Ever since the end of the 19th century, there had been a widespread emigration of Chinese people. Now they can be found almost all over the world. Most of them had developed small enterprise businesses in their country of settlement. Some of these businesses were being expanded or diversified, while some were turned into business kingdoms with multinational interests.

Although Chinese entrepreneurs are well-known for being hard-working and energetic, there had never been an attempt to bring them together under one roof. The World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) was first conceptualized and organized by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry to provide a forum for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs to enhance economic cooperation and promote better understanding among overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and business communities worldwide. Being apolitical in nature, its mission is to focus on economic and cultural issues pertaining to Chinese entrepreneurship.

The potential generated by such convention is boundless. It can be very enlightening particularly for the Asian Pacific Region. It is an important channel to build up economic relationship and consolidate network of world Chinese entrepreneurs with the ultimate goal of establishing a business cooperation network.

The WCEC is an important biennial event for Chinese entrepreneurs around the globe, aimed at establishing an economic network linking Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide. The 3 Founder Members of the Convention are namely, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (HK) and Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. They will handle all matters related to the Convention when it is not in session.

16 WCECs have been held so far. Each one had its distinguished features and left its participants with unforgettable memories. Hosted by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, the 17th WCEC will be held in Kuala Lumpur in 2024.

The WCEC Logo

The permanent logo of the Convention was officially launched at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th WCEC.

The design concept of the logo is based on a globe, and paints a vision of Chinese Entrepreneurs from various parts of the world who get together with a common sense of unity and purpose. The logo visibly encompasses the acronym of WCEC – “World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention”. The globe in the design signifies “World”. The external C represents “Chinese” all over the world. The “E” in the middle stands for “Entrepreneurs” while the small “C” at the centre stands for “Convention”. The opening in the “E” shows how Chinese entrepreneurs from all over the world are drawn together to network and share experiences at the convention to achieve its intended purposes.

A vibrant and deep red, an auspicious colour in traditional Chinese customs, is used as the main colour for the logo.