Singaporeans Embrace Diverse Ventures in China
Singaporean entrepreneurs are increasingly stepping beyond local borders and finding fertile ground for business growth in China — from time-honoured practices like pig farming to cutting-edge livestream e-commerce platforms.
A prime example is Ang Eng Guan, the second-generation leader of Qiaoxin Group, who has spent more than 30 years building a pig farming business in Weifang, a second-tier city in Shandong Province. His story highlights how Singaporean expertise has adapted to local Chinese markets while preserving deep cultural and emotional business roots.
Legacy and New Beginnings: The Qiaoxin Group Story
“My wish has always been to have Singaporeans taste black pork raised by fellow Singaporeans,” Ang said, reflecting both a sentimental and strategic vision.
From Lim Chu Kang to Weifang
Ang’s father, Ang Bock Chwee, once operated poultry and pig farms in Lim Chu Kang, Singapore. However, Singapore’s land scarcity and environmental regulations in the 1980s led to the phasing out of local pig farming — forcing many farmers to seek alternatives abroad. This shift mirrors Singapore’s broader economic evolution from primary industries to high-value and service sectors.
In 1992, the elder Ang journeyed to China to start anew, establishing a free-range pig farm in Weifang. The younger Ang joined his father in 1994 after working overseas, continuing and expanding the family’s agricultural legacy.
Free-Range Black Pigs for Premium Markets
Qiaoxin Group’s model focuses on free-range black pigs, bred in open environments and fed carefully formulated diets designed to enhance meat quality and flavor — a product positioned at the premium end of China’s pork market.
This strategy reflects a broader shift in China’s meat consumption patterns, where quality, origin, and traceability increasingly influence buyer decisions. It also positions companies like Qiaoxin to benefit from higher price points and differentiated product demand.
Market Challenges and Resilience
Operating in China has not been without obstacles. The outbreak of African swine fever in 2018 severely affected the industry, forcing farms countrywide to reduce herd sizes and rethink biosecurity measures. In response, Qiaoxin scaled down production and shifted sales strategies to minimize cross-contamination risks.
Competition among pork producers is intense, particularly in the lower-end white pig segment. To counter these pressures, Ang has gradually pivoted towards black pork — prized for flavor and commanding premium prices. While these pigs take longer to mature and cost more to raise, they offer superior margins when marketed successfully.
Beyond Farming: Livestream E-Commerce Success
While pig farming remains a traditional business rooted in decades of family effort, other Singaporean entrepreneurs are thriving through digital ventures in China — especially livestream e-commerce, a booming segment of the country’s retail transformation.
The Rise of Live Selling
Kelvin Ng, a Singaporean entrepreneur born in the 1980s, transitioned from an educational technology business to become a successful livestreaming e-commerce innovator.
Ng’s journey included working with China’s educational sector through a regional director role with the Singapore Economic Development Board in Beijing. Eventually, he co-founded Yellowkastle Technology, a company specializing in live selling solutions for merchants and brands — turning videos into powerful sales tools on major Chinese platforms.
Within two to three years, Yellowkastle’s livestream sessions helped sell an array of products, from children’s toys to skincare items, demonstrating how live content can directly drive consumer purchases.
China’s Economic Context: Second-Tier Cities and Opportunities
A key factor in the Singaporean success stories is China’s evolving urban economy. With major first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai experiencing saturated markets and rising costs, many entrepreneurs are turning their attention to second- and third-tier cities.
The Strategic Shift
According to Warren Wee, vice-chair and secretary general of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (SingCham), Singaporean business practices — including meticulous planning and adherence to rules — have proven valuable in navigating China’s dynamic commercial environment.
Cities like Weifang offer lower operational costs and a growing consumer base, making them fertile ground for both traditional agricultural enterprises and innovative digital businesses.
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Cultural Synergies and Economic Bridges
These entrepreneurial stories reflect deeper Singapore-China economic ties, which have strengthened over 35 years since formal diplomatic relations began. Today, sectors spanning agriculture, technology, and digital commerce benefit from cross-border investment, knowledge transfer, and cultural exchange.
Initiatives like the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China help bridge regulatory, cultural, and operational differences — enabling Singaporean firms to navigate local landscapes more effectively and sustainably.
Looking Ahead
As China’s market continues to evolve, Singaporean entrepreneurs face both challenges and opportunities. Those who combine heritage business practices with digital innovation — as seen in black pork farming and livestream e-commerce — may unlock new pathways for growth and cooperation between the two nations.
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