Message from George Yeo
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore

I am delighted to join Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura for the launch of the new Japan Creative Centre (JCC) website.

Japan is Singapore's close friend and strategic partner.  Over the years, we have learnt much from Japan in organizing a modern economy and in improving the productivity of our workforce.  We have been inspired by Japanese creativity and the way Japan has succeeded in combining the old with the new in novel and interesting ways.

Japan has also played a major role in integrating the economies of ASEAN over the years.  Looking ahead, we see Japan continuing to play a leading role in Southeast Asia. 

The objective of the JCC is to promote greater understanding of Japanese culture by the provision of information, educational services and programmes of various kinds to Singaporeans, and to foreigners either living in Singapore or passing through Singapore.  The Centre will also facilitate the outreach of Japanese SMEs from Singapore to the wider region.  

Among Asian societies today, Japan is coolest and most sophisticated in terms of culture and lifestyle.  A stronger reflection of Japan in Singapore and ASEAN will be to our great advantage.

 

George Yeo
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore

 

22 July 2008