NANYANG Technological University (NTU) has set up a new department, the China Programme Office, to train more Chinese government officials.

Building upon existing programmes, it is aimed at providing tailored training for officials in less developed areas such as Guizhou and Yunnan.

NTU currently runs two master's programmes for about 100 officials from China every year, in economic management and public administration.

It also organises short-term executive training programmes for more than 5,000 senior officials.

But their participants are mostly from the more developed provinces, said Professor Wu Wei, associate dean (administration) at NTU's College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

'There is a need to help those in less developed parts of China catch up, so courses in NTU are part of the plan to train the next generation of leaders and arm them with knowledge like the most advanced economic theories,' he said.

On the choice of Singapore as the training venue, Prof Wu said: 'Singapore is known for its success in public administrative management, efficiency, cleanliness and economic achievement.

'The Chinese government wants to know how Singapore has developed to world-class standards in 40 years.'

One advantage of having training here is that lecturers can conduct their lessons in Mandarin, making it possible for the officials sent here to follow what is taught from day one.

The teaching team includes a mix of local and adjunct professors, as well as retired civil servants such as Mr Ngiam Tong Dow and former transport minister Yeo Cheow Tong, whose experiences in public service can be usefully tapped.

The China Programme Office hopes to collaborate with major foundations to sponsor participants' projects, such as a business plan on environmental protection.

Most of the officials will have more than 10 years of experience in China's civil service and been identified for key government positions - for instance, mayors or mayors-to-be.

Prof Wu believes such programmes will help improve China-Singapore ties.

'After living here for one year, some of the officials write books and articles about their experience here when they return to China.

'They practise what they learnt here and promote and share with their colleagues back home. They are like a bridge for the two governments,' he said.

Is this article useful to you?