Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Heng Swee Keat, spearheaded a delegation of around 30 members on a significant voyage to Shenzhen, China’s dynamic tech hub, on Tuesday.
In a meticulously planned itinerary, the delegation embarked on a journey through the technological frontiers of Shenzhen, paying visits to a constellation of leading enterprises. Among these were the innovative technology firm XtalPi, the Tencent-owned digital banking trailblazer WeBank, the cutting-edge tech entity SmartMore, and the industrial laser technology pioneer Han’s Laser. Additionally, they explored the Qianhai Exhibition Hall, an immersive experience shedding light on Qianhai’s swift evolution and its pivotal role in piloting China’s reform and opening up initiatives, while catalyzing the advancement of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Engaging in cordial dialogues with corporate luminaries, Heng displayed a fervent interest in delving into the intricacies of the companies’ technological marvels. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he was often spotted capturing moments with his mobile device or immersing himself in hands-on interactions with the showcased products.
At XtalPi, an AI and robotics-driven technology venture, Heng marveled at the company’s endeavors to expedite the discovery and design of groundbreaking drugs and materials, harnessing the power of quantum physics, AI, and robotic automation.
The visit to WeBank, China’s pioneer in online banking, showcased the latest fintech breakthroughs, including the fruitful outcomes of Singapore’s inaugural fintech research center, jointly established by WeBank and Nanyang Technological University in 2019. Heng emphasized the significance of inclusive lending and convenient financial services in mitigating the financing challenges faced by small enterprises, particularly amidst crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, commending the bank’s substantial investments in technology.
At SmartMore, a purveyor of intelligent manufacturing solutions, Heng was introduced to state-of-the-art technologies with transformative potential across diverse industries by the company’s president and chief technology officer.
Visiting Han’s Laser, a prominent manufacturer of laser equipment, Heng marveled at the advancements driving China’s manufacturing prowess. Exploring the company’s smart manufacturing base in Bao’an District, he immersed himself in the array of laser equipment and welding machines, even trying his hand at glass laser engraving.
Heng’s official sojourn to China, spanning from April 7th to 12th, underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. The visit, characterized by robust high-level engagements, not only augments bilateral cooperation but also provides a fertile ground for discourse on regional and global affairs, as articulated by a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office Singapore.