Building relations from the ground up
Over three decades, architect Liu Thai Ker has established himself as a respected adviser to China's city and provincial leaders.
LIU Thai Ker was bestowed with an unexpected honour in the Chinese city of Guilin recently, when officials there asked him to don the traditional gown of an imperial graduate and nod his head in front of a statue of the famous philosopher Confucius.
"It was a gesture of appreciation and goodwill for the work I had done, and it makes me feel very happy that they treat me this way. My relationship with China is not just pure business," he said.
The anecdote reflects the standing that Mr Liu, 76, has with Chinese leaders and planners. It is no exaggeration to say that one of Singapore's most illustrious architects has played a key role in helping to shape China's urban landscape. And now, he has won the Business China Excellence Award.
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