The World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) was initiated by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The three conveners of the convention include: Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Thai Chinese Chamber of Commerce. So far 13 editions have been successfully held every two years since its establishment, each with their own characteristics, making WCEC a global Chinese business event. Over the years, WCEC has become the ties and bridges for world's Chinese entrepreneurs to promote economic and trade cooperation. Meanwhile, it has also effectively promoted Chinese entrepreneurs to serve the local economy, and promote the economic development of the host country and region.
In August 1991, the 1st WCEC was held in Singapore, with more than 800 Chinese entrepreneurs from 30 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the conference was "A Global Network".
In November 1993, the 2nd WCEC was held in Hong Kong, China, with nearly 1,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from 21 countries and regions attending the convention. The convention was themed under “Chinese Entrepreneurs all over the Four Seas Contribute to the Prosperity of the Five Continents”, and proposed the slogan of "Chinese entrepreneurs from across the world to jointly create prosperity everywhere".
In December 1995, the 3rd WCEC was held in Bangkok, Thailand, with 1,500 Chinese entrepreneurs from 24 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the convention was "Strengthening World Chinese Entrepreneurs Network, Working together for Economic Development & Prosperity".
In August 1997, the 4th WCEC was held in Vancouver, Canada, with nearly 1,400 Chinese entrepreneurs from 30 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the conference was "Telecommunications & Information Technology – Its Impact on the Global Marketplace".
In October 1999, the 5th WCEC was held in Melbourne, Australia, with more than 800 Chinese entrepreneurs from over 20 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the conference was "Challenges in the New Millennium".
In September 2001, the 6th WCEC was held in Nanjing, China, with nearly 5,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from over 70 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the conference was "Chinese Entrepreneurs Join Hands in the New Century for Peace and Prosperity".
In July 2003, the 7th WCEC was held in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, with more than 3,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from over 30 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the conference was "Unity and Integrity – For Global Growth and Prosperity".
In October 2005, the 8th WCEC was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with 3,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries attending the convention. The theme of this conference was "Greater Ties with Chinese Entrepreneurs, Enhancing Global Peace & Prosperity".
In September 2007, the 9th WCEC was held in Kobe, Japan, with more than 3,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from over 30 countries and regions attending the convention. The theme of the conference was "Win with Peace, Harmony, and Cooperation and Benefit the World".
In November 2009, the 10th WCEC was held in Manila, capital of the Philippines. The theme of the convention was "World Prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship ". More than 3,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from 22 countries and regions attended the convention.
In October 2011, the 11th WCEC was held in Singapore. The theme of the convention was "New Global Environment, New Chinese Enterprise, New Impetus". More than 4,600 Chinese entrepreneurs from 125 cities in 34 countries and regions attended the convention.
In September 2013, the 12th WCEC was held in Chengdu, China, with a total of 3,013 participants, of whom 2,210 were overseas representatives, and 803 were domestic representatives. The theme of the convention was "China's development and opportunities for Chinese entrepreneurs."
In September 2015, the 13th WCEC was held in Bali, Indonesia. The theme of the conference was "Uniting Chinese Entrepreneurs, Accomplishing Mutual Success in Indonesia". Nearly 3,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from more than 20 countries and regions came together at Bali, the island of unique cultural landscape and beautiful island customs.
The 14th WCEC will be held from 15 to 18 September 2017 in Yangon, Myanmar. The theme of the event is “Setting up Historical Milestones through the Economic Reform of Myanmar”. Over 2,000 Chinese business leaders around the world will be participating in this great event in Yangon.