SINGAPORE - The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) has launched a platform for its scholars to share experiences and contribute to society.

This was announced at a Chinese New Year celebration hosted by SCCCI and Business China on Feb 16 (Friday) and attended by close to 600 foreign diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders and trade association members.

Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung, was the guest-of-honour. He launched the SCCCI Scholars Network, a platform that "aims to bring together wisdom, experiences and networks" of their previous scholarship recipients "so as to contribute back to the society", said SCCCI, in a statement.

"As we all know, to be a successful businessman, you need relationships and networks. In addition, I hope this network will encourage the sharing of industry knowledge, especially from experienced members to budding young members, and promote the spirit of volunteerism and giving back to the community," said Mr Ong.

Since 1967, the chamber has awarded close to 2,000 scholarships.

"The key significance in setting up the Scholars Network is to cultivate a new generation of talents, help them discover their potential, develop their capabilities so that they can make practical contribution towards the country's development, and guide them to inherit good values of Chinese entrepreneurs and the spirit of giving back," said SCCCI president Roland Ng.

The scholar's network will be led by Dr Wilson Goh, a former recipient in 1988.