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Honourable Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Minister Lim Swee Say, Minister Gan Kim Yong
His Excellency Wei Wei
Former Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng
Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan
Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Members of Parliament
Government officials
Leaders and representatives of various clan associations
Board members of Business China
Council members and Committee members of the federation
Ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Lunar New Year!
1. As we usher in the auspicious Dragon year, I am privileged to celebrate the joyous occasion together with all of you on the 3rd day of the Chinese New Year. On behalf of SFCCA and Business China, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and all distinguished guests, wishing all a very happy and prosperous year ahead!
2. In 2011, with blessings from a united SFCCA and Business China team as well as the members, we had a bountiful year. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the great support and care that all of you have given us. I look forward to your continued support in contributing to the development of SFCCA and Business China. Together, we will strive to create a more vibrant Chinese community.
3. At the end of last year, former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew mooted to set up the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism, focusing on enhancing the bilingual education for pre-schoolers. This fund aims to help the future generation of Singapore to build a strong foundation of English and their Mother Tongues during their formative years, motivating them to master two languages. This will help them in their lifelong learning and strengthen their competitive edge when they face the international world in the future. This is also the mission of SFCCA and Business China aim to achieve.
4. The setting up of the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism had stimulated us, SFCCA and Business China; we firmly believe that this fund will create awareness on the importance of bilingualism among Singaporeans, especially on the learning of Mother Tongue. SFCCA and Business China will continue to be committed to nurture more bilingual and bicultural talents by creating a conducive environment for learning.
5. For example, SFCCA introduced the inaugural ‘SFCCA China Scholarships” in 2011. The scholarships have funded 5 outstanding bicultural students to further their studies in China’s top universities. While Business China has been honouring outstanding individuals and enterprises who have made significant contributions towards strengthening the bilateral ties between Singapore and China through the ‘Business China Awards’ for the past 2 years. This is to identify role-models and encourage more like-minded individuals and organisations to come forward and build “bridges” linking China to the rest of the world.
6. This year, in conjunction with Business China’s 5th year anniversary, more than 40 diversified and effective programmes are lined up to attract individuals who are interested in China and Chinese culture, so as to cultivate more Singaporeans who are “China-savvy”.
7. In addition, as the centre of global economic gravity shifts to Asia, Business China will be conducting a new programme ‘The Future China Advanced Leaders Programme’ with Nanyang Business School this year .This is a comprehensive three weeks programme, participants will get to establish networks with key business leaders and government officials during a week-long field visit to China. This programme is currently the only general management programme in Asia that will comprehensively address the complex dynamics between the social, political, economic and cultural factors that are fuelling China’s rapid rise.
8.On this happy occasion, SFCCA will also be presenting the ‘Clan of the Year Award’ to 5 deserving clans. ‘Clan of the Year Award’ was established in late 2011 to recognise the clan associations, who have notable achievements in promoting Chinese culture and encouraging more to organise activities which are innovative, timely and those with high social values. The 5 ‘Clan of the Year Awards’ and 4 ‘Special Awards For Excellence’ were selected from 38 participating clan associations by a panel of judges.
9. Today, we are honoured to have Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to present the 5 ‘Clan of the Year Awards’ to the clan representatives. We hope the clan associations will be motivated by this award and strive relentlessly to promote the clans’ spirit, transmit Chinese culture as well as to build a cohesive nation.
10.To further strengthen the bonding between the different bodies of the Chinese community, SFCCA is exploring to establish a ‘Chinese Cultural Centre’ to serve as a place for community interactions and activities as well as a platform to motivate and aid the new Chinese immigrants to integrate better into the society. This centre will not only promote Chinese arts and culture, arts, traditions and customs, it will also showcase Singapore’s unique muliticultural identity. In addition, it will host a variety of premium cultural performances, exhibitions and other activities. We hope through all these efforts, promoting our local Chinese culture, and also enhancing the interactions between the different races and ethnicity, so as to help Singapore become a more gracious, inclusive and harmonious society.
11. SFCCA hopes this important initiative can be strongly supported by the government and the various communities to bring about an early fruition, as it will definitely make a far-reaching and significant impact to our nation.
12. It has been a tradition that SFCCA will be involved in ‘River Hongbao’ in one way or another for every Lunar New Year. This year, we have played a bigger role by heading the secretariat. Compared to previous years, this year’s ‘River Hongbao’ promised to be one of the most exciting and dynamic event. We urge everyone to visit the ‘River Hongbao’ located at the Float@ Marina Bay to indulge in the jubilant atmosphere. You are welcomed to give us some valuable feedback, helping us to bring you a better ‘River Hongbao’, a highlight of the festive events.
13. In closing, on behalf of SFCCA and Business China, I would like to thank Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for joining us today at the Lunar New Year celebration. I also wish to express my gratitude to the Ministers, His Excellency Ambassador Wei Wei and all distinguished guests for being with us here.
14. Lastly, lets all wish Singapore together, May the nation be prosperous and the people in peace. To all of you here, may you and your family be happy always and may your career/business leaps with success. Thank you!