Lianhe Zaobao launched It Matters - The Future Of Us last night, a five-episode Chinese talk show featuring experts discussing different aspects of Singapore's future economy.
The series is produced in line with the Committee on the Future Economy's (CFE) plans to finalise its recommendations and release its final report next month.
The CFE aims to keep the Singapore economy competitive by preparing the country for the future and identifying areas of growth with regard to regional and global developments.
The series is produced by Singapore Press Holdings' Chinese Media Group (CMG) Digital, supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information and the CFE, and sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank.
Each 30-minute episode will air on Tuesdays at 9.30pm on StarHub TV (E City, Channel 111/825) and zaobao.sg. The next day, Lianhe Zaobao will follow up with news stories on the issues discussed.
In the first episode last night, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Deputy Chairman of the CFE, shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the Singapore economy moving ahead.
He was joined by Ms Janet Ang, Vice-President, Industry Solutions, Systems of Engagement & Smarter Cities of IBM Asia Pacific; Mr Max Loh, Asean and Singapore managing partner of professional services company EY; Ms Ngo Min Ying, Global Head, Priority Banking Segment of Standard Chartered Bank; and Lianhe Zaobao editor Goh Sin Teck.
The other four episodes focusing on globalisation strategy, digital economy, jobs and skills, and future city infrastructure, will feature Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth; Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State for National Development, and Trade and Industry; and Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, and Trade and Industry.
Mr Goh said: "The future direction of the Singapore economy matters to each and every one, including corporates, workers and students. As the most widely circulated Chinese newspaper in Singapore, Lianhe Zaobao should play its part to drive relevant discussions and encourage Singaporeans to take a deeper interest in issues concerning our future economy."
Ms Han Yong May, Digital Editor of CMG and Associate Editor of Lianhe Zaobao, described the panellists - political office-holders, business representatives, academics and field experts - as "rising stars in their respective fields", and hopes the discussions will help Singaporeans better understand the concept of the future economy.
"As we progress towards the future economy, the media has to come up with innovative ways of 'storytelling' in order to make it more engaging for the audience. Our digital platform zaobao.sg, which puts together print stories and video footage, is one such effort."
Fabian Koh
