March 30, 2026
SINGAPORE – The China-Singapore Youth Dialogue concluded in Singapore on March 25, with young participants gathering to exchange views on technology, culture and sustainability under the theme “Building Tomorrow: Uniting Youth Voices”.
| A total of 12 youth panelists from China and Singapore participate in three panel discussions at the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singapore on March 25th (Photo: People’s Daily) |
The two-day event, co-hosted by People’s Daily and Yonhap Zaobao, brought together 12 young representatives to explore how their generation is shaping the future through innovation, cultural renewal, and cross-border collaboration.
The first panel, “Youth Innovation,” saw participants working on robotics, flying cars, and data validation discuss both the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.
Tan Wei Hua, head of design at Singapore-based Lionsbot International, cited concerns about “AI anxiety” and its impact on jobs. “New jobs will be created. The next generation will do something completely different,” he said, pointing to robotics as an area of growing opportunity.
Quah Zheng Wei, CEO and co-founder of Accredify, encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first step. As the technology industry evolves rapidly, he stressed that “nothing can hold us back.”
Michael Du, CFO and Vice President of ARIDGE, said that from an industry perspective, emerging technologies are expanding the possibilities of daily life. Meanwhile, Xu Huazhe, assistant professor at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Information Science at Tsinghua University, highlighted the strengths of the younger generation, saying, “With the right sense, they will be able to build the most meaningful things.”
In the second panel, “Modern Revival of Traditional Culture,” the focus shifted from innovation to tradition. Artists and cultural workers from wood carving, paper art, jewelry design, and journalism explored how tradition can be revitalized in a modern context.
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Wood carving artist Deng Kun emphasized the importance of cultivating an eye for beauty, and Lianhe Caobao arts and culture journalist Zhang Heyang described traditional culture as a “spiritual haven for today’s youth.”
Designer Longhong Ziwei, founder and art director of accessories brand Soft Mountains, said working with Yi traditions inspired her work, which resonated with audiences around the world.
Singapore newspaper publisher and mixed media artist Ko Pei Lee draws inspiration from everyday urban life to highlight the value of noticing overlooked details. Through her work, she hopes to reconnect people with the subtle beauty of their surroundings.
In the final panel, “Building a Sustainable Future Together,” experts in architecture, fashion, and ocean conservation provided interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainability.
Chen Kan, Principal Architect at TAB Architecture and Design, spoke about the philosophy of “Being Together” as a guiding principle. “We need a deeper ability to coexist with others,” he said.
Goi Jenlu, principal architect of Singapore’s Goi Architects, emphasized the design in harmony with nature. She emphasized the importance of connecting living spaces with natural elements such as breezes and sunlight to create comfort and environmental awareness.
Sam Shu Qin, co-founder of Our Singapore Reefs and Our Blue Spaces and a self-described “underwater gardener”, said he hoped younger generations would realize their ability to give back to the ocean.
For fashion designer Chen Peng, founder of the brand CHENPENG, sustainability is both cultural and practical. “It has to be culturally based and not harmful to the planet. It’s not a choice, it’s a natural extension of the philosophy,” he said.
The dialogue marked a step forward in media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and Singapore. By expanding the perspectives of young people, we showcased the innovative energy and potential for cooperation between our two countries, while helping build a long-term platform for bilateral engagement and shared progress.
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