SCFA’s 14th Council Visits Beijing and Heilongjiang

The delegation arrived in Beijing on 31 July and gathered that evening at Hai Tian Lou in the Kerry Centre for dinner with old and new friends. Guests included Zheng Chao, Yu Haibo and Yu Yunfeng, who had previously served at the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, together with representatives of the Singapore Embassy in Beijing. The gathering also celebrated Prof Phua Kok Khoo’s birthday, with guests expressing their appreciation for his longstanding efforts to promote friendship and exchanges between the two countries.

On the morning of 1 August, the delegation visited the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). Vice President Yuan Mindao, Southeast Asian Affairs Department Director Zhu Dan, Deputy Director Zhang Peng and Division Director Xu Yiyi welcomed the visitors and recognised SCFA’s contribution to people-to-people exchanges. Both sides reviewed decades of cooperation and discussed future opportunities in education, science and technology, and youth exchanges. SCFA also outlined plans for cultural activities such as a commemorative photo exhibition and a Chinese film festival. At noon, the delegation attended the Singapore National Day reception hosted by the Singapore Embassy at the China World Hotel. That afternoon, members flew to Harbin, where Wang Xiaosong and the Heilongjiang friendship association team welcomed them at Taiping International Airport.

From 2 to 6 August, the Harbin programme introduced the delegation to the city’s heritage and development. At Volga Manor, members watched Russian-style performances and explored the meeting of Chinese and Russian cultures. They visited an agricultural group’s exhibition centre, met representatives of the Heilongjiang and Harbin federations of returned overseas Chinese, and explored potential cooperation in trade and food processing at Qiulin Kvass Food Group. A visit to the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army offered an occasion to reflect on history and the importance of peace. Wu Wenge, President of the Heilongjiang People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, also hosted a dinner for the delegation.

On 3 August, the delegation visited Daqing to learn about the development of China’s energy industry. Exhibitions at Daqing Museum and the Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall introduced the city’s industrial history and the perseverance associated with its petroleum industry. Daqing Mayor Li Yansong and other municipal leaders accompanied the visit and hosted lunch at the municipal reception centre. Discussions covered energy cooperation, technology exchanges and cultural development, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening future cooperation.

On 4 August, the delegation visited Mudanjiang, where Party Secretary Zhang Guojun and Mayor Yang Yong received the group. Members toured Jingpo Lake and Diaoshuilou Waterfall and watched a team diving performance against the dramatic natural scenery. On 5 August, the visit continued to the International Rice Park and the core production area of Xiangshui rice. Members explored digital agricultural management and traceability systems, followed the journey from rice fields to the dining table, and tasted local rice. The visit offered insights into agricultural upgrading and the international development of local products.

On 6 August, members visited the Wu Lien-teh Memorial Hall in Harbin to learn about his contribution to public health, followed by lunch in the Chinese Baroque historic quarter. That afternoon, Heilongjiang Vice Governor Yu Jian met the delegation, together with representatives of the province’s education, culture and tourism, and foreign affairs departments. Discussions focused on platforms for Singapore–China exchanges and closer cultural and economic cooperation. In the evening, the group attended a Harbin Summer Music Concert with friends from Heilongjiang.

The delegation concluded its visit on 7 August, with Wang Xiaosong and colleagues seeing the group off at Harbin Airport. The journey strengthened personal connections and opened further possibilities for cooperation between communities and cities. SCFA will continue to promote future exchanges and projects that sustain friendship between the people of Singapore and China.