On the afternoon of June 25, 2026, led by Mr. Fan Ziping of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association, a delegation from the association’s presidency visited the SMRT Corporation headquarters in Bishan for an exchange, at the invitation of Mr. She Wenmin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SMRT Corporation.
As a vital component of Singapore’s public transportation system, SMRT plays a crucial role in the city’s daily operations. While rail transit may appear to be simply the orderly integration of trains, lines, and stations, it is in fact underpinned by a rigorous safety system, meticulous operational management, and continuous technological innovation.
This visit to SMRT was not only an opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of Singapore’s rail transit development and corporate management, but also a practical initiative by the Singapore Zhongyuan Association to expand its channels of communication and strengthen ties with various sectors.
Seeing Professionalism and Responsibility Through Urban Transportation
During the visit, the delegation from the Singapore Zhongyuan Association received a warm welcome from SMRT management.
SMRT management members who attended the meeting included:
SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming(She Wenmin), Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Singapore Metro Group
Ngien Hoon Ping (Yunbin Yin), Chief Executive Officer of SMRT Group, CEO of the Singapore MRT Group
Ang Hang Guan (Hong Hanyuan), Acting President of Tengyue Engineering, Singapore Metro Group
Tan Jianlong (Chen Jianlong), Deputy Chief Strategy Officer, Singapore Metro Group
Liu Fook Thim (Lü Futian)
At the site of the visit, the words “Good Today, Better Tomorrow,” handwritten by SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming, stood out prominently. This concise and powerful message, written in both Chinese and English, not only expresses the Group Chairman’s recognition of current efforts but also conveys his aspiration to continuously strive for a better tomorrow. Following the Chairman’s lead, Mr. Ngien Hoon Ping, Chief Executive Officer of SMRT Group, together with the management team, continues to drive the Group’s steady progress in safe operations, service improvement, and corporate development.
During the roundtable discussion, SMRT management provided an overview of the Group’s development history, operational system, strategic layout, and future plans, and shared the company’s practices and insights in areas such as safety management, service improvement, talent development, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
A well-developed public transportation system must not only ensure the safe travel of large numbers of passengers every day, but also continuously adapt to changes in urban development and public needs.
From train operations to station management, from risk control to service optimization, and from talent development to long-term strategy, SMRT’s extensive professional experience allows everyone to gain a more tangible sense of the rigor and attention to detail behind Singapore’s public transportation management.
During the visit, the concept of “improving by 1% every day” also left a deep impression on everyone. Seemingly minor improvements, when sustained day after day, can accumulate into approximately 37.8 times the original growth after one year. This compounding effect of incremental progress is precisely the long-term power emphasized by SMRT’s implementation of Kaizen (continuous improvement).
This philosophy has also translated into tangible results: From the 2018/19 fiscal year to the 2025/26 fiscal year, SMRT completed a cumulative total of 10,204 improvement projects, received 19,126 improvement suggestions, and achieved actual cumulative savings of 867.6 million Singapore dollars—approximately 37% higher than the target of 630 million Singapore dollars; On average, each eligible employee generated approximately S$6,350 in cumulative savings. Behind these figures lies a true reflection of how continuous improvement has evolved from a concept into daily practice, and how individual actions have coalesced into corporate achievements.
Exchange is not just about visiting; it’s about inspiring one another
During the discussion, Mr. Fan Ziping expressed his gratitude for the invitation and hospitality extended by the Singapore Metro Group.
This visit provided Zhongyuan Association members with a platform to broaden their horizons and engage in learning and exchange, and it also allowed everyone to recognize the significant value of professional management, public responsibility, and a long-term perspective in urban infrastructure development.
The Singapore Centaline Association has always placed great importance on maintaining communication and connections with all sectors of Singaporean society. While continuing to carry out charitable and public welfare activities to spread warmth, the Association also hopes to engage with various companies and gain insights into different industries through a variety of activities—such as visits, roundtable discussions, and industry interactions—to deepen its understanding of how Singaporean society functions and develops, and to help members broaden their perspectives, connect with resources, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The on-site discussion was candid and in-depth. The two sides exchanged views on topics such as business operations, international expansion, management mechanisms, talent development, and future cooperation.
Exchanges between different fields often lead to new insights and perspectives. Although transportation operations and business management belong to different industries, they share many commonalities in their emphasis on safety, efficiency, responsibility, talent, and long-term planning.
This also ensured that the visit went beyond simply “getting to know SMRT” and became an in-depth exchange on corporate development and management philosophies.
A Dinner to Foster Friendship and Keep the Spirit of Exchange Alive
After the tour, the guests from both sides enjoyed dinner together. During the meal, they continued the conversations that had taken place during the tour and engaged in further exchanges in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere, sharing their industry experiences and insights on development.
This dinner received the generous support of Mr. Zhang Lifeng, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of Fuhua Wines Pte. Ltd., who also served as the exclusive sponsor of Guojiao 1573.
Guojiao 1573 embodies the rich tradition of Chinese winemaking and added a touch of solemnity and warmth to the evening’s gathering.
This exclusive sponsorship not only provides strong support for this event, but also demonstrates Honorary Vice President Zhang Lifeng’s commitment to the Central Plains Association’s operations, as well as his sense of responsibility and dedication to actively participating in and supporting exchanges.
A gathering brings people closer together; a glass of fine wine conveys sincere friendship. The dinner took place in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, adding a warm touch to this visit and exchange.
Reach Out to the World, Unite Within
This visit provided the delegation from the Zhongyuan Association with a deeper understanding of Singapore’s rail transit operations and modern corporate management, and further strengthened the ties between the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and local businesses and various sectors of society.
The vitality of a club is reflected not only in the cohesion among its members, but also in its ability to reach out proactively, engage in continuous learning, and maintain ongoing connections.
Under the leadership of Mr. Fan Ziping, the Singapore Centaline Association will continue to serve as a bridge and link, organizing visits and exchange activities in various fields in a more open and pragmatic manner to help members broaden their horizons, strengthen connections, and pool resources.
At the same time, the Zhongyuan Association will continue to be based in Singapore and actively promote communication and interaction between Singapore and China in the fields of culture, business, and trade, ensuring that every exchange yields meaningful results and that every gathering serves as a starting point for future cooperation.
The visit concluded successfully in a sincere and cordial atmosphere. The warm hospitality of the Singapore Metro Group, the in-depth exchanges among the guests, and the active participation of our colleagues at Zhongyuan Association all contributed to making this event a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.
We would also like to extend special thanks to Mr. Zhang Lifeng, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of Fuhua Wines Pte. Ltd., for his exclusive sponsorship of Guojiao 1573, which added a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the dinner and made this gathering all the more heartwarming.
A single visit has opened a window to mutual understanding; a single exchange has paved the way for further collaboration. The Singapore Centaline Association will continue to be based in Singapore, strengthening communication and interaction with all sectors of society through an open and pragmatic approach, so that exchanges may continue to expand and friendships may endure and grow stronger over time.
Visitors
She Wenmin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Singapore Metro Group
Yunbin Yin, CEO of Singapore Metro Group
Wang Jiancheng, Advisor to Zhongyuan Association, Chairman of Ronghua Group
Ma Xiaoyun, Permanent Honorary President of the Zhongyuan Association and Founder of Jingma International
Wang Xiaopei, Founding President and Permanent Honorary President of the Zhongyuan Association, and Chairman of Xin Yu Culture Pte. Ltd.
Fan Ziping, Zhongyuan Association
Geng Jiahong
Li Hong, Honorary President of the Zhongyuan Association and CEO of VANSHIGLOBAL
Zhang Lifeng, Honorary Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of Fuhua Private Limited
Hong Han-yuan, Acting President of Tengyue Engineering, Singapore Metro Group
Chen Jianlong, Deputy Chief Strategy Officer, Singapore Metro Group
Glory Minds LLP Lü Futian
Yang Xuemei, Honorary President of the Zhongyuan Association (representing Huangfu Xiaoning, CEO of Fusen Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.)
Wang Yanbin, Executive Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of Xingmazi Film Sdn Bhd
Liu Hongling, Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of IMI Lifestyle Products Pte Ltd
Guo Shujie, Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and CEO of Xuan Yu Architecture Pte. Ltd.
Zhang Bo, Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and CEO of Cheng·Production Pte. Ltd.
Zhang Yuhui, Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and General Manager of LOYANG PRIME TRADING & SERVICES PTE.LTD
Chai Jie, Secretary-General of the Central Plains Association and Head of the International Projects Department at FedEx
Liang Changbin, Honorary Vice President and Director of the Zhongyuan Association, and Managing Director of SCE Engineering
Duan Shuaijun, Honorary Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Vice President of IPP Capital
Zhao Xiaodan, Honorary Vice President and Deputy Secretary-General of the Central Plains Association
Guo Lijun, Honorary Vice President and Deputy Secretary-General of the Zhongyuan Association, and CEO of Henan Kenan Crane Co., Ltd.
Chen Liyuan, Honorary Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Chairman of the Leike Group
Liu Wei, Honorary Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Vice President of J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jia Weibin, Honorary Vice President of the Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of Affiance Luxury
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Produced by | Singapore Zhongyuan Association
Written by Zhao Xiaodan, Guo Lijun, and Hou Jingyu
Photography | Cheng • Production Sdn Bhd