Up first was Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, who was in the Chinese capital for the showcase of Singapore arts and culture.

At the Singapore Seminar, held yesterday morning at the Raffles Beijing Hotel, he told 200 Chinese businessmen why Singapore was perfect for China companies looking for a springboard for global expansion.

He highlighted Singapore's established track record as a marketplace for global companies and talent; its extensive free trade agreements with major international markets like the United States; and its pro-business environment, with developed infrastructure and protection of intellectual property.

In his speech, he also painted the Republic as a vibrant city with an ideal living environment, mentioning upcoming projects that are creating buzz, such as the integrated resorts and Formula One Singapore Grand Prix race.

Calling the month-long Season an 'important platform for encouraging multi-faceted cultural exchange', he added that he hoped the seminar would strengthen the commercial relationship between the two countries.

One of those who attended, Mr Xin Xueqing, 40, secretary-general of the Beijing Software Industry Association's financial service division, described the seminar as 'a good chance to meet high-level officials who can address specific issues'.

He said: 'Singapore is quite a globalised city with a lot of investment opportunities and I would like to meet Singaporeans involved in venture capital and fund management investments.'

A memorandum of understanding was also signed by the Singapore Media Development Authority and the State Administration of Radio, Film and TV yesterday, signalling more collaborations in areas like digital and high-definition production.

Ending the first day of the Season with a bang was the Singapore Evening gala dinner for 1,250 guests at the grand ballroom of the China World Hotel.

In his speech, Minister for Information, Communications and The Arts Lee Boon Yang expressed hopes for a successful Season that would 'mark the beginning of a new chapter in our arts and cultural partnership which will bring Singapore and China even closer together'.

Guests enjoyed a nine-course dinner concocted by celebrated Singapore chefs Martin Aw Yong and Jereme Leung.

There was also a performance by singer Sun Ho and a fashion show featuring 15 creations by designer Ashley Isham.

The Singapore Season, organised by 14 government agencies, continues today with a series of events including a media business forum, several art exhibition openings and a Singapore film festival.

The Season will move to Shanghai later this month.

hxinyi@sph.com.sg