experience and they had made more contacts and friends along the way. Some actually started their own business over the contacts they made through the programme.”
Of course, it was not always rosy. “Some [of the YBAs] shared with me how hard it was for them to adapt to a totally new environment with all the hassles that came along. It is good to know, but I certainly believe I can deal with that.”
“I am really looking forward to the trip”, she added.
She is one of the Singaporean YBAs who will stay in Shanghai for a 10-week work stint.
Now in its fifth year, the YBA Singapore-China programme, has received positive feedback from its participants. SIF is considering expanding its programme to India.
“We already engaged in discussions with Indian officials to set up the programme, but nothing is final yet. However, we aim to really get moving with the India initiative next year,” said Geraldine Ee, SIF’s International Networking Manager.
If the plan pans out, more younger Singaporeans will have the opportunity to go overseas and immerse themselves in a different cultural and professional environment.
