InfoAnda - Eyeing China, Singapore sees Mandarin as its future

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

East Asia's web of FTAs boosts business, ADB says | 14 April 2009
Yahoo! apologises for lap dance at event in Taiwan | 21 October 2009
Iran president on controversial visit to Zimbabwe | | 22 April 2010

Taiwan opposition scores fresh election win | 10 January 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Eyeing China, Singapore sees Mandarin as its future

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Eyeing China, Singapore sees Mandarin as its future Reuters - Wednesday, September 16 By Nopporn Wong-Anan SINGAPORE - A cacophony of Mandarin and English echo through the streets of Singapore's Chinatown as crowds of shoppers buy joss sticks and fruit as offerings to the spirits during the Seventh Month Ghost Festival. ADVERTISEMENT English has long united the ethnically diverse island-state but Singapore's leaders now foresee a time when Mandarin will be the country's dominant language and they are aggressively encouraging their people to become fluent in Chinese. "Both English and Mandarin are important because in different situations you use either language. But Mandarin has become more important," said Chinatown shopkeeper Eng Yee Lay. Hit hard by the global slowdown, strengthening ties with China has taken on a strategic imperative in Singapore which seeks to leverage the bilingual skills of its ethnic Chinese majority to get a larger slice of China's fast expanding economic pie. "With the growing importance of China on the world stage, Chinese Singaporeans who are competent in the language and familiar with the culture would have a distinct advantage when working and interacting with Chinese nationals," Lim Sau Hoong, chairwoman of the Promote Mandarin Council, told Reuters. The government-sponsored campaign to promote Mandarin began in 1979 to unite under one language Singapore's disparate Chinese communities that spoke a multitude of dialects passed on by their ancestors who came from China in the 19th and early 20th century. Unifying the Chinese majority in a country with sizeable Malay and Indian minorities was a priority and in the early days the Speak Mandarin Campaign discouraged ethnic Chinese from speaking the dialects that prevailed such as Hokkien. Now, with a majority of Singaporeans speaking Mandarin in their homes, according to government figures, the focus is on improving fluency in spoken and written Mandarin. "In two generations, Mandarin will become our mother tongue," said Singapore's first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew at the launch of the 2009 Speak Mandarin Campaign earlier this year. His vision is for Singapore to become China's Southeast Asia hub as it expands its commercial interests in the region, while Singapore firms would entrench their positions in China, giving them a first-mover advantage over foreign firms. Already, despite its small demographic size, Singapore was China's third largest foreign investor with total foreign direct investment of S$6.5 billion in 2008, a 40 percent rise from 2007, according to the Chinese government. Trade between the countries has risen 17-fold since 1991 to S$91.4 billion in 2008. TRADE AND CULTURAL TIES Singapore has come a long way since the 1970s when its Cambridge-educated Lee was suspicious of Maoist China's designs on the region and focussed on keeping the country predominantly English speaking and aligned with anti-Communist powers, the United States and UK. As Singapore prepares to mark two decades of ties with China next year, 20,000 Singaporeans are working in China and scores of joint ventures are underway. Among them is the construction of an "eco-city" in Tianjin, near Beijing, which is being designed to use renewable energy, recycled water and has an extensive public transport system. Singapore's senior cabinet minister and head of its Monetary Authority, Goh Chok Tong, discussed the project with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during a visit to China last week. Among Singapore investors in China are offshore oil rig builder Keppel Corp, bank DBS, water treatment firm Hyflux, energy services provider Rotary Engineering and Raffles Education. Singapore developer CapitaLand, which aims to build 58 malls across 40 Chinese cities, said this month it planned to nearly double the value of its assets in China to $8 billion, or 45 percent of its overall assets. Singapore is proving to be a fertile recruiting ground for Mandarin-speaking middle and senior managers to run multinationals' operations in China where a lack of qualified managers has held back expansion plans by many foreign firms. MITIGATING RISK The financial crisis took a toll on Singapore's export dependent economy, reducing annual economic growth to just 1.1 percent in 2008, compared to around 8.2 percent between 2004-2007, and creating the highest unemployment rate in five years. Strengthening ties with China is seen as mitigating Singapore's risk. China is expected to become Singapore's largest single market for non-oil exports this year, overtaking the United States, says economist Irvin Seah at Singapore's top bank DBS Group. "We use the term 'China-ready,' meaning we will just have to grow with them," IE Singapore CEO Chong Lit Cheong, whose state agency promotes Singapore firms' investment abroad, told Reuters. "As far as China grows 7 to 8 percent a year in a foreseeable future, we will continue to have a bigger presence there." Singaporeans were among the first foreign investors in China after Deng Xiaoping adopted a market economy in 1978. Singapore's then prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, still in the cabinet, has visited China almost every year. After Deng's 1992 remarks to officials to "learn from the world and, especially Singapore, and do better than Singapore," thousands of Chinese officials started flooding the city-state for trips and university degree programmes in administration. Around three-quarters of Singapore's population are ethnic Chinese, giving many of its businessmen a cultural advantage versus the West, but the government is also trying to strengthen understanding of the Chinese culture and mindset. "Although we speak the same language, when we look at issues we are different," said IE Singapore's Chong. "The next step is how we see China in a Chinese perspective." Business China, an agency under Lee's patronage, is tasked to "groom 20,000 to 30,000 bilingual and bi-cultural Singaporeans with the ability to communicate effectively in the China market." Eugene Aw, a 22-year-old Singaporean, sees his professional future in China after studying for his degree in the UK and turning down a job with an American multinational firm. "I realised that Asia wouldn't wait for me. For now I intend to stay local to gain exposure, contacts, and especially capital. And then if I can, I will spring into China." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Asia Pacific Japan parliament convenes to elect prime ministerAP - Wednesday, September 16 Chinese city aims for media openness: state pressAFP - Wednesday, September 16 Japan's new PM, cabinet to take powerAFP - Wednesday, September 16 Climate protesters board ship off NZAP - Wednesday, September 16 War-weary Asian nations offer new treats for touristsAFP - Wednesday, September 16 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Mafia sank boat with radioactive waste: official Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel Obama lashes out at Wall Street Depression harms cancer survival rates: study Nestle warns of possible exit from Switzerland View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Iraqi shoe thrower released; says he was tortured
Medvedev says could run again for Russian president
China, Russia 'aggressive' in cyberspace: US intelligence
Mortars hit Baghdad Green Zone during Biden visit | International |
Bernanke says US recession 'likely over' technically
HP shows off new ultra-thin PCs, stylish netbook
Outrage at early release of Bosnian Serb 'Iron Lady'
Chinese schools quietly discard controversial Web filter
Israel, Palestinians committed 'war crimes' in Gaza: UN
Lotus granted 13th entry for 2010 Formula One
Baghdad Green Zone attacked during Biden visit
Evidence of Israel, Hamas war crimes in Gaza: U.N | International |
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush released from jail
US military chief backs more troops for Afghan war
Israel committed 'war crimes' in Gaza: UN probe chief
Iran sees better cooperation with nuclear watchdog | International |
Mass grave unearthed in Afghanistan
Biden back in Iraq to keep up pressure
Mexico's Calderon faces fight over attorney general | International |
Pandemic flu harder to survive in poor nations: WHO | International |
Iran agrees new cooperation with atom watchdog
Berlusconi's rift with ally deepens with lawsuit | International |
Worry grows that new Japan leaders lack experience
Thailand to use harsh law for Thaksin coup rally
Malaysia releases five militant suspects
Malaysia frees 5 untried terror suspects
Straziuso appointed AP bureau chief in Nairobi
Google updates browser, plans to gain share | Technology |
Washington talking about ban on nuclear blasts
Daughters of ex-Myanmar PMs 'to join new party'
Fla. student stabbed to death in fight at school
Wall Street Journal to charge mobile readers | Technology |
Chinese ban transport of explosives in Urumqi
Ohio preps for execution of man who killed girl
Bernanke says recession 'very likely over'
World teens cutting spending on clothes, games | Technology |
Thailand invokes security law ahead of protest
Iraq shoe-thrower goes into hiding after release
No venture capital? Web start-ups look elsewhere | Technology |
China says data show U.S. tyre tariff not fair
EPA tightens limits on power plant water pollution
Japan's incoming govt lines up key cabinet ministers
Frenchman jailed in Cambodia for sex with teen
Health care issues: Shortage of doctors
GOP's Wilson faces rebuke Tuesday from House Dems
Coca-Cola says 2nd ex-employee in China detained
China warns US tyre tariffs will harm trade ties
Emmy Countdown: Bacon, Sedgwick among presenters
Kiefer Sutherland to head new acting school
Japan Airlines aims to conclude tie-up talks soon
Philippine unemployment rate rises to 7.6 percent
UK comedian Eddie Izzard completes epic run
Letterman appearance latest for Obama media blitz
Clive Owen sheds macho image for "Boys are Back"
U.S. shoppers bold with fashion during downturn
Tarantino sees "Basterds" saving Weinstein brothers
Spring opening for Harry Potter theme park | Entertainment |
Obama to appear on Letterman TV show Monday | Entertainment |
New Leno show draws big audiences, lukewarm reviews
Spain moves upmarket to attract more tourists
Drew Barrymore wins early raves for directing debut | Entertainment |
Lebanon aims to boost 'paths of faith' religious tourism
Tarantino sees Basterds saving Weinstein brothers | Entertainment |
Sweden wants EU 'snus' tobacco ban to go up in smoke
London 'divorce capital of Europe': top lawyer
Clive Owen sheds macho image for Boys are Back | Entertainment |
U.S. shoppers bold with fashion during downturn | Entertainment |
Dan Brown novel hits stores under pressure to sell | Entertainment |
Oracle ends computer tie-up with HP
Al Qaeda calls for foreign kidnappings in Afghanistan | International |
Mafia sank boat with radioactive waste: official
US drug regulator approves swine flu vaccine
NATO chief calls for closer ties with Russia: report
Iraq shoe-thrower flies out after release
Cablevision rolls out interactive ads for viewers
New Japan PM faces hurdles on economy, U.S. ties | International |
Several in Europe's auto sector looking for recovery
Abobe buying Omniture in 1.8 bln dlr deal
Iran opposition leaders to join mass rally despite warnings
Somali rebels call for foreign reinforcements | International |
Facebook hits financial milestone
Mortars hit Baghdad Green Zone during Biden visit
ABC sorry it tweeted Obama's 'jackass' comment
Wall Street Journal to charge for mobile access: Murdoch
NATO chief calls for engagement with Russia: report | International |
South American officials fail to reach arms deal | International |
US government takes leap into the Internet 'cloud'
Wall Street Journal to charge mobile readers
World teens cutting spending on clothes, games
More U.S. troops needed for Afghan war: Mullen | International |
Home of suspected Calif. kidnapper searched again
Intel official: US safer from al-Qaida
HP shows off new ultra-thin PCs, stylish netbook | Technology |
Technician in custody in Yale grad student slaying
Oracle ends computer tie-up with HP | Technology |
Police: Texas teen hugs mother, stabs her in back
Cablevision rolls out interactive ads for viewers | Technology |
SKorea says NKorea unwilling to give up nukes
Pa. judge drops charges against wrestler Angle
Eyeing China, Singapore sees Mandarin as its future
Colo. man denies terrorist ties after NYC raids
Adobe to buy Omniture for $1.8 billion | Technology |
Officials: Attack on Pakistan oil facility stopped
Carter says Wilson's comments 'based on racism'
Japan's PM, Cabinet resign
Court: Contractor's rape case can go to trial
Australia stops boat of suspected asylum seekers
Japan next PM picks Kitazawa as defence min
China, Russia tarred with US intel listing
Conn. police: officer who posed as brother resigns
West appeasing China on Tibet, says PM-in-exile
LA couple to stand trial in alleged hit-run death
Ponting ton keeps Aussies on course for whitewash
UN officials in Afghanistan at odds over election
Carlyle to take 15 pct stake in Taiwan Mobile
SKorea seeks foreign investment to bolster recovery
Fujii accepts job as Japan finance minister
Taiwan's chip makers still face dangers: analysts
S.Korea seen intervening to curb won's rise -traders
Welcome to Dalian, China's high-tech hub
Seoul shares extend gains, up 2 pct on exporters
Taiwan dollar hits 3-mth high on U.S. retail data
India's newest hill station builds for the future
S.Korean bonds rise early, buyback plan helps
Placido Domingo offers free concert in Venezuela
Seoul shares open up on recovery hopes, econ data
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
FCC to take another look at Janet Jackson case
West apologizes to Swift, Obama weighs in on furor | Entertainment |
Bob Dylan to exhibit artwork in Denmark
FCC to take another look at Janet Jackson case | Entertainment |
The new black at NY Fashion Week? Black, of course
Harry Potter theme park opening spring 2010 in Orlando
Actors union to give lifetime award to Betty White
Ron Howard taxman comedy lands at Fox | Entertainment |
DVRs dominate talk at confab | Entertainment |
New York considers calls for smoking ban in parks, beaches
Bob Dylan to exhibit artwork in Denmark | Entertainment |
Actors union to give lifetime award to Betty White | Entertainment |
Whitney Houston says she is "drug-free"
Biden meets in Baghdad with Iraqi officials
Female suicide bomber strikes Chechen capital
US-TECH Summary
1.1 million votes for Afghan leader suspicious: EU | International |
US envoy to press Israel yet again on settlements
Tribal killings stir dark memories in south Sudan
Chinese envoy holds talks in North Korea | International |
Bomber kills herself, injures six in Russia's Chechnya | International |
Israel fights 'perverse' UN report on Gaza
Hariri to try forming Lebanon government again | International |
EU's Barroso wins strong mandate for new term | International |
Iran arrests top dissident cleric's family: report
Iraqi Green Zone attack suspects released | International |
No sign of settlement deal after U.S.-Israel talks | International |
Indonesian president backs anti-graft institutions | International |
Lineup of Japan's new Cabinet
Hatoyama Japan's prime minister, names Cabinet
Facebook makes money, tops 300 million users | Technology |
House considers funding green vehicle research
SKorea voices caution over mooted US-NKorea talks
Prosecution closings at NYC's Astor trial
Racism behind anger toward Obama: Carter
Confidant of SKorea ex-president Roh jailed for graft
Philippine ruling party picks presidential bet
Discarded factory chemicals kill 3 in east China
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Health interests fund senators
Taiwan court rejects ex-leader's detention appeal
Top UN official to press Sri Lanka for rights probe
US envoy, Israeli PM fail to agree on settlements
Indonesia probes anti-graft chiefs for corruption
Japan's new PM takes power in historic shift
The Beatles turn U.S. charts back to 1960s | Entertainment |
Host Kathy Griffin livens up Creative Arts Emmys
West apologizes to Swift, Obama weighs in on furor | Entertainment |
Charles the Bold stars in Vienna exhibit
Israel, the land of milk and gourmet honey
For director Jason Reitman, risky films pay off | Entertainment |
Nelly Furtado releases Spanish album aimed at Latino market | Entertainment |
Paris Crazy Horse shrugs off crisis with strip-tease
Period films 'easier to get past' China's censors
DVRs dominate talk at confab
"Museum" director Shawn Levy is new man of "Steel"
Ron Howard taxman comedy lands at Fox
Obama to appear on David Letterman's talk show
Winner crowned on CBS TV show 'Big Brother 11'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01