Chongqing - January 30 marked the inaugural ceremony for the Chinese Operations Centre of the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in China's Chongqing. This milestone establishes the first international design industry organization's headquarters in Chongqing.

Bridging News conducted an exclusive interview with Chee Su Eing, the President of DBCS, expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration between Singapore and China. She highlighted the mutual benefits and business opportunities arising from this partnership. 

Chee Su Eing is the president of the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS). (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Founded in 1985, DBCS is a prominent multidisciplinary design organization in Singapore. Its impactful initiative, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark), holds significant influence in the industry. 

Industrial landscapes generate international design demands

Chee articulated the choice of Chongqing for the headquarters, citing its strategic importance as a central hub in western China. She noted the city's robust industrial base, rich design scenarios, and vast market potential.

Chongqing boasts a diverse industrial landscape, encompassing 39 out of 41 major categories, including automotive, motorcycle, high-end equipment, consumer goods, and medical equipment sectors. These industries generate substantial international design demands.

Significantly, Chee mentioned Chongqing's recognition by UNESCO, having been chosen to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. She commended Chongqing's industrial design capabilities, acknowledging their global recognition.

Within the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI) framework, Chongqing and Singapore have cultivated fruitful collaboration across diverse sectors, leading to mutual benefits. 

January 30 marked the inaugural ceremony for the Chinese Operations Centre of the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in China's Chongqing. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

DBCS signed multiple agreements with Chongqing companies 

Chee highlighted the disparity between Singapore's constrained space and resources and China's substantial size, population, and assets. She expressed optimism that this collaboration would inspire more businesses and designers to engage in joint ventures, fostering mutual benefits for both countries. 

The new headquarters in Chongqing is envisioned as a hub for design collaboration and exchange between China and Singapore. This initiative aims to attract Singaporean design companies to Chongqing while assisting Chongqing's businesses in expanding their global market presence. 

Additionally, Chee Su Eing portrayed Singapore as an essential bridge between the East and West. She aspired for Chinese businesses to use Singapore as a channel to access broader international assets.

At the ceremony, DBCS entered into cooperation agreements with several Chongqing companies. These collaborations involved exchanges and cooperation in automobile, electronic products, motorcycles, and general machinery design, aiming to generate new business opportunities further.