SINGAPORE - The National Library has launched a new resource centre to help students looking for internship opportunities abroad, and also those who want to live and work overseas.
The centre, located at Level 7 of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library at the National Library in Bugis, will be equipped with books and digital resources profiling 10 countries in Asia. The resources will also include first-hand accounts of business people and students who have worked and interned abroad.
Those interested can also access the 'Eye on Asia' resource centre as a free online portal. It has added features including a job search section which showcases internship openings, among others.
The resource centre now provides access to information on living and working in China and the nine ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
"Information on India will be uploaded on the portal by the end of this year," said National Library director Wai Yin Pryke at the launch on Saturday (Feb 10).
'Eye on Asia' was developed by the National Library, International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore), Business China and International Trading Institute @ Singapore Management University.
The resource centre comes in the wake of recommendations by the Committee on the Future Economy to deepen and diversify international connections, and to help the young in Singapore to acquire Global-Asia market insights and immerse themselves in overseas markets.
In a statement, the National Library Board said: "As many students and young professionals tap on the National Library's resources, it is timely to put up information that will help them understand more about countries in the region and learn about the experiences of others who have ventured abroad."
Guest of honour Chee Hong Tat said based on current trends, Asia will account for the largest share of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, at around 40 per cent.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health said there is a need to build up Singapore's connections with emerging Asian economies.
"ASEAN is currently the sixth largest economy in the world with a combined GDP of US$2.5 trillion (S$3.3 trillion), and is expected to grow into the fourth largest market by 2030, after the European Union, US and China," he added.
He said besides being a fast-growing market with more than 600 million people, ASEAN is also Singapore's hinterland with strategic and economic importance to the Republic.
It is therefore in Singapore's interest to know ASEAN well, including the region's rich history and diverse cultures.
In this regard, Business China and Ngee Ann Polytechnic will launch a two-day course in May for young working professionals.
China-Ready: Insights into Asia's Economic Giant will provide an overview of China's socio-economic development, insights on factors that have shaped the way Chinese businesses operate, and modern-day business practices in China. The course will include a learning journey to a leading Chinese company.
The National Library will organise monthly talks and panel discussions to supplement the resources at 'Eye on Asia'.
The open-access website can be found at http://www.eyeonasia.sg/
