Page 53 - NYAA Annual Report 2024

APEC Voices Collaboration with New Zealand Voices Alumni
The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director had dinner with Ms Emily Swan, a member of the APEC
Voices alumni from New Zealand and currently the Group Sales and Food Service Manager for Asia at Alliance
Group Limited, a New Zealand-based farmers’ cooperative established in 1948.

During the meeting, the Executive Director introduced her to ITE College West’s Culinary Programme. He
encouraged her to consider supporting ITE students, given her company’s strong presence in the food industry.
He also suggested that she meet Ms Alice Seow, Principal of ITE College West, and dine at Amber@West, a
French restaurant operated by students.

Ms Swan expressed interest in exploring partnerships with Singapore’s Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
She is scheduled to travel to Vietnam and will return to Singapore in two weeks, at which point the Executive
Director will arrange a visit for her to ITE College West.

This engagement exemplifies how NYAA continues to add value to its Operating Partners through meaningful
partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.

APEC Voices Framework Proposal
The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director attended a meeting hosted by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca
Fatima Sta Maria, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. During the meeting, Tan Sri Rebecca updated
the NYAA on the consensus reached by all 21 APEC member economies during the APEC meetings in Lima,
Peru. It was unanimously agreed that there was no need to formally integrate the APEC Voices of the Future
(VOF) into the APEC framework, as the initiative—established and managed by NYAA Singapore—has proven
its credibility and effectiveness through decades of goodwill and engagement. The programme will continue
to liaise directly with each year’s host economy.

The Executive Director expressed appreciation for the continued support from APEC and was relieved that
APEC VOF would remain independently operated. He was invited to serve on the Planning Committee for
the APEC Future Plan, giving APEC VOF a formal voice in shaping future engagements. The Strategic Planning
Team appointed by the United States also met with the Executive Director to explore long-term strategies for
APEC and VOF collaboration.

Chilean Cultural Night
The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director were invited by H.E. Tamara Villanueva, Ambassador
of Chile to Singapore, to the inaugural performance of BAFOCHI (Ballet Folclórico de Chile). The renowned
Chilean cultural troupe was flown in, especially from Santiago, for this occasion.

The performance showcased Chilean culture at its finest. The dancers, among the best in the Latin American
world, captivated the audience with passionate and vibrant movements, rhythmic musicality, expressive
emotion, and beautifully crafted traditional costumes.

Briefing by MTI on Singapore’s Status at APEC
The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director had a productive meeting with Ms Jane Lim, Deputy
Secretary of Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and officers from both MTI and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, it was agreed that MTI would provide a pre-departure orientation for Singapore’s APEC
Voices delegates to enhance their understanding of Singapore’s position in APEC and the region’s economic
landscape.

NYAA proposed to remain an independent entity within the APEC system while continuing close collaboration
with the APEC Secretariat. MTI has contacted the Executive Director to arrange a date for the pre-departure
briefing, scheduled for October 2024.

51