The Singapore Center at the Ascendas OneHub GKC, a business park in SSGKC, opens on July 29.

In addition to Nanyang Technological University's participation of the joint research institute, the university is also involved in establishing a "Center of Excellence for Software Transfer" with Liu Hong, dean of public administration and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University. Liu said the university is working with GKC Co to establish courses for Chinese entrepreneurs and government officials that will be offered both in SSGKC and in Singapore. The program is part of the university's cooperation with SSGKC to help executives in China learn from Singapore's expertise and experience.

He said courses would cover economics, industrial policy, business management, sustainable development and human resources management.

Ang added that with these training and joint research and innovation projects, SSGKC is focusing on attracting more talent.

"Talent is crucial for developing a knowledge-based economy," he said.

The concept of a knowledge-based economy has become mainstream thinking in China with the government's recent push into innovation and information technology industries.

Both SSGKC's business and living environment have been geared toward attracting and retaining professionals, Ang said.

"One-third of SSGKC's land is used for industrial development, one-third for residences and one-third for creating a beautiful living environment to make SSGKC an ideal place to work and live," he said.

For more information about Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City, visit www.ssgkc.com

fuchao@chinadaily.com.cn