Suzhou Industrial Park Celebrates 30 Years in Singapore

Thursday, April 11, 2024

The “Meet Suzhou in Singapore” Culture Week kicked off on April 10 at the Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay in Singapore, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a flagship collaboration between China and Singapore.

Jointly organized by the Suzhou Municipal People’s Government of Jiangsu, China, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore, this cultural extravaganza will continue until Tuesday. It showcases a diverse array of cultural events including art performances, exhibitions, and a tourism promotion event.

“What underpinned our cooperation in the SIP is close people-to-people ties between Singapore and China,” said Jane Lim, Deputy Secretary (Trade) for Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore, at the culture week’s opening ceremony.

She emphasized that Singapore and Suzhou are committed to further enhancing collaboration in areas such as business and fostering dialogue among youth.

Jin Jie, director of Suzhou’s publicity department, highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) over the past thirty years, evolving from barren land to a prominent national-level hub for economic and technological advancement. He underscored SIP’s role as a conduit for Suzhou to glean valuable development insights from Singapore.

“The Suzhou-Singapore collaboration has extended beyond urban planning, infrastructure construction, and high-tech innovation. We have also seen increasing cultural exchanges,” Jin said.

She further noted that the city has emerged as one of China’s most rapidly developing regions, characterized by robust economic dynamism, high levels of openness, and a thriving advanced manufacturing sector.

Among the scheduled events, the Kunqu Opera performance of “Peony Pavilion” (young lovers’ edition) will grace the stage at the Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay this Friday.

This rendition, crafted by the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu in collaboration with acclaimed writer Bai Xianyong, incorporates contemporary elements to appeal to younger audiences.

Another standout feature is the Culinary Culture Week of Suzhou, spanning from Wednesday to Tuesday, hosted at the Shangri-La Singapore and the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor a variety of Suzhou’s specialties and culinary delights.

Additionally, visitors can explore an interactive exhibition showcasing Suzhou’s intangible cultural heritage at the China Cultural Centre on Thursday. Renowned master stone carver Cai Yundi and Suzhou Arts Embroidery founder Shen Delong will present their techniques and masterpieces.

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