MOU Signing between Ministry of National Development & Development Research Center of the State Council

Jul 3, 2015

The Ministry of National Development (MND), Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Development Research Center (DRC) of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, China today. The agreement, signed between Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Mr Lee Yi Shyan and DRC Vice Minister Mr Zhang Junkuo, aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China in the areas of urban governance, sustainability and liveability, as well as draw lessons from the development experience of both countries. 

The knowledge shared between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China will also encompass international case studies and examples as both parties could harness each other’s international networks and strengthen ties with like-minded international researchers, industry practitioners and city leaders. New knowledge and insights including innovative solutions would be created to address the current and future challenges faced by cities and their governments. The Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), a division under MND, will lead MND’s efforts to implement the MOU with DRC. 

The scope of collaboration comprises three key areas:

(a) CLC-DRC Visiting Fellowship programme

The CLC-DRC Visiting Fellowship programme will enable experts and senior officials from DRC to undertake research in their areas of expertise and interests relating to urban governance, sustainability and liveability. These Visiting Fellows will be invited to share their research outcomes at the CLC Lecture Series and via CLC’s online platforms and print publications.

(b) Study visits

MND and DRC will coordinate meetings and site visits for the other party’s officers visiting its country, for the purpose of knowledge-sharing, strengthening networks and furthering collaborations. Both sides endeavour to work closely and develop fruitful and substantive programmes for such study visits.

(c) Knowledge creation, sharing and dissemination

MND and DRC will share knowledge and create new knowledge on governance issues relating to cities such as urban governance, planning and management of cities. To achieve this, both agree to undertake joint research and publications, expert workshops, joint project efforts and other knowledge-sharing platforms including conferences and workshops.