Sunday, October 14, 2007

Singapore Season on the right track in China: Dr Lee Boon Yang

BEIJING: It may be the first leg of the Singapore Season in China, but the warm reception in Beijing shows the event is on the right track, said Minister of Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang.

The Singapore Chinese Orchestra played to an appreciative audience and received a standing ovation for its inaugural performance at the Singapore Season in Beijing.

Over at Factory 798, a creative district converted from former state-owned factories, an exhibition on Singapore art was also well received.

Touched by the warm reception, Dr Lee said he looks forward to the next Singapore Season in 2009.

"We have broadened and also deepened the scope of Singapore Season and I think that makes for a more rounded presentation of Singapore arts and culture to our audience in China," he said.

The Singapore Season, which kicked off on 12 October, showcases art performances and exhibitions by private and government agencies such as the Singapore Tourism Board and Contact Singapore.

In total, 14 government agencies and numerous private organisations are involved in this concerted marketing effort for Singapore.

Dr Lee hopes to connect with the Chinese through this multi-faceted presentation and pave the way for many more collaborations between the two countries.

So far, 12 agreements have been inked in the media sector alone, including one between Singapore's Media Development Authority and China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

The Singapore Art Museum and the National Art Museum of China also signed an agreement to hold joint exhibitions as well as other exchanges.

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