On November 11, 2019, a delegation led by Prof. Tao Yitao arrived in Singapore on the invitation of the International Zheng He Society (IZHS) for an exchange visit. Prof. Tao is director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research (CCSEZR), Dean of the Belt and Road Research Institute of Shenzhen University (SZU), and President of the Belt and Road Research Institute (Shenzhen) for International Cooperation and Development (BRRI). Also visiting were Prof. Zhong Ruoyu, Assistant Director of CCSEZR, and Mr. Yang Xianghong, Chairman of Shenzhen Yueyuan Culture Development Co., Ltd., a member of the “Belt and Road Enterprise Alliance” of the BRRI.
Three years ago, a delegation led by Prof. Tao and the IZHS founded by Dr. Chen Dasheng held an inauguration ceremony of the BRRI (Melaka) branch at the Zheng He Museum in Malacca, Malaysia. This visit, as part of the itinerary of the delegation's participation of the "2nd International Cheng Ho Festival (ICHF)", was intended to deepen communications on further collaboration between the two sides.
At the IZHS Singapore headquarters where a fine collection of ancient antiques from Zheng He’s voyage are displayed, Prof. Tao's delegation discussed with Dr. Chen Dasheng, a renowned Singaporean scholar and President of the IZHS, to further discuss the exchange and collaboration between the two sides and the next-stage development plan of the BRRI Singapore branch. Dr. Chen introduced the preparatory matters and topics of the 2nd ICHF and envisioned and discussed the collaboration and exchanges between IZHS and BRRI. Prof. Tao and Dr. Chen exchanged views on the preparations and topics of the forum and made practical discussions on using the BRRI Branch as a bridge to promote cooperative research, talent fostering and more exchanges and interactions among the business community.
Prof. Tao's delegation visits the IZHS in Singapore
Prof. Tao's delegation displays the silk woven cultural works featuring Zheng He's Voyages designed by SZU at IZHS.
Prof. Tao and Dr. Chen discusses matters regarding cooperative research, talent fostering and branch development.
Chairman Yang introduces the design concept of Silk Road cultural products to Dr. Chen.
Dr. Chen introduces to Prof. Tao the IZHS and cultural relics in museums.
Prof. Zhong of CCSEZR and Mr. Yang, Chairman of Shenzhen Yueyuan Culture Development Co., Ltd., participated in the discussion and exchange. Mr. Yang presented silk-woven cultural works featuring Zheng He's Voyage to the IZHS and had in-depth talks on the next step of Zheng He’s story and the cooperation of silk cultural derivatives from the Belt and Road Research. The talks ended amid a warm and friendly atmosphere.