The 2025 Yangpu District Global Promotion Convention took place on Fuxing Island on June 9, spotlighting the innovation opportunities and future potential of this vibrant district to a global audience. Just before the conference, Lee Swee Ngoh, President of the Guangdong Enterprise Association (Singapore), shared a special "business environment experience report" through his own story. What seemed like a minor incident actually highlighted the warmth and care of the city.

From Panic to Heartfelt Thanks: When Things Took an Unexpected Turn

"I felt a sudden jolt of anxiety when I realized both my phones were missing. All my contacts and crucial data were on those phones, and I was utterly frantic," said Lee, still reflecting on the distressing moment a few days ago.

Lee's ties to Yangpu began when he met Wang Bo, a deputy to the 17th Yangpu District People's Congress. "We became friends back in 2010 at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore," Lee said. "Since Wang set up the Singapore RCEP Centre here, we've been in close contact. He filled me in on all the exciting developments in the district."

This trust led Lee, who had not visited Shanghai in over ten years, to come seeking investment opportunities. Excited by the district's innovation vibe and growth prospects, he rushed here, hoping to find a perfect spot for his company's China R&D headquarters.

In late May, Lee was shocked to find both his phones missing. Wang, who was with him, quickly understood how serious this was. "Mr. Lee is a guest here to look into investments. We can't let this spoil his visit," said Wang.

Wang, Executive Deputy Director of the Singapore RCEP Centre - the first overseas RCEP service center in China - knows his job is to bridge economic and cultural ties in the region. He realizes that for overseas investors, every experience is a true test of the local business environment.

This journey to find the phones was full of ups and downs but also incredibly heartwarming. From getting new SIM cards to using a computer to track the lost phones, and then working with the police to search for them...When the police finally handed the phones back at 11:30 that night, Lee was deeply moved. "Finding those phones felt like starting a business. It took confidence, remembering every little detail, and talking to everyone involved. It was such a warm experience."

From the City Warmth to the Blueprint

This unexpected experience did not just help Lee find his phones - it gave him faith in Yangpu's business environment. "Thanks to government support, we've set up our headquarters in Singapore and a branch in China," Wang said. "We believe that true international connections come from shared hearts and minds, built on cultural understanding and emotional bonds." This belief guided Wang as he shared with Lee the district's innovation parks, talent policies, and urban development.

According to Lee, he founded SINGRASS in Singapore in 2016 to tackle two key challenges in urbanization: the "sick building syndrome" from sealed, windowless skyscrapers and the struggle to get fresh, fiber-packed leafy greens.

"Our patented 'Indoor Smart Ecosystem' uses plants to cut CO2 and boost air quality in buildings, all while growing super-fresh, pesticide-free greens with minimal energy," Lee explained, his eyes lighting up. "Shanghai is a global city, and this district is a mini version of it. The skyscrapers and bustling economy here are the ideal place for our tech to really take off."

What started as an accident turned into a chance for a deeper look. "The district's infrastructure is top-notch, and the services and investment support are great too," Lee noted. "Many overseas Chinese don't really know much about the district. It takes firsthand experience to truly understand it. I hope there will be more ways to promote the district abroad in the future."

Lee's story adds a heartfelt touch to the upcoming 2025 Yangpu District Global Promotion Convention.