First Belt and Road Studies Centre opens

In a true East Meets West scenario the London School of Business and Finance are now in collaboration with Xiamen University to set up the world's first Belt And Road Multi-Cultural Studies Centre. The Centre has been set up as part of China's Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative.

The logo of Belt and Road Forum. [Photo: VCG]

It is believed that LSBF in Singapore is the first private education institution in Singapore to secure a project related to the B&R Initiative.

The Belt And Road Multi-Cultural Studies Centre will offer transnational educational programs, providing business executives and students a better understanding of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and invaluable insight and appreciation of Chinese cultural nuances, business etiquette and expectations. The first program is expected to commence by January 2018.

Zheng Tongtao, Dean of Xiamen University, OEC, said: "LSBF is one of the leading private education institutions (in Singapore) with an extensive global outreach. Their Chinese Bilingual School has a unique program model grounded in sound theory and good practices associated with an enriched learning environment."

"We see great potential for LSBF in Singapore to facilitate the development of education under the B&R initiatives. They will push forward our shared vision of transnational education by providing holistic study experiences and cultural exchanges," he added.

For Rathakrishnan Govind, CEO of LSBF Global, understanding the culture and cultural sensitiveness of doing business is essential to any B&R venture. 

He said: "The collaboration is based on this foundation. The partnership with Xiamen University and establishment of the B&R Multi-Cultural Centre in LSBF in Singapore is critical to our long-term vision to provide relevant education to students and businesses who may be increasingly doing business in China."

Xiamen University, ranked among the top in China, is also working closely with the School to provide bilingual degree program and degree pathways in Singapore. These will commence in October 2017.