The Lien China Development Forum 2026, themed “Dynamic Governance and Digital Empowerment: China and Singapore from Mutual Learning to Win-Win Collaboration,” was held on 17 October 2026 in Beijing. Organized by the Lien Ying Chow Legacy Fellowship, Nanyang Centre for Public Administration, Peking University School of Government, and Stratagem Group, the forum brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and distinguished practitioners from China and Singapore to discuss the future of governance in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. 

Attended by more than 200 participants, the forum examined how governments can enhance their agility, adaptability, and resilience amid rapid technological transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and emerging transnational challenges. Discussions focused on the role of artificial intelligence, big data, digital twins, and other digital technologies in strengthening dynamic governance and enabling governments to better anticipate, respond to, and evolve alongside societal needs.

The programme featured opening addresses by Prof Liu Hong, Associate Vice President (International Engagement) of Nanyang Technological University, Programme Director of the Lien Ying Chow Legacy Fellowship, and Director (Research & Executive Education) of the Nanyang Centre for Public Administration; His Excellency Peter Tan, Singapore's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China and Member of the Lien Fellowship Council; and Prof Dong Zhiyong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Peking University. The programme was followed by a keynote address by Mr Sim Feng Ji, Government Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information and a Lien Fellow, who shared valuable insights into Singapore's digital transformation journey. 

Key themes throughout the forum included digital transformation in public governance, urban governance innovation, China-Singapore cooperation in the digital economy, comparative perspectives on smart governance, and emerging opportunities for bilateral and regional business collaboration. Speakers also explored how China and Singapore can leverage their complementary strengths in policy experimentation, data governance, and digital innovation to co-create practical solutions for the digital era.

A particular focus of the forum was moving beyond traditional models of knowledge sharing towards deeper collaboration and ecosystem building. Discussions highlighted opportunities for China, Singapore, and ASEAN partners to work together in areas such as digital economy development, smart cities, cross-border data governance, regulatory innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The forum also featured the launch of the book ASEAN Centrality and the Revitalization of Regional Connectivity, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity in a rapidly changing global landscape. 

Through high-level dialogue and cross-sector exchange, the forum reinforced the importance of dynamic governance and digital innovation in addressing contemporary policy challenges, while further strengthening China-Singapore partnerships and contributing valuable insights towards the transformation of public governance in the digital age.