9 Oct 2024
On October 9, 2024, Singapore’s Minister of Transport and Second Minister of Finance, Chee Hong Tat, emphasized the resilience of economic and trade exchanges between Singapore and China’s Shandong Province despite global economic challenges. Speaking at the China Shandong-Singapore High-Level Open Cooperation and Exchange Conference, Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted Shandong's importance in bilateral trade, noting its role as China's third-largest economy. Despite a global economic downturn, trade relations between Singapore and Shandong have remained stable, with a compound annual growth rate of 25% in total trade volume since 2020. Additionally, Singaporean investments in Shandong have flourished, resulting in over 2,100 projects to date.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Key milestones in this relationship include the Singapore-Shandong Economic and Trade Council, established in 1993. This council was Singapore’s first bilateral economic and trade initiative with a Chinese provincial government, underscoring the long-standing collaboration between the two regions. The inaugural Shandong Week in Singapore, held from October 7-11, 2024, showcased the strength of these ties and included the signing of 48 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Singaporean and Shandong entities. These agreements cover urban solutions, transportation, healthcare, and the creation of a Green Digital Shipping Corridor—a notable project between Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority and Shandong’s Department of Transportation.
Fun Learners' School: Advancing Educational Collaboration
In a parallel effort to deepen Singapore-Shandong relations, Fun Learners' School joined the educational partnership by signing an MOU to promote cross-border educational excellence. This MOU, which was signed during the high-level cooperation conference, signals a commitment to exchanging teaching methodologies, resources, and learning programs. Fun Learners' School, led by co-founder Ms Pei Pei Cha, will contribute its proprietary Learn Apply Mastery (LAMTM) method while incorporating fresh insights from Shandong’s education system. This initiative will introduce cultural exchange programs, joint academic projects, and new pedagogical tools that will enrich students' learning experiences.
A Shared Vision for Growth and Innovation
Shandong, which is increasingly focused on green economy initiatives, trade, connectivity, and modern services, also places great importance on progressive education. By collaborating with institutions like Fun Learners' School, the province aims to foster intellectual growth and innovation that extends beyond borders. The educational partnership between Singapore and Shandong is expected to benefit students in both regions, providing them with a global perspective and key skills for the future workforce.
This shared commitment to economic and educational collaboration reflects both regions' goals of sustainability, innovation, and global leadership. With ongoing projects in clean energy, urban renewal, and the Good Products Shandong showroom in Singapore, the Singapore-Shandong relationship is set to thrive across multiple sectors.
As Fun Learners' School continues to expand its role in global education, this partnership with Shandong marks a significant milestone, ensuring that students are prepared for an interconnected world while contributing to the broader economic and educational ties between Singapore and Shandong. https://www.8world.com/singapore/singapore-and-shandong-china-to-strengthen-collaboration-2589361
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20241009-5008910