CHINA PREPARES ITSELF TO BECOME PROSPEROUS NATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- China is preparing itself to become a
prosperous and stable nation in the next 30 years by learning through its past
experiences, Professor Wang Gungwu from the National University Of Singapore
said Saturday.

He said the country was learning through its experiences in the last 30
years in terms of successes and weaknesses in the areas of economy and politics
to achieve its aim.

Wang said this at a public lecture series here jointly organised by Hap Seng
Consolidated Bhd, Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd and Malaysian Mosaics Bhd.

"The country is a different China across the board as they wanted to see
economic growth and political stability. They are gearing themselves to the next
level," he said.

The lecture, entitled "The Emergence of China", discussed how the new China
governed itself, managed its economy and conducted its foreign relations.

Wang is also chairman of the East Asian Institute in Singapore and Lee Kuan
Yew School of Public Policy governing board, and emeritus professor of the
Australian National University.
-- BERNAMA