On 30 April 2023, SingCham Shanghai organised a Student Orientation Party for 25 undergraduate, graduate and exchange students from Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, and East China Normal University. This is the first in-person student orientation held after a hiatus of four years due to the pandemic, and this momentous event serves to welcome students to Shanghai, and connect them with Singaporean mentors with rich work-life experience in Shanghai to help them assimilate.

Ms Tham Wanrong, Deputy Consul-General, kickstarted the event with a welcome speech. She expressed delight in meeting the students and mentors face-to-face, and noted the importance of the spirit of solidarity, which was what tided the Singaporean community through the pandemic, and will continue to support overseas Singaporeans moving forward. She was heartened to see that students have the opportunity to participate in events and network beyond the school setting, and wished students a fulfilling journey in Shanghai.

 Ms. Tham WanRong, Singapore Deputy Consul-General in Shanghai

Mr Henry Cheng, Vice Chairman of SingCham Shanghai, then gave an opening address to welcome everyone. Henry introduced SingCham’s mission and history, and strongly encouraged the students to step out of their comfort zones in their time in China and pursue uncharted paths. Using Xuhuiyuan’s unique history as an example, he highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural nuances the city has to offer, and advised the students to grasp the opportunity to explore China’s vibrant landscape.

 Mr Henry Cheng, Vice Chairman of SingCham Shanghai 

Mr Jonathan Wang, CEO of Xuhuiyuan, delivered a keynote address next. He echoed Wanrong’s and Henry’s sentiments, and illustrated his experiences doing business in China as a Singaporean. He emphasised how Singaporeans’ bilingualism and biculturalism are effective tools in the workforce, and how we should learn to tap on our unique positioning to serve as a bridge between the East and the West.

Mr Jonathan Wang, CEO of Xuhuiyuan 

Following that, with the facilitation of Ms Catherine Thai, Executive Director of SingCham Shanghai, the student mentors introduced themselves: Dr Vincent Chia, Managing Director (China) of Raffles China Healthcare; Ms Tan Lee Lee, Director (Business Advisory) of SBA Stone Forest ; Mr Daniel Koh, Managing Director（Greater China Region）of SGK; Mr Samuel Tan, Vice President (IT Regional Lead Asia Pasific) of Bosch (China) Investment and Mr Ronnie Ng, Co-founder of simplyBrand.

 Ms Catherine Thai, Executive Director of SingCham Shanghai

Dr Vincent Chia, Managing Director (China) of Raffles China Healthcare

Thereafter, everyone went on a tour around Xuhuiyuan, and marvelled at its unique history and architecture that is infused with Singapore elements.

After the tour, dinner commenced! Everyone was treated to a wide spread of delectable food, and had a wonderful time mingling with old and new friends alike.

The night ended on a high note, with everyone enjoying the food and company. The students also left with many takeaways. Ho Yu Ning, President of Fudan University Singapore Students’ Association, says, “As someone relatively new to Shanghai, I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know the mentors and learn from their experiences in various fields!”

This event would not have been successful without the contributions from the following parties. We would like to express sincere gratitude towards the Consulate General of Singapore and Singapore Global Network for the staunch support, Xuhuiyuan for providing the venue and assisting with the coordination, and Henry, Cath and Jamie for facilitating. Last but not least, a huge shoutout to the mentors who took time off their schedule to come speak to the students. Thank you for showing us what is meant by #kampungspirit!