Honourable Deputy Prime Minister,
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Distinguish Guests:
A very warm welcome to the Spring Reception co-organised by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Business China and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Here’s wishing one and all a very Happy Lunar New Year! This year is the Year of the Monkey. Let us be inspired to stay active, stay healthy, and enjoy great prosperity.
Now, please allow me to continue in Mandarin.
(ENGLISH TRANSLATION BELOW, FOR REFERENCE ONLY)
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister Chan Chun Sing,
Acting Minister Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister Ong Ye Kung,
Senior Ministers of State, Ministers of State, Mayors,
Parliamentary Secretaries, Members of Parliament
Honourable Heads of Diplomatic Missions, government officials
Leaders and representatives of clan associations
Board members of Business China and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Lunar New Year!
1. As we usher in the Year of Monkey, I am delighted to be celebrating this joyous occasion with all of you here today. On behalf of SFCCA, Business China and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to DPM Tharman and all our distinguished guests for gracing the Spring Reception this morning.
2. The Lunar New Year is the most important festival to the local Chinese community. Chinese families and associations always celebrate the festival elaborately. As a multiracial and multicultural society, some Chinese New Year traditions, such as visiting relatives and friends; and giving ang bao (red packets) to children have also been integrated into the New Year customs of other ethnic groups, reflecting the uniquely Singaporean cultural landscape and vibrancy.
3. To this end, SFCCA, Business China and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre have also been actively injecting new energies into the development of our Chinese community.
4. As the leading organisation of the local clan associations, SFCCA has always been actively encouraging youth participation by tailoring activities for them. For instance, in celebration of Singapore’s golden jubilee last year, SFCCA rolled out multimedia platforms to engage the youths in the ‘My Singapore Story’ microfilm competition.
5. This year, SFCCA will be introducing the “Outstanding Youth Award” to recognise youths who made significant contributions to the development of the local Chinese community. Through this award, we hope to encourage more youths to give back to the community and take up more active roles in the clan associations. At the same time, SFCCA will be recruiting more Chinese Community Youth Ambassadors, to promote the Singapore Chinese culture to fellow Singaporeans and individuals who are interested in the Chinese culture.
6. Internationally, Singapore has always been played an important role as a trading hub between the East and the West. In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Singapore and China, Business China and Lianhe Zaobao co-published a commemorative book last year. This publication chronicles key milestones and achievements in the establishment of the bilateral relationship between Singapore and China since 1990, with a positive outlook for both countries to forge deeper and stronger ties in future.
7. Last year, Business China organised more than 40 events, with nearly 10,000 Singaporean participants. In 2016, Business China will continue to strive towards fulfilling our founding mission of promoting bilingualism and biculturalism, and to enhance the cultural and economic links between Singapore and China.
8. Another highly anticipated Chinese community project is the development of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, which just had its topping-out ceremony officiated by Minister Grace Fu in mid-January. The building is expected to be ready by November this year. During the construction phase, SCCC had already rolled out 7 activities, including the first large-scale multimedia cultural exhibition, ‘Blooms of Vitality, Colours of Life’, which concluded in end-January. The 3-week exhibition showcasing both the local and migrant cultures, as well as our national culture was well received.
9. When open in 2017, the SCCC will be a brand new landmark amidst Singapore’s Chinese cultural landscape. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the tremendous support and generous donations received from the Chinese community for the project. As of end 2015, the Centre had raised nearly $29 million from associations, foundations, corporations and individuals. I believe that with team work and strong support, the local Chinese community will be able to contribute even more significantly to our nation’s economy, community and cultural development.
10. Lastly, on behalf of SFCCA, Business China and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, I would like to thank DPM Tharman once again for joining us in celebrating the Lunar New Year. I would also like to thank our Ministers, Honourable Diplomats and all distinguished guests for being here with us today.
I wish all of you:
All the best for the New Year and may all your wishes come true!
Thank you!