SFCCA, Business China and SCCC injecting new energies into the development of the Chinese community
SINGAPORE, 10 February 2015 – More than 500 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).
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, foreign diplomats and other dignitaries also joined in the festivities.
The Spring Reception is an annual event for the Chinese community leaders in Singapore to gather and exchange well-wishes and aspirations 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.
In his speech, President of SFCCA, Chairman of Business China and SCCC, Mr Chua Thian Poh highlighted the key roles of the three organisations. He shared that SFCCA had always been actively encouraging youth participation, and will be introducing the “Outstanding Youth Award” to recognise youths who made significant contributions to the development of the local Chinese community. SFCCA will also be recruiting more Chinese Community Youths Ambassadors to promote the uniquely Singapore Chinese culture to fellow Singaporeans.
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Singapore and China last year, Business China and Lianhe Zaobao co-published a commemorative book which chronicled key milestones and achievements in the establishment of the unique bilateral relationship between Singapore and China since 1990. Moving forward, Business China will 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 Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, with its premises still under construction, had already rolled out 7 activities including the first large-scale multimedia cultural exhibition showcasing both the local and migrant cultures, as well as our national culture. When open in 2017, the SCCC will be a brand new landmark amidst Singapore’s Chinese cultural landscape.
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 SFCCA Scholarship Holders further added to the boisterous festive mood.
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For more information, please contact:
Mark Mah
Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations
DID: 6643 6471
Email: markmah@sfcca.sg
Woon Yik Huen
Business China
DID: 6213 0409
Email: yikhuen@businesschina.org.sg
Linda Geng
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
DID: 6259 0397 ext 105
Email: ygeng@singaporeccc.org.sg
About Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations
Established in 1985, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) is the apex body of the Chinese clan associations in Singapore, with PM Lee Hsien Loong named as our first Patron in 2011. The Federation’s primary objectives are to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese language, culture and values; to lead the Chinese clan associations in Singapore, as well as, organise and support educational, cultural and community activities. The Federation now boosts a membership of over 220.
For more information, please visit: www.sfcca.sg/en.
About Business China
Launched in November 2007 by Founding Patron and Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Business China’s mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multi-cultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
For more information, please visit: www.businesschina.org.sg/en.
About Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The idea of establishing the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) was proposed by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) in 2012, with the aim to set up an independent organisation to develop Singapore Chinese culture and promote racial harmony. The SCCC is distinct in its focus on the continuance of Singaporean Chinese culture, and is targeted at Chinese and non-Chinese residents, new immigrants and the youths.
On 29 September 2014, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated the ground-breaking ceremony of the SCCC building. Expected to be completed by November 2016, the new 11-storey building will feature state-of-the-art facilities that will promote vibrant cultural events and activities and showcase our unique culture and customs.
For more information, please visit: www.singaporeccc.org.sg.