Business Chinese 商务中文
Designed for working professionals who need to use Mandarin confidently and appropriately in the workplace.
This programme focuses on practical workplace communication in Mandarin. Participants practise handling real work situations through guided spoken and written tasks, such as explaining work matters, participating in discussions, and handling everyday workplace communication.
Training adopts a scenario-based, task-oriented approach, with emphasis on functional communication, appropriate tone, and professional judgement.
The programme is offered under two learning tracks, depending on how you use Mandarin at work:
- Listening & Speaking Track – for professionals whose main challenge is speaking and participating in conversations, meetings, discussions and explanations
- Comprehensive Track – for professionals who need to communicate both verbally and in writing. In addition to the same spoken communication training progression, this track also covers reading and writing workplace texts, such as emails, documents, and reports
Not sure which track or level suits you? Book an online consultation with our team.
Mode of Training: Classroom Facilitated Training
Course Schedule: 3-hour sessions, once a week
Weekday evenings (7pm – 10pm) | Saturdays afternoon (1.30pm-4.30pm)
Post-course Assessment: Minimum 75% in-class attendance is required to sit for the Business Chinese Test (BCT)
Funding & Subsidies
SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Funding*
- 50% SkillsFuture Baseline Funding
- 70% SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES)
- 70% SkillsFuture Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)
Additional Funding Support
- SkillsFuture Credit (Opening Credit)
- Post-Secondary Education Account Fund (PSEA)
- Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP)
Training Venue
NTU@one-north campus
11 Slim Barracks Rise, Executive Centre, #08-01, Singapore 138664
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista & one-north
For working professionals who can speak Mandarin but want to communicate more confidently and effectively at work.
This track focuses on spoken workplace communication, such as responding to colleagues, explaining work matters, and participating in discussions.
Training progresses from daily workplace interactions to structured discussions, and finally to complex professional topics, through guided spoken practice.
Recommended Background: GCE ‘O’ Level Chinese or equivalent.
Participants with Higher Chinese may consider starting from Intermediate Level 2.
Focus: Routine workplace interaction and basic spoken communication
Duration: 48.5 hours (16 weekly sessions + 1 assessment)
Suitable if you:
- Can manage daily Mandarin conversations but hesitate to use them at work
- Can handle short exchanges but find it hard to explain things clearly
- Want to feel more confident in everyday workplace interactions
You will practise:
- Responding to common workplace requests
- Explaining routine work-related matters
- Expressing basic opinions and needs
Examples may include client reception, handling coordination tasks, giving updates, and clarifying routine work matters.
Focus: Structured discussion and clearer spoken communication
Duration: 48.5 hours (16 weekly sessions + 1 assessment)
Suitable if you:
- Already use Mandarin at work but want to communicate more clearly
- Can express ideas but need better structure when explaining
- Need to participate more actively in discussions and meetings
You will practise:
- Explaining workflows, decisions, and workplace issues
- Expressing viewpoints with reasons and examples
- Responding professionally to differing opinions
Focus: Extended discussion, analysis, and professional judgement
Duration: 36.5 hours (12 weekly sessions + 1 assessment)
Suitable if you:
- Are comfortable using Mandarin in professional contexts
- Need to discuss complex business or organisational topics
- Want to communicate with stronger judgement and authority
You will practise:
- Discussing business, economic, and regional issues
- Analysing situations from multiple perspectives
- Expressing and responding to complex viewpoints
For working professionals who need to use Mandarin across both spoken and written workplace contexts.
This track is suitable if your work involves reading, writing, and explaining information in Mandarin, such as emails, documents, or reports.
Participants will follow the same spoken communication progression as the Listening & Speaking Track, with additional emphasis on workplace reading and writing tasks.
Recommended Background: GCE ‘O’ Level Chinese or equivalent.
Higher Chinese holders may consider starting from Intermediate Level 2.
Focus: Foundation-level integrated communication for routine workplace use
Duration: 99 hours (32 weekly sessions + 1 assessment)
Suitable if you:
- Can read Chinese texts but find them challenging
- Can write short messages or want to start doing so
- Want to build a foundation in both spoken and written workplace communication
You will practise:
- Communicating in routine workplace and service-related situations
- Reading and understanding workplace information
- Writing short and functional workplace texts
Examples may include writing short emails or notices, responding to simple workplace instructions, preparing basic confirmations, and handling routine coordination tasks in written form.
Focus: Structured communication and workplace document handling
Duration: 99 hours (32 weekly sessions + 1 assessment)
Suitable if you:
- Are comfortable reading longer workplace or business-related texts
- Have written emails or documents and want to improve clarity and structure
- Need stronger integration of spoken and written communication at work
You will practise:
- Interpreting workplace and business-related texts
- Structuring ideas clearly in written communication
- Integrating spoken explanation with written documentation
Examples may include handling complaints, discussing contracts or pricing matters, preparing reports, responding to workplace guidelines, and explaining policies or procedures.
Focus: Advanced professional and strategic communication across spoken and written contexts
Duration: 75 hours (24 weekly sessions + 1 assessment)
Suitable if you:
- Are comfortable reading professional or business-related texts
- Can produce structured written texts such as reports or proposals
- Need to handle complex business communication in Mandarin
You will practise:
- Analysing professional and business-related issues
- Developing structured arguments with evaluation and justification
- Integrating strategic discussion with analytical writing
Examples may include discussing market or policy developments, preparing analytical reports or proposals, and presenting strategic viewpoints in professional contexts.
FAQs
How do I choose the right level?
Refer to the “Suitable if you” section under each level. You do not need to meet every point listed.
As a general guide, participants with GCE ‘O’ Level Higher Chinese often start from Intermediate Level 2.
If unsure, book an online consultation with our team.
What is the entry requirement?
Recommended background: GCE ‘O’ Level Chinese or equivalent.
This programme is not suitable for beginners with no prior Mandarin learning experience.
How does the registration work?
Submit the online application form based on your self-assessment.
All applications are reviewed by the Programme Coordinator. Submission does not guarantee enrolment.
Are all courses guaranteed to start as scheduled?
No, courses require a minimum of 8 participants to commence. Participants will be notified at least 5 days before the start date. Contact [email protected] if no update is received.
Is attendance compulsory?
Yes. A minimum of 75% in-class attendance is required by the Institute to qualify for the post-course assessment (BCT).
Completion of the post-course assessment is necessary to fulfil SSG funding requirements.
Is the BCT compulsory?
Yes, for participants receiving SSG funding.
The BCT must be completed within 2 months after course completion.
What if I miss a lesson?
Make-up lessons are not provided. Please choose a schedule that aligns with your availability.
Who is eligible for SkillsFuture Funding?
Participants must:
- Be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Complete the post-course assessment (BCT) within 2 months of course completion
- Submit the required post-course surveys
If funding requirements are not met, participants must pay the difference between the subsidised fee paid and the full course fee.
What funding support is available?
- SkillsFuture Baseline Funding – 50% funding for SCs and PRs aged ≥21
- Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) – Up to 70% funding for SCs aged ≥40
- Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS) – 70% funding for SME-sponsored SCs or PRs
Note: SSG funding is granted only once per course. Retakes will require payment of the full course fee.
Additional Funding Support:
SkillsFuture Credit (Opening Credit) – may be used together with SSG subsidy (excluding the $4,000 Mid-Career Tier Credit). Check your balance here.
Post-Secondary Education Account Fund (PSEA) – Check your balance at 6260 0777. Learn more here.
Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) – Check the NTUC portal for eligibility details.
Eligible participants pay only the nett course fee after applicable subsidies.
Can I use CPF for payment?
No. CPF Education Scheme applies only to full-time undergraduate programmes.
Can I withdraw and receive a refund?
Refunds depend on when the withdrawal request is submitted:
- More than 30 days before course commencement: 100% refund
- 15 to 30 days before course commencement: 50% refund
- Less than 15 days before course commencement: No refund
Refunds are calculated based on the full course fee. Registration fees are non-refundable. For full details, refer to the Terms & Conditions in the enrolment form.
How are refunds processed?
Refunds are processed via GIRO to the participant or sponsoring company. Bank details and relevant documents will be required.
