THE eighth edition of Singapore’s cultural diplomacy platform, Spotlight Singapore, is set to take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from Oct 19 to Oct 23 this year.
Spotlight Singapore was launched in 2006, as a means of fostering mutual understanding and business exchanges between Singapore and the world’s growth-leading economies through arts and culture. Past editions have taken place in cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Moscow, Delhi and Cape Town.
Lee Suan Hiang, chairman of the organiser Global Cultural Alliance, noted that Spotlight Singapore “has proven to be a successful platform for entrepreneurs to leverage the soft power of culture to create more business opportunities”.
This year’s Spotlight Singapore in Vietnam (SSVietnam) will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of strategic partnerships between both countries.
Lee said that SSVietnam has been developed in recognition of the “importance of supporting Singapore’s young entrepreneurs as they expand” beyond the city-state.
The event is also aimed at benefiting businesses in Vietnam and the region. Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC), said: “Vietnam seeks novel ideas and collaborations from Singapore that leverage science, technology and innovation to drive growth and development in the region.”
Presented by Temasek Foundation, with Sea Limited as its major donor, a delegation of some 200 Singaporean youths, artists and young entrepreneurs will participate in the event. They will explore business opportunities, engage in cultural activities, and foster collaborations with their Vietnamese counterparts.
Government leaders, entrepreneurs, and business consultants will also participate to share insights on Vietnam’s future opportunities, as well as provide advice on establishing a presence in the country.
The Business Times is the official business media partner of SSVietnam.
Other partners and supporters include the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, the NIC, Sun Symphony Orchestra, Sembcorp Development, Saigon Centre, AsiaInvest Group, and The Straits Management.
SOURCE: businesstimes.com.sg