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President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam: Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and boosting bilateral trade in agriculture, forestry and fisheries

Published

8 months ago

14/04/2025

HA NOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2025 – China is Vietnam’s largest export market for agricultural, forestry and fishery products. This market will continue to allow more Vietnamese agricultural goods to be officially exported. The state visit to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping is expected to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in agricultural trade.

China shows strong demand for Vietnam’s high-quality agricultural products.

Nurturing the traditional friendship

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping is going to pay a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15. The visit will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Tô Lâm and State President Lương Cường.

Vietnam and China are friendly neighbouring countries, and the peoples of both nations share a long-standing traditional relationship. In 2008, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. It aims to strengthen and deepen Vietnam-China relations in the interests of both peoples and for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has grown increasingly substantial.

In recent years, high-level delegations from the two Parties and States have frequently exchanged visits, elevating Vietnam-China comprehensive cooperation to a new height. Political trust has been strengthened, while economic, trade and investment cooperation maintain its growth momentum. Notably, the agricultural and rural development sector has consistently received close attention and guidance from the leaders of both Parties and States.

For 20 consecutive years, China has remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner. Vietnam is currently China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.

China is also the largest export market for Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry and fishery products. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, two-way trade reached US$205 billion in 2024. Of this, Vietnam’s exports amounted to $60.6 billion, while imports rose significantly to $144.6 billion.

The enormous potential of the Chinese market is further reflected in its GDP, which is close to $20 trillion. With a population 14 times that of Vietnam and consistent GDP growth, Chinese consumers are increasingly receptive to Vietnam’s unique agricultural products. China also shares similar cultural traditions and consumption habits with Vietnam. Both countries have maintained economic and trade ties for centuries. Economic and trade relations with China are one of the top priorities in Vietnam’s foreign economic policy.

China shows strong demand for Vietnam’s high-quality agricultural products

During the official overseas visit to China by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm in 2024, Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping affirmed that China is ready to increase imports of high-quality goods from Vietnam, especially agricultural products. The strategic significance of building a ‘Vietnam-China Community with a shared future’ is also emphasised.

Meanwhile, at his official visit to Vietnam in 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affỉmed that China considers Vietnam a priority direction in its neighbourhood diplomacy. China will further open the market to Vietnamese goods, particularly high-quality agricultural, fishery and fruit products.

He also highlighted plans to upgrade trade infrastructure, enhance ‘soft connectivity’ in smart customs systems and explore new models for cross-border economic cooperation.

With a population of over 1.4 billion and a rapidly growing middle class, China is a massive market for high-quality agricultural, forestry and fishery products. Yet Vietnamese agricultural products currently account for less than 5 per cent of China’s total imports in this category. This presents a major opportunity for businesses to expand their market share in China.

In 2024, the bilateral trade turnover in agricultural, forestry and fishery products between Vietnam and China reached $17.8 billion, a 14.6 per cent increase compared to 2023. Of this, Vietnam’s exports to China were estimated at $13.5 billion (up 14.3 per cent year-on-year), while imports were estimated at $4.3 billion (up 21 per cent). China currently accounts for nearly 54 per cent of the total value of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports. Of this, about 90 per cent of exported lychee volume, 80 per cent of dragon fruit and over 90 per cent of cassava and cassava-based products.

The two sides have signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Protocols on the import-export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products. The protocols signed have significantly facilitated Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports to China. Currently, Vietnam is officially exporting 12 types of agricultural products to China. Six items for which two sides have signed official export protocols, including watermelons, mangosteens, black jellies, durians, fresh bananas and sweet potatoes.

Vietnam also exports dairy products, 128 species/product types of seafood products and 48 species of live aquatic animals. Passion fruit and chilli peppers are currently undergoing pilot export procedures.

Enhancing agricultural product quality to meet China’s standards

Vietnam possesses significant agricultural potential, with a wide variety of speciality products highly favoured by Chinese consumers. Its geographic proximity to China gives Vietnam a logistical advantage over other countries. Fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits and seafood, can be transported to China in a short time, helping preserve their natural freshness and quality by the time they reach consumers.

To reaffirm the quality and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products and expand access to the Chinese market, Vietnam is set to intensify efforts to monitor agricultural exports following China’s import regulations. Key focus areas include regularly updating information on market demand and China’s regulations regarding quality standards and food safety, and strictly managing and monitoring product quality and traceability.

Negotiations on official export will be promoted, ensuring that products meet standardised and synchronised requirements on quality, packaging, labelling, food safety, traceability and national branding (including logos and trademarks). Vietnam will standardise cross-border trade practices and maintain close coordination with China to address and resolve logistical bottlenecks.
Hashtag: #MARD

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence

Published

2 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

3 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – For many aspiring learners, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to achieving their goals. SIM is determined to change that. Guided by the principle that no student should be left behind because of cost, SIM has built a comprehensive ecosystem of financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries to make quality education attainable for all.

At the heart of this mission is the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of academic or personal growth. By blending need-based assistance with merit-driven opportunities, SIM is creating an inclusive learning environment where talent and ambition define success.

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

In 2024, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to supporting students from lower-income households and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Administered through SIM Trust, the fund is designed to empower learners within and beyond SIM’s community by removing barriers to access. Beginning in 2025, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a per-capita income of S$1,750 or below can benefit from tiered assistance, ranging from S$6,000 up to S$13,500 for those with PCI of S$600 or less, S$4,500 to S$6,750 for PCI between S$601 and S$1,000, and S$2,000 for PCI between S$1,001 and S$1,750. Beyond tuition aid, the fund also provides support for overseas internships and merit-based scholarships, benefiting approximately 500 students annually.

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

SIM’s commitment to learning accessibility goes far beyond tuition subsidies. Through its Financial Assistance schemes, students can tap into a range of support options tailored to different needs. These include Enhanced Bursaries Aid, which provide up to S$13,500 per year for Singapore Citizens, and a SIM GE Crisis Fund offering emergency relief of up to S$5,000 for unforeseen circumstances. In addition, SIM encourages global exposure through Study Abroad Awards, enabling students to broaden their horizons without financial strain. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s ethos of inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that financial challenges never derail academic aspirations.

Community-Focused Support

The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) exemplifies SIM’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and social impact. Launched in July 2024 in partnership with the late Dr Eu’s family,

RESSEC received a combined S$8 million donation, S$6 million from the Eu family and S$2 million from SIM, marking a significant investment in nurturing social entrepreneurship. Guided by Dr Eu’s vision of transforming social service through ethical leadership and innovation, the Centre equips learners and social service professionals via initiatives such as a specialised postgraduate Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaborative dialogues.

RESSEC also provides 12 bursaries of S$10,000 each for SIM Global Education students (check that this is accurate and that it’s not also extended to those outside the SIM ecosystem) who demonstrate strong community service and leadership and those with per-capita income up to S$1,750, prioritising those with per-capita income less than S$1,000. Through this initiative, SIM embeds purpose-driven learning into its mission, empowering students to create sustainable, positive impact in Singapore and beyond

Scholarship for Excellence

SIM offers a diverse range of scholarships under SIM Global Education to recognize excellence and resilience among its students. These include the SIM STARRR Award, which provides up to S$36,000 to outstanding achievers who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership qualities, and the Sports & Arts Talent Award, also valued at S$15,000 for students who excel in athletic or artistic pursuits. Additionally, the Chairman’s Award for Resilience grants S$3,000 to students who successfully balance work and study commitments, showcasing perseverance in the face of challenges. Together, these scholarships complement SIM’s need-based financial aid, creating a holistic support system that rewards merit while ensuring inclusivity.

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

SIM’s financial assistance framework is more than a set of policies, it is a promise to the community. By investing in initiatives like the SIM Impact Fund and expanding bursaries and scholarships, SIM is actively dismantling the barriers that prevent talented individuals from reaching their potential. This approach does not just benefit students, it strengthens society by cultivating a diverse pool of graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and give back. In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, SIM stands out as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment. For students and families seeking assurance that quality education is within reach, SIM offers not just hope but a clear, actionable path forward.

References:

Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) Opens to Advance Singapore’s Social Sector – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/the-dr-richard-k-m-eu-sim-social-entrepreneurship-centre-%28ressec%29-opens
SIM Scholarship – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships
SIM’s STARRR Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-starrr-award-for-new-undergraduate-students
SIM Award and Sports & Artistic Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-scholarship
SIM Global Education Diploma Scholarships – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-diploma-scholarships
Chairman’s Award for Resilience – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/chairman-s-award-for-resilience

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

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Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent

Published

20 hours ago

07/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to developing future-ready graduates through a comprehensive scholarship framework that goes beyond academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to recognize and nurture qualities such as leadership, resilience, and talent. These attributes are essential for success in today’s dynamic global environment.

For decades, scholarships have been synonymous with academic excellence. SIM is redefining this narrative by adopting a holistic approach that values character, contribution, and courage alongside academic performance. This initiative reflects SIM’s mission to prepare graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and socially responsible.

Scholarships That Go Beyond Academics

SIM’s scholarship ecosystem reflects its belief that success is multidimensional. Rather than focusing solely on grades, these awards celebrate qualities such as resilience, leadership, and talent. The SIM STARRR Award, for instance, supports freshmen who embody Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility, offering up to S$36,000 in tuition fees, along with living and exchange allowances, without any bond requirement.

For students who shine in sports or the arts, the SIM Award & Sports/Artistic Talent Award provides S$15,000, disbursed in two tranches, to help them balance academic and extracurricular excellence.

International students pursuing diploma programmes can benefit from the Diploma Scholarships, which cover up to 100% of course fees for academic excellence or 50% for merit-based achievements.

For working adults who have overcome significant challenges, the SIM Chairman’s Award for Resilience offers S$3,000, recognizing perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Stories That Inspire

SIM’s scholarships are more than financial aid. They are catalysts for transformation, opening doors for students to turn challenges into triumphs. Take Ernita Tanudjaja, an international student who refused to let pandemic disruptions derail her ambitions. Instead, she leveraged technology to livestream events and boost engagement, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness.

Similarly, Chow Kah Ying, an ICU nurse, managed the intense demands of frontline healthcare during COVID-19 while completing her degree, showcasing perseverance and purpose. Likewise, Michelle Seah transformed O-level failure into triumph, excelling in javelin and academics to earn the SIM Sports & Artistic Talent Award, proof that determination and discipline can rewrite any story.

These journeys reflect SIM’s unwavering belief that leadership and resilience matter as much as grades, and that true achievement lies in character and contribution as much as in academic performance.

The Broader Vision

SIM’s scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They serve as a strategic platform for transformation and growth. Recipients benefit from networking opportunities that connect them with alumni and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and career development. Many scholarships also provide international exposure through exchange programmes that broaden perspectives and enhance global competencies.

In addition to academic achievement, students cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, resilience and adaptability through experiential learning and community engagement. These qualities equip graduates to excel in uncertain environments and contribute meaningfully to society.

This commitment reflects SIM’s core belief that education is not limited to examinations. It is about shaping leaders who create impact and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

References: