Xi Jinping at NUS
Mr Xi acknowledging the resounding applause from the audience. From left: NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, Mr Teo, Mr Xi and ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Chairman Prof Wang Gungwu
The President of the People's Republic of China (PRC) His Excellency Mr Xi Jinping delivered the 36th Singapore Lecture titled-Forging A Strong Partnership to Enhance Prosperity of Asia at NUS on 7 November.
Mr Xi began by acknowledging that NUS, with a history of 110 years, is both renowned in Asia and internationally and has produced many Singaporean leaders such as the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, Mr S R Nathan and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. "Indeed, NUS has produced a galaxy of talents and outstanding public leaders for Singapore, he added.
"NUS champions the vision that there should be no walls around minds, no walls to ideas, no walls to talents and no walls between discovery. Such a no-walls culture embodies the creative, enterprising, open and inclusive spirit of Singapore, an important factor contributing to the success of NUS and Singapore. Mr Xi also said that the achievements of Singapore are widely recognised and congratulated Singaporeans on its success.
Mr Xi delivering the Singapore Lecture
He paid tribute to "two great statesmen Mr Deng Xiaoping and Mr Lee Kuan Yew who have contributed immensely towards the growth of bilateral ties between China and Singapore. "Their great achievements will always be remembered, he noted, adding that he hoped the younger generation would carry forward this friendship.
Mr Xi further spoke on China's engagement with Singapore and other ASEAN countries. He reaffirmed that China is committed to building peace, stability and neighbourhood diplomacy within the region and looked forward to more regional and economic cooperation.
Guests who attended the lecture included Singapore Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong; Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean who was the Moderator for the event; Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat who was Minister-in-Attendance; Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Acting Minister for Education (Schools) Mr Ng Chee Meng; Senior Minister of State for Transport Mrs Josephine Teo; and Singapore's Ambassador to the PRC and NUS alumnus Mr Stanley Loh.
Mr Xi engaging with (from left) Mr Robert Ng, Prof Tan and Prof Wang
Mr Xi was in Singapore on his first official state visit, since becoming President in 2013, to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations between both nations. He was accompanied by his wife, Madam Peng Liyuan, members of the Communist Party of China Central Committee as well as ministers and other senior officials.
The Lecture, held under the distinguished Chairmanship of Mr Teo Chee Hean, was organised by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and held at NUS.
The Singapore Lecture is one of the intellectual highlights of Singapore, which provides a platform for distinguished statesmen and thought leaders to speak on topics of international and regional interest. The Lecture benefits members of the civil service, business community, diplomatic corps, academic community and media, as they will gain insight into these topics from eminent personalities.
Read Mr Xi's speech.
View Mr Xi's address in Mandarin and English.
See media coverage.
