The government of a Chinese city has lauded the efforts of a Singaporean to nurture business ties between professionals here and in China.

Professor Cham Tao Soon, 74, was presented with the Magnolia Award on Monday at a ceremony in Shanghai, for his work as governor of the Singapore International Foundation.

The annual award, given out by the city's municipal government, is named after Shanghai's city flower. It honours foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to the city's social and economic development.

Prof Cham was recognised for his contributions in championing the foundation's Singapore-China Young Business Ambassadors Programme.

The exchange programme provides young Singaporean and Shanghainese business professionals the opportunity to work and live in each other's cities for between 10 and 12 weeks.

A total of 77 Chinese and Singaporean young business professionals have taken part in the programme since its launch in 2004.