Business China honours Liu Thai Ker

Singapore

LIU Thai Ker, often hailed as Singapore's Father of Urban Planning, has been awarded the top honour for excellence at the 2014 Business China Awards for his contributions to Singapore-China relations.

Two others - the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and local singer-songwriter JJ Lin - were also recognised at Tuesday night's ceremony, organised by Business China and jointly presented by OCBC Bank.

Dr Liu, 76, has been described as being instrumental in changing the Republic's urban housing scene from "large-scale estates" to self-sufficient new towns, during his time as the former chief architect and chief executive officer of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) from 1969 to 1989.

The senior director at RSP Architects Planners & Engineers was also the chief planner and CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) between 1989 and 1992 and had formulated URA's concept plan 1991 for the nation's development into the 21st century.

Not only was Dr Liu the brains behind Singapore's housing foundation, he is also the planning adviser to more than 30 Chinese cities, including Yangzhou in Jiangsu and Zhuhai in Guangdong.

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Dr Liu's major achievements include being the first in the world and also the first Singaporean architect to be involved in designing the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, as well as the China Cultural Centre; and was also appointed chairman of the jury for the masterplan of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Park.

The apex of the Chinese business community in Singapore, the SCCCI, received the 2014 Business China Enterprise Award for its role in facilitating Singapore-China trade. Its active role in government-led Singapore-China Business Councils promoting bilateral trade and development was also recognised.

The SCCCI helps local companies in their forays into the Chinese market and arranges business missions to China, helping its members open channels to Chinese trade. The chamber also spearheaded the establishment of Business China, encouraging young Singaporeans to inculcate themselves in the Chinese language and culture.

Into its fifth year, the awards also recognised homegrown singer Lin Jun Jie for his various contributions, presenting him with the Young Achiever Award. Besides being a hot favourite at music award shows, the 33-year-old singer has been promoting Singapore's image in Asia and China through his role as a tourism ambassador.

With a large part of his career based in China, Lin was even chosen as one of the torch bearers of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games - the only overseas artiste to do so. His Business China award was accepted by his father and brother.

Speaking at the gala dinner, Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, noted that Sino-Singapore ties will enter their 25th year in 2015.

Mr Teo said that the two countries continue to extend bilateral relations far beyond mere statistics even as the economic relations scale new heights. Recounting the relationship between the two countries during the pre-independence days until today, he said that Singaporeans need to stay updated about the rapid changes in China's social, economic and political conditions and augment skillsets and strategies to remain relevant.

The Business China Awards honour outstanding entrepreneurs, businessmen, professionals and organisations for their contributions to Singapore-China relations.

Launched in 2010, the awards also aim to promote bilingualism and biculturalism in Singapore. The three recipients were chosen by an 11-member panel led by Lim Chee Onn, a board member of Business China.

*Business China Awards