Read the full release

MEDIA RELEASE
6th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council
Meeting Focuses on IP Eco-system and Urban
Rejuvenation in Guangdong
Co-chairmen Minister Lui Tuck Yew and Guangdong Vice Governor Zhao
Yufang witnessed 17 project signings.
MR No.: 047/14
Singapore, Tuesday, 18 November 2014
1.
Guangdong has been a major economic driver for China, leading the country in
economic reforms. It clocked China’s highest GDP for the last 25 years, and achieved
8.5% growth in 2013 1 . This is higher than China’s GDP growth at 7.7% 2 . In
Guangdong’s push towards a knowledge-based economy, it is upgrading its
intellectual property (IP) eco-system to support the province’s emerging knowledge
industries, while rejuvenating its physical and social landscape to keep up with rapid
socio-economic changes.
2.
Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew and Guangdong Vice Governor Zhao Yufang, CoChairmen of the Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) discussed these
at the 6th SGCC meeting today. Both leaders recognised good progress by the SGCC,
especially as a catalyst to Singapore-Guangdong bilateral relations, and highlighted
opportunities for further collaboration.
3.
Said Minister Lui, “There are many opportunities in Guangdong as it transforms. To
help Singapore companies access this potential more effectively, the Council has been
working on key projects with opportunities across the whole value chain. Many of these,
like Guangzhou Knowledge City and Datansha Urban Redevelopment Project, have
been producing good opportunities which companies like BCA International, CPG
1
2
Statistics Bureau of Guangdong Province, February 2014
EIU Country Report, August 2014
International Enterprise Singapore is the lead government agency driving Singapore’s external economy.
IE Media Release 18 November 14
Consultants, EZ-Link, NCS and Surbana have captured. We will continue to develop
such key projects in-line with Guangdong’s development.” (Please refer to Annex 1 for
Minister Lui’s speech at the SGCC meeting)
4.
17 project signings spanning healthcare, transportation, urban solutions and
environmental services sectors were witnessed by Minister Lui and Vice Governor
Zhao after the meeting. They also witnessed the inauguration ceremony of the
Guangdong Enterprise Association (Singapore). (Please refer to Annex 2 for more
details on the signings)
Opportunities for IP Professional Services Providers
5. As Guangdong transforms into a knowledge-based economy, it sees the need for
effective IP management. An IP eco-system complete with a stringent IP regime and
robust network of IP services providers will be required to support the emerging
knowledge-based enterprises in Guangdong.
6. To address this need, Guangzhou Knowledge City (GKC) is setting up the Intellectual
Property Protection and Services Hub. The project has seen positive developments –
China’s State Intellectual Property Office is building the Guangdong Patent
Examination & Cooperation Centre in GKC, while GKC is planning for an IP legal court
and an IP exchange platform to facilitate the trading of IP. Guangdong’s efforts have
also been endorsed by the Central Government who sees the urgency to build up a
robust system to protect intellectual property rights.
7. With the various infrastructures in place, Guangdong has started to build up its pool of
IP practitioners. Singapore professional services providers with expertise in trademark
registration, IP trade, valuation and licensing, IP arbitration services as well as IP
management are encouraged to explore opportunities in the province. Companies
including Rajah & Tann, Wong Partnership, RSM Chio Lim and Singapore International
Arbitration Centre attended the 6th SGCC meeting today to have a better understanding
of Guangdong’s IP management plans.
Urban Rejuvenation in Guangdong
8. Guangdong is looking to build a “Harmonious Guangdong” (和谐广东）as it undergoes
rapid socio-economic changes. More government spending has been committed to
Page 2 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
build communities with social cohesion. One way is through the rejuvenation of ageing
urban districts. The work involves resettling of residents, building physical and social
infrastructure to meet residents’ needs and addressing environmental issues.
Singapore companies with experience in urban planning, transportation, community
management and smart technologies, etc. can capture some of these opportunities.
9. In particular, Surbana is signing an MOU with Guangzhou Development District to
implement its Integrated Estate Management System (IEMS™) in the city. This will
allow officials to monitor facilities in estates 24/7 and provide real-time maintenance,
therefore allowing them to better address the needs of residents.
Bilateral Trade and Investments
10. In 2013, bilateral trade between Singapore and Guangdong grew 2.9% to reach
US$17.9 billion. In the same year, actual investments by Singapore companies into
Guangdong amounted to US$1 billion, making Singapore Guangdong’s third largest
foreign investor. In the first six months of 2014, bilateral trade was recorded at US$8.2
billion while Singapore companies’ actual investments into the province amounted to
US$670 million. Singapore’s cumulative actual investments into Guangdong hit
US$9.6 billion with a total of 2,351 projects as of June 2014.
Annex 1: Minister Lui’s speech at the SGCC meeting
Annex 2: Information on project signings
Annex 3: Chinese terms
---End--Note to Editor
Please use ‘IE Singapore’ or ‘IE’ if an acronym for ‘International Enterprise Singapore’ is
required. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the use of statistics cited in our media
releases, website or Statlink, should be attributed to IE Singapore.
Issued by IE Singapore on behalf of SGCC. For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Xiuxing AW
Corporate Communications Group
DID
: + 65 6433 4722
Email : [email protected]
_______________________________________________________________________
Page 3 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
International Enterprise Singapore
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore’s external
economy. We promote international trade and spearhead the overseas growth of Singaporebased companies to grow Globally Competitive Companies.
IE Singapore attracts global commodities traders to establish their home base in Singapore.
Today, Singapore is a thriving trading hub for the energy, agri-commodities and metals &
minerals trading clusters.
Through our Global Company Partnership and Market Readiness Assistance, we work with
Singapore-based companies to customise total solutions in capability building, market access
and financing for their internationalisation.
Our global network of overseas centres in over 35 locations provides the necessary connections
in many developed and emerging markets. Visit www.iesingapore.com for more information.
Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council
The Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) was established on 24 March 2009,
with the objective of promoting broader exchanges and cooperation between the business
communities of Singapore and Guangdong. The launch of the SGCC was witnessed by thenSingapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and then-Guangdong Party Secretary Wang Yang.
Minister for Transport, Mr Lui Tuck Yew and Guangdong Vice Governor Mdm Zhao Yufang are
the Co-chairmen of the Council.
Comprising leaders, government officials and private sector representatives from Singapore and
Guangdong, the SGCC aims to promote cooperation between Singapore and Guangdong
beyond economic areas, including training, tourism and education exchanges.
The council shall endeavour to achieve its objectives through the following means:
a) Serve as a bridge between the economic and commercial entities and communities of
Singapore and Guangdong;
b) Exchange economic data and information to promote and guide bilateral trade and
investment;
c) Organise regular exchange activities between Singapore and Guangdong to expand
cooperation in various areas / sectors;
d) Resolve difficulties encountered in collaborative projects, establishing an excellent
cooperation mechanism and an environment conducive for cooperation;
e) Other forms of work that both parties think are beneficial for economic and social
development
Page 4 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
ANNEX 1
OPENING SPEECH BY MR LUI TUCK YEW,
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT
& CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE SINGAPORE-GUANGDONG COLLABORATION
COUNCIL (SGCC)
AT THE 6th SGCC MEETING, 18 NOVEMBER 2014, SINGAPORE
Your Excellency, Guangdong Vice Governor Zhao Yufang,
Distinguished Council Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
1.
Good morning. Let me first extend a very warm welcome to Vice Governor Zhao
Yufang and her Guangdong delegation. It gives me great pleasure to catch up with old
friends on the occasion of the 6th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council meeting.
Singapore-Guangdong bilateral relations
2.
Bilateral relations between Singapore and Guangdong have grown stronger since
the SGCC was set up in 2009. 2014 was a landmark year for us. In April, Guangdong Party
Secretary Hu Chunhua visited Singapore, and more recently, Singapore Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong was in Guangzhou and Shenzhen during his visit to Southern China. They
affirmed that the relationship we have is a very strong one and pay close attention to our
collaboration. They also acknowledged that Singapore contributions, such as projects like
Guangzhou Knowledge City, would help catalyse Guangdong’s economic transformation.
3.
Singapore is happy to contribute to Guangdong’s reforms. The province has been
Singapore’s top trading provincial partner in China for the past 25 consecutive years. China
was also the top trading partner for Singapore. Last year, our trade volume reached US$18
billion. At the same time, Singapore’s cumulative actual investments into Guangdong grew
about 10% to over US$9 billion. This accounted for close to 14% of Singapore’s total
investments into China. Last year, Singapore was also China’s top investor. So, our
economic ties are strong, so are our political ties. Between Guangdong and Singapore, our
social and cultural ties are also strong. For instance, every time we have an opportunity,
whether it is during the Chinese New Year festival or Mid-Autumn festival, we will have
some of Guangdong’s top talents or top performing artistes to perform in Singapore and
share our joy.
Page 5 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
4.
Last year, the Council brought members for a first-hand look at the economic
restructuring underway in Guangdong, particularly in the pilot zones of Nansha, Qianhai
and Hengqin. For the coming year, the Council will focus on contributing to Guangdong’s
development of an intellectual property eco-system, its urban rejuvenation plans and
enhancement of its global connectivity.
Intellectual Property Eco-system Development
5.
The Guangzhou Knowledge City or GKC in short, is a key project for the Council. I
think when we talk about the Knowledge City and intellectual property there are three areas
that are important – knowledge creation, knowledge protection and knowledge
commercialisation. When I visited GKC two months ago with Prime Minister Lee. We
witnessed the excellent progress being made in infrastructure construction and physical
development. We were also excited to hear about the breakthrough in the development of
an Intellectual Property, or IP Protection and Services Hub. This started in 2013, we talked
about it last year, and I like to say that it has gained good traction since.
a. First, a 50-hectares site for the hub was identified in GKC, and Jurong
International has been engaged to develop the masterplan.
b. Second, Singapore’s IP Academy signed an MOU with the Knowledge City
Administrative Committee last year, to share Singapore’s best practices and
experiences in developing a robust IP regulatory and business environment.
IP Academy conducted an IP seminar attended by more than 250
participants back in February this year. Earlier this month, they also held the
first two-week programme for 20 GKC officials, who had the opportunity to
learn and network with renowned IP practitioners from Singapore.
c. Third, China’s State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) is building its
Guangdong Patent Examination Cooperation Centre in GKC. This will be
the first centre in Southern China, and will employ 2,000 professional patent
examiners to process over 110,000 cases a year.
d. Fourth, China’s State Council has recently approved the set-up of the firstever legal courts specialising in hearing IP cases in China. The IP courts
will be established in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The plan is for the
Guangzhou IP court to be eventually located in GKC. Together, the IP Court
and the Patent Examination Cooperation Centre will become twin anchors
for the IP protection and services hub in GKC. And so when we speak to
potential investors about Guangdong and GKC, we can say that the best
knowledge protection processes and practices are right in the hub of
Page 6 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
Guangzhou. The licenses they have, the innovation they come up with will
be well-protected.
6.
All these efforts have been endorsed by the national-level Singapore-China Joint
Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC). Under an MOU signed between SIPO and the
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) during the JCBC meeting last month, GKC
was designated to pilot comprehensive reforms in IP utilisation and protection in China.
7.
Going forward, we will be looking into other critical elements of the IP hub, which
include building an eco-system of IP-related professional services providers. To this end,
Singapore companies can contribute with their expertise in trademark registration, IP trade,
valuation and licensing, IP arbitration services as well as IP management. A number of our
professional services players are present here this morning. I urge you to take this
opportunity to speak to our friends from Guangdong and explore opportunities for
collaboration.
Urban Rejuvenation
8.
Next, in the area of urban rejuvenation, Singapore and Guangdong share many
common concerns as fast-growing cities. Singapore companies have been participating in
Guangdong’s urban rejuvenation projects with some of their capabilities and experiences
garnered during redevelopment in Singapore and other cities. I am pleased to note that
some of them will be signing agreements later, for projects in the healthcare and
community development sectors.
9.
CapitaLand China will be signing a framework agreement to leverage on the
healthcare resources of a new tertiary public hospital to be built by the First Affiliated
Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. The aim is to develop the International
Healthcare Hub on Datansha Island. CPG Consultants is currently working on a feasibility
study for this project, which is part of CapitaLand’s plans to rejuvenate Datansha Island.
Separately, CPG was also engaged as the design consultants for the new hospital.
Singapore has over the years developed a robust and financially sound healthcare system,
known for its high standards of medical care. We hope to see more of Singapore’s
healthcare elements to be brought over to Guangdong, and hope they can help to
strengthen the healthcare system in Guangzhou and the province.
10.
In the area of community management, Surbana is hoping to work with Guangzhou
Development District to pilot its Integrated Estate Management System (IEMS™) in the
Page 7 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
city. The IEMS™ is used widely in Singapore to help officers on the ground to monitor
facilities in estates round the clock and provide real-time maintenance services.
Importantly, it is also a contact point for residents to reach relevant officers when they need
help and like to provide feedback, thus enabling the officers to better address the needs of
the residents.
Global Connectivity
11.
The third area is global connectivity. President Xi Jinping in his visionary foresight
has espoused the idea of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming to revive the old
trade route that ran from China to Southeast Asia, passing through the Malacca Straits and
onwards to the Indian Ocean and beyond.
12.
As a global business hub, Singapore welcomes China’s efforts to systematically
deepen ties with ASEAN through this proposal. With our centralised location, Singapore is
well-positioned to be a strategic node for the Chinese and global enterprises to meet,
mingle and conduct business. My belief is that in our context, the Maritime Silk Road will
encompass not just physical linkages of land, air and sea routes, but also virtual linkages
like networks of rules, treaties and agreements, and people-to-people networks.
13.
At last year’s meeting, we were given a preview of the world’s first dual currency
transit card that can be used across international borders. Jointly developed by Singapore’s
EZ-Link Pte Ltd and Guangdong Lingnan Pass, the card will allow travellers to pay for
public transportation and micro-payments in both countries, with the possibility to extend its
e-payment function to other items in future. To me, this is a symbol of the kind of virtual link
and virtual network that we can establish between Singapore and Guangdong.
14.
On the same note, I am pleased to hear about the establishment of the
Guangdong Enterprise Association in Singapore as yet another link between Singapore
and Guangdong. With support from the representative office of the China-Council for
Promotion of International Trade Guangdong Committee (CCPIT Guangdong) in Singapore
and IE Singapore, the Association will help more Guangdong enterprises expand into
Singapore and forge partnerships with Singapore companies in Asia and beyond. Some of
these enterprises include well-known brand names like Huawei International （华为国际）,
Southernpec （南方石化）, W&Y Holding （弘益 控股）and ZTE （中兴通讯）.
15.
This initiative testifies to the strong network we have built up between the
Singapore and Guangdong business communities. In 2013, Guangdong invested US$440
Page 8 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
million in 63 projects in Singapore. This accounted for one-sixth (17%) of Guangdong's total
investment in Southeast Asia. We welcome more Guangdong enterprises to come to
Singapore and leverage our unique advantages to grow in the region and globally.
Closing
16.
In closing, let me say that since the inception of this Council, I have had the
privilege of forging many valuable friendships. I would like to express my sincere
appreciation to Vice Governor Zhao and the Guangdong government for your strong and
continuous support. I would also like to thank all Council members and the Secretariats for
your active participation and contributions. I look forward to more years of fruitful
collaborations between the Guangdong and Singapore business communities.
17.
Thank you.
Page 9 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
ANNEX 2
PROJECT SIGNINGS AT THE 6
1)
TH
SGCC MEETING, 18 NOVEMBER 2013
Project signings for Datansha Urban Redevelopment Project, by Guangzhou
New Boundary Real Estate Co., Ltd (member of CapitaLand China) with:
i.
The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and
Guangzhou Municipal Liwan District Government
The three signing parties will explore the setting up an International Healthcare
Hub on the Datansha Island, leveraging healthcare resources of The First
Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.
ii.
IDA International and Guangzhou Municipal Liwan District Government
IDA International will become an advisor in smart city solutions for the
Datansha Urban Redevelopment Project. IDA International will also introduce
suitable Singapore companies to participate in the project.
iii.
BCA International
The two signing parties will collaborate to look at the development of a green
and sustainable built environment on Datansha Island. This collaboration will
accelerate the development of Datansha into an environmentally-friendly island
by leveraging Singapore’s achievements in developing Green buildings and
Green Mark Districts.
2)
Project signing between CPG Consultants Pte Ltd and Thrive United Pte Ltd
CPG Consultants will conduct a masterplan feasibility study for Thrive United’s
commercial project in Sanshan District, Foshan. .
3)
Project signing between Surbana (Shanghai) Planning & Design Consultants Ltd.
and Guangzhou Development District Commercial Development Group Co. Ltd
Surbana will work with the Guangzhou Development District Commercial Development
Group to potentially pilot the Integrated Estate Management System (IEMSTM) in
Fengshan Garden estate.
4)
Project signing between Wong Fong Engineering Works (1988) Pte Ltd and
Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Co., Ltd
Under this agreement, Wong Fong will license its intellectual property to Cadro and
help Cadro refine and mange supply chains and production lines. Wong Fong will also
provide Cadro with innovative product designs for Cadro’s production and sales.
5)
Project signings for Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City by SinoSingapore Guangzhou Knowledge City Investment and Development Co., Ltd
with:
i.
Guangzhou Greenland Real Estate Development Company Ltd
Both parties will form a strategic alliance to develop an integrated retail,
business and residential park. The first project for development will consist of a
build-up aera of 940,000 sqm in GKC’s start-up area.
ii.
EZ-Link Pte Ltd, Guangdong Lingnan Pass Co., Ltd., and Sino-Singapore
Guangzhou Knowledge City Administrative Committee
Page 10 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
The parties become strategic collaboration partners to collaborate in
Guangzhou Knowledge City (GKC) IC card related application and service
areas. The parties will actively cooperate to roll out the "Sino Visitor Pass" cobranded card activity in GKC IC card design, promotion, application and
development. The collaboration will be deployed in different stages to facilitate
different one-card-pass applications in GKC smart community area.
6)
iii.
NCSI Solutions Pte. Ltd.
Both parties will jointly identify, explore and implement a Smart Healthcare, and
Smart Transportation test-bedding projects in Guangzhou Development District
or Guangzhou Knowledge City. There will be regular exchanges of experience
and information in the field of Smart City solutions. Singapore Guangzhou
Knowledge City Investment and Development Co., Ltd aims to introduce NCSI
and their solutions to Guangzhou Development District. The parties will also
explore the possibility for NCSI to set up an R&D Center in Guangzhou
Knowledge City.
iv.
Surbana International Consultants Pte Ltd and Sino-Singapore
Guangzhou Knowledge City Administrative Committee
The parties will form a broad framework of collaboration in urban planning and
management. Based on 50 years of Singapore planning, development and
management experience, Surbana will provide its urban planning and
management experience to GKC.
Project signings by Guangdong Enterprise Association (Singapore) with:
i.
Singapore-China Business Association(新加坡中国商会)
ii.
Singapore Kwangtung Hui Kuan (新加坡广东会馆)
iii.
Singapore-China Friendship Association (新加坡-中国（新中）友好协会)
iv.
Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (新加坡中华总商会)
Guangdong Enterprise Association (Singapore) will work with these four partners to
strengthen trade, investment, information and people exchanges between Singapore
and Guangdong, and promote win-win collaboration between Singapore and
Guangdong enterprises.
7) Project signing between Asiatic Group (Holdings) Ltd. and CGNPC Solar-Biofuel
Power (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
CGNPC Solar-Biofuel Power (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and Asiatic Group (Holdings)
Limited will establish a formal and flexible framework to cooperate in the pursuit and
development of business opportunities in the power supply and renewable energy
sectors in Asia Pacific region.
8) Project signing between Next General Infrastructure Group (NEXTGEN) and
CGNPC Solar-Biofuel Power (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
CGNPC Solar-Biofuel Power (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and NEXTGEN will establish a
formal and flexible framework to cooperate in the pursuit and development of Pyrolysis
Waste-to-Energy Project in Singapore.
Page 11 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
9) Project signing between UOB Bullion and Futures Limited and W&Y Holding Pte.
Ltd.
Both parties will collaborate in a business of financial derivatives which include but not
limited to onshore/offshore OTC product development, and product marketing in
Singapore and China.
Page 12 of 13
IE Media Release 18 November 14
ANNEX 3
CHINESE TERMS
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore
新加坡国际企业发展局（企发局）
Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration
新加坡-广东合作理事会
Council (SGCC)
Mr Lui Tuck Yew
吕德耀先生
Minister for Transport
新加坡交通部长
Co-Chairman
联合主席
Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration
Council
新加坡-广东合作理事会
Ms Zhao Yufang
招玉芳女士
Guangdong Vice Governor
广东省副省长
People’s Republic of China
联合主席
Co-Chairman
新加坡-广东合作理事会
Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration
Council
Datansha Island rejuvenation project
大坦沙岛三旧改造项目
Guangdong Enterprise Association
新加坡广东商会
(Singapore)
知识产权保护和服务枢纽
Intellectual Property Protection and
Services Hub
Guangdong
Patent
Cooperation Centre
Examination
&
国家知识产权局专利局专利审查协作广东
中心
Page 13 of 13