Business Chinese 商务中文

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Business Chinese programme is designed to develop your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through practical, real-world scenarios. While focusing on general workplace topics relevant across various industries, the multi-level curriculum caters to both beginners and advanced learners. It provides a solid foundation to communicate confidently and effectively in any professional context, helping you navigate real-life business situations with ease.


Why Join Us?

  • Attain the internationally recognised Business Chinese Test (BCT) certificate
  • Access up to 70% SkillsFuture Funding and additional funding support like SkillsFuture Credit, PSEA, and NTUC UTAP
  • Curriculum features practical, real-life themes
  • Connect with professionals across diverse sectors
  • Learn from certified trainers with extensive teaching experience

Course Objectives

  • Improve your Mandarin for workplace communication
  • Gain confidence in business discussions with Mandarin-speaking stakeholders
  • Enhance your ability to engage in formal and informal situations

Course Structure

The programme is divided into three pathways, each offering 10 progressive levels.

Listening & Speaking Skills
Beginner: Master phonetics and basic workplace conversations.
Pre-Intermediate: Engage in social and workplace conversations without phonetic assistance.
Intermediate & Advanced: Participate in in-depth discussions and formal business communications.

Reading & Writing Skills
Beginner: Learn basic grammar, sentence structures, and character formation.
Pre-Intermediate: Read and write short essays and formal letters.
Intermediate & Advanced: Improve reading speed and writing skills across various genres (reports, contracts, etc.).

Comprehensive Skills
A blend of listening, speaking, reading, and writing for holistic communication.


Course Details

  • Mode of Delivery: In-person at NTU@one-north campus
  • Course Schedule: Weekday Classes: 7 PM – 10 PM (once or twice a week)  |  Weekend Classes: Saturday sessions available. 
  • Post-course Assessment: 75% in-class attendance is required to sit for the Business Chinese Test (BCT), which must be completed within 2 months after the course ends.

 

Funding/Subsidy

 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 (Base Tier)
  • Post-Secondary Education Account Fund (PSEA)
  • Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP)


Enrolment Procedure

  • Book an online Placement Test: Participants with prior Mandarin knowledge must complete a placement test before enrolling in the course. Fresh learners may start directly at Beginner Level 1.1.
  • Registration: After receiving the course recommendation, submit the completed enrolment form to [email protected] at least 10 days before the course start date. Payment details will be provided once registration is processed.


Contact Us
For enquiries, please contact Joyce / Eileen at 6514 1062 / 6592 2539 or email [email protected].

Training Venue: 11 Slim Barracks Rise, NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre, #08-01, Singapore 138664
(Nearest MRT: Buona Vista & one-north)

 


 

Programme

What is the Business Chinese programme?
The Business Chinese programme helps individuals improve Mandarin skills for professional use, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing through general practical workplace scenarios. It caters to both beginners and advanced learners.

How many courses are available in the programme?
The programme offers three pathways, each with 10 progressive levels:

  • Listening & Speaking Skills – Focuses on oral and listening skills.
  • Reading & Writing Skills – Enhances literacy for business documents and correspondence.
  • Comprehensive Skills – Covers all four skills.

Participants can choose the pathway that best matches their learning objectives.

Are foreign participants eligible?
Yes, foreign participants are welcome but must hold a valid pass throughout the course duration. Please ensure your pass validity before enrolling, as CI-NTU cannot address issues arising if the pass expires during the course.

Do I need to complete all 10 levels?
No, each course level is standalone. You can take one course or progress to higher levels as needed. A certificate is awarded upon completion of each course.

Can I take the BCT without attending the course?
Yes, the BCT is available as an Assessment-Only Pathway (AOP). Visit the BCT Centre page for details.

What are the course timings?
Courses typically run for 3-hour sessions, held once or twice a week in the evenings (7 PM – 10 PM) or on Saturdays. Check the Business Chinese Course Schedule for exact dates.

Where are the classes conducted?
Classes are held in-person at NTU@one-north campus:

Address: 11 Slim Barracks Rise, Executive Centre, #08-01, Singapore 138664
MRT Stations: Buona Vista and one-north

Are online courses available?
Currently, all courses are conducted in-person to ensure interactive learning. Online options are not available.

What does the course fees cover?
Course fees include training and the post-course BCT. No refunds will be provided for the test portion if you opt out of the BCT.

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.

 

Pre-course Placement Test & Registration

Why is the placement test required?
The placement test ensures appropriate course placement for optimal learning. Beginners may skip the test and start at Beginner Level 1.1.

Is there a fee for the placement test?
No, the placement test is free of charge.

How is the placement test conducted?

The placement test includes:

  • Oral Assessment: A live Zoom session to assess speaking skills.
  • Reading Test: Passages to assess recognition of Chinese characters and comprehension.
  • Reading & Writing Test: Offline tasks, including multiple choice, writing Chinese characters or composing 1-2 short essays.

Placement recommendation will be emailed within 5-7 working days. Click here to book your appointment early to avoid missing the enrolment deadline.

How long is the recommendation valid?
The recommendation is valid for 6 months from the date of notification.

What if I haven’t decided which course pathway to take?
Complete the full placement test to keep your options open and avoid enrolment delays.

 

Attendance & Post-course Assessment

Why is Singpass required for attendance tracking?
For SSG-funded courses, attendance is recorded via the Singpass to comply with SSG’s digital attendance system. Please ensure your Singpass is set up and functional. Technical issues should be documented for appeals to SSG.

What is the attendance policy?
Participants must attain a minimum of 75% in-class attendance to receive a E-Certificate of Completion and qualify for the post-course assessment (BCT).

What if I miss a lesson?
Make-up lessons are not provided, as the same course may not be available during the period. Additionally, online options are unavailable for classroom training registered with SSG. Please select a schedule that aligns with your availability.

Is the post-course assessment compulsory?
Yes, the post-course assessment evaluates your learning outcomes and is mandatory to fulfill SSG funding requirements.
Please note that participants with less than 75% in-class attendance will not be eligible to take the post-course assessment.


Funding & Eligibility

What are the eligibility criteria to qualify for SkillsFuture Funding?

Participants must:

  • Be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
  • Complete the post-course assessment (BCT) within 2 months of the course completion date
  • Participate in the post-course survey

Note: SSG funding is granted only once per course. Retakes will require payment of the full course fee.

What funding schemes 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

Eligible participants only need to pay the nett course fees (after SSG Funding) during enrolment. However, if funding requirements are not met, a top-up fee equivalent to the subsidy amount received will be collected.

Can I use SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) to pay for course fees?
Yes, SFC can be used alongside SSG subsidies, except for the $4000 Mid-Career Tier Credit, which are not eligible. The registration fee is non-claimable. All eligible Singaporeans will be able to access their SFC account here.

Can I use my PSEA to pay for course fees?
Yes, if you are below the age of 31. Contact PSEA Customer Service at 6260 0777 to check your balance. For more information on utilising the PSEA, click here.

Can I combine PSEA and SFC to pay for course fees?
Yes, but ensure sufficient funds in both accounts to avoid rejections or delays.

Is there a limit to the amount of SFC or PSEA funds that I can use?
No, there is no limit, provided there is a sufficient balance in your account. These funds can only be used to pay for course fees.

Can I use CPF for payment?
No, CPF Education Scheme applies only to full-time undergraduate programmes.

Is the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) applicable?
Yes, but only certain courses are eligible. Check the NTUC portal for eligibility details.

Are NTU Alumni Course Credits applicable to the courses?
No, NTU Alumni Course Credits cannot be used for the courses.

How can companies apply for Absentee Payroll (AP) for sponsored employees?
Companies who sponsor their employees for the course may apply for the AP via the Enterprise Jobs Skills Portal using their CorpPass Login. Visit the EPJS Portal for details.

Are there funding schemes for SMEs?
Yes, SMEs can receive up to 70% funding under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS). Click here for more information.

 

Withdrawal & Refund

Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the course?
Yes, but the refund depends on when your withdrawal request is submitted. Any applicable discounts or government subsidy/funding support will be voided, and the refund will be calculated based on the full course fee. The registration fee is non-refundable.

  • More than 30 days before course commencement: 100% refund of paid course fees
  • 15 to 30 days before course commencement: 50% of the course fees will be refunded
  • Less than 15 days before course commencement: No refund

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 listed on the Receipt/Invoice. Bank details or other necessary documents will be required.

 

 

预约鉴定测试
Schedule placement test