(English translation, for reference only)
Honourable President of Singapore, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Minister Gan Kim Yong
Minister of State Mrs Josephine Teo
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sam Tan
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Ms Sim Ann
Members of Parliament, Government officials
Leaders and representatives of clan associations
Board members of Business China
Council members and Committee members of SFCCA
Ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Lunar New Year!
1. As we usher in the Year of the Snake on this third day of the Lunar New Year, I am delighted and privileged to be celebrating this joyous occasion with everyone here. Firstly, on behalf of SFCCA and Business China, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to President Tony Tan and all distinguished guests.
2. We were encouraged to note that in 2012, the Federation not only strengthened collaboration with its members, we had also initiated many new cultural activities and created a thriving Clan Association scene. This year, the Federation will continue to unite all members, and organise more cultural, social and charitable activities to further create a vibrant and warm Chinese community.
3. In keeping pace with the times and also to further propel the Federation to greater heights, the constitution was amended last year to allow for expansion of the Council and roping in of numerous outstanding members. Earlier this year, the Federation organised a retreat for these new Council and Committee members to brainstorm for new initiatives and directions for future development, drawing from their rich industry experiences and past services with Clan Associations.
4. Firstly, moving forward, the Federation will work towards uniting all Associations and recruiting more Chinese cultural groups as members, and expand the reach to the wider Chinese community. Secondly, the Federation will strive towards strengthening research in Chinese culture, establish a unique local Chinese culture with the aim to carry forward our cultural heritage. In addition, we also hope to expand our talent pool and assist all Clan Associations to stay relevant by means of administrative reforms.
5. In the recently announced Population White Paper, there is a concerted vision for our society in 2030. To ensure Singapore’s development, the government intends to leverage on various channels to expand our human resource so as to power economic growth. The White Paper was based on the population projection of 6.9 million in more than 10 years. It is a key policy that will profoundly impact Singapore.
6. On one hand, population growth will help tackle local population replacement issues, and provide the threshold to sustain a viable economy and society, realising the vision of ‘A Sustainable Population for a Dynamic Singapore’. On the other hand, infrastructure, housing, health care, education and other areas will need enhancements so as to further support this vision. Long-term plans are in the pipeline for the integration of these new additions to our population while ensuring that Singaporeans remain the core of our society.
7. Sustained population growth may post further integration and assimilation issues. The Prime Minister, in his parliamentary speech supporting the amended motion to adopt the White Paper on Population, urged all citizens to be inclusive and embrace diversity. As such, all Clan Associations should be well-prepared for this new challenge. It is timely to strategise and in unity, help create a harmonious, prosperous and livable Singapore society.
8. During the Spring Reception last year, the Federation mooted the idea of setting up a Chinese Cultural Centre to promote the development of Singapore’s Chinese culture, as well as to strengthen the cohesiveness of the Chinese community. This idea received the support of government and the community.
9. Last weekend in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is heading the liaison of the Chinese community, reaffirmed the importance of the Chinese Cultural Centre and its ‘catalytic function’ in initiating Chinese cultural exchanges. Minister Gan also emphasised that the setting up of the Cultural Centre will help to change general perceptions towards the Chinese community. Minister Gan’s interview illustrated a clear positioning and direction for the Chinese community’s future development. It also set a higher aim for which the Chinese Cultural Centre, Clan Associations and all Chinese community groups should reach.
10. The location for the Cultural Centre has been confirmed. If all goes well, the building will be ready in about 4 to 5 years. This is going to be a social and cultural project with significance and we hope to garner sustained support from all of you.
11. In 2012, Business China celebrated its 5th anniversary. Moving forward, Business China will be expanding the scope of its programmes. Through the Future China Advanced Leaders Programme, we will continue to nurture an inclusive group of young business leaders who are ‘China-savvy’ and ‘China-ready’. A new initiative this year is the China-Quotient Teachers’ Forum, which will provide a platform for principals, teachers and parents to better understand the importance of being bilingual and bicultural, as well as to upkeep the ‘China-Quotient’.
12. Besides these, Business China will continue to expand its global reach through collaborations with local and international organisations, and benefitting Singaporeans through key initiatives such as FutureChina Global Forum, Future China Business Forum, China Insights Seminars and Business China Awards. We hope that all of you will leverage on these platforms and actively participate in these high-level international programmes.
13. SFCCA and Business China could not have accomplished these without the support and dedication of all members and the community in the past year. Today as we celebrate this joyous occasion, on behalf of SFCCA and Business China, I would like to thank all of you for the tremendous support through the years. This year, we hope you will continue to forge ahead with us in creating a prosperous and cohesive Chinese community.
14. Last but not least, on behalf of SFCCA and Business China, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards President Tony Tan for honouring us by celebrating Lunar New Year with us today. I would also like to thank all Ministers, MPs and distinguished guests for taking time off to attend this reception.
15. Here’s wishing all happiness, prosperity and success in the New Year!
16. Thank you!