Some 450 distinguish guests from Singapore’s Chinese community ushered in the Year of the Snake at the Spring Reception 2013 organised by the Singapore Federation Of Chinese Clans Association (SFCCA) and Business China.
Joyous lion dance welcomed Guest-of-Honour President Tony Tan Keng Yam as he arrived to celebrate this most significant festival on the Chinese calendar with leaders of the Chinese community. This was also the first time he graced this event since being elected to Presidency in 2011. 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, representatives from China Embassy and other dignitaries were also present to share the festive joy.
In his speech, President Tony Tan reiterated the important roles of the Chinese Clans Associations in Singapore’s past, present and future.
“We are fortunate to have a rich melting pot of different dialect groups that make up our Chinese community. Each group has its dialect, traditions and even cuisine that are worth preserving and promoting. I urge clan associations to continue to share such cultural heritage that is integral to our Chinese identity. This will allow our diverse range of locality and kinship clan associations as well as new immigrant associations to come together to build and sustain a uniquely Singapore Chinese identity,” said President Tony Tan.
On this note, SFCCA President and Business China Chairman Mr Chua Thian Poh shared the vision for SFCCA to be the nucleus of all Chinese Clan Associations, Civil Societies and Interest Groups. The centre-piece at the heart of future development is the Chinese Cultural Centre. With its location confirmed and planning underway, it is slated to be ready for operation in 4 to 5 years. Mr Chua called for support and contribution towards realising the Centre as the nexus of Chinese culture for generations of future Singaporeans.
At the SFCCA Auditorium where the Spring Reception took place, guests were treated to a cultural showcase where young, zestful dancers and musicians from the Hokkien Huay Kuan Dance Performance Troupe, Dunman High School and Nanyang Girls High School further augmented the festive mood by their creatively choreographed pieces and award-winning performances.
The Spring Reception is an annual event organised by SFCCA and Business China for Chinese community leaders across Singapore to gather and exchange greetings, renew contacts, and share new aspirations for the New Year. Stepping into our third year of collaboration, the Spring Reception represents a common platform for both organisations to promote the appreciation of Chinese language, culture and values.