SFCCA, Business China and SCCC celebrated the Year of the Monkey with DPM Tharman
On 10th February, the third day of the Lunar New Year, some 580 distinguished guests from Singapore’s Chinese community ushered in the Year of the Monkey with Guest-of-Honour Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister & Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, at the annual Spring Reception.
Jointly organised by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), Business China and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), the Spring Reception also had the honour of Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister Ong Ye Kung, Senior Minister of State Mrs Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State Ms Sim Ann, Minister of State Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State Mr Teo Ser Luck, Parliamentary Secretary Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary Mr Baey Yam Keng, as well as foreign diplomats and other dignitaries joining in the festivities.
In his speech, Guest-of-Honour DPM Tharman mentioned three important priorities for the SFCCA, Business China and SCCC in the strengthening of Singapore’s unique multicultural social fabric. “First, we have to deepen our Singapore identity in the coming years. Second, we have to intensify our efforts to integrate new immigrants in our society. And thirdly, we have to make sure that the culture of contributing back to community and country remains strong, not just for the current generation but for future generations,” DPM Tharman said.
On the topic of deepening the Singapore identity, DPM Tharman said that it is neither the dilution of the various cultural identities nor the fusion of the many cultures into one, as this would result in a weak and confused culture. “We should instead evolve, adapt and strengthen our own cultures, and take a keen interest in each other’s cultures. This will allow us to deepen our Singapore identity, and take real pride in multiculturalism in Singapore,” he added.
In his welcome address, President of SFCCA, Chairman of Business China and SCCC, Mr Chua Thian Poh, highlighted the key aspirations of the three organisations. He also shared that Business China and Lianhe Zaobao co-published a commemorative book in celebration of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China last year. The commemorative book chronicled key milestones and achievements in the establishment of the unique bilateral relationship between Singapore and China since 1990. Mr Chua said that Business China would continue to strive towards fulfilling its founding mission of promoting bilingualism and biculturalism, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking Singapore and China.
The Spring Reception also observed the tradition of exchanging well-wishes in a circle, signifying unity, solidarity and harmony. Music and dance performances by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Chinese Ensemble, Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) Chinese Dance Troupe as well as the SFCCA Scholars further added to the boisterous festive mood.
The Spring Reception is an annual event for the Chinese community leaders in Singapore to gather and exchange well-wishes and renew their camaraderie for the New Year. It is also a common platform for SFCCA, Business China and SCCC to promote the appreciation of Chinese language, culture and traditional values.