DPM Heng Swee Keat at the Investiture Ceremony of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations 17th Council

Read the English translation of the speech below.

文化、社区及青年部长兼律政部第二部长唐振辉先生
荣誉理事陈奕福先生

会长蔡其生先生

各位理事

现场以及线上的嘉宾：

大家下午好！

我很高兴受邀出席新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会第十七届理事会的就职典礼。

会馆的角色

多年来，会馆在新加坡的发展历程中扮演着重要的角色。

在早期，我们的先辈离乡背井来到南洋谋生，他们相互扶持，出钱出力成立了会馆，帮助早期移民在新加坡落地生根。

后来，随着国家的发展，会馆也有了新使命，成为推广华文教育、华族文化和传统的重要支柱。

宗乡总会正式成立后，不断促进会馆之间的交流和合作，协助会馆的更新，为国家和社会做出贡献。

到了今天，尽管面对冠病疫情的挑战，宗乡总会在坚守使命的同时，也不断推陈出新，继续为民服务。

例如，作为主办方之一的宗乡总会以新的形式举办了今年的“春到河畔”，结合了实体与虚拟元素，让无法到场的国人也能通过线上方式参与庆祝活动，一同感受新年喜气。

另外， 宗乡总会也带动华社团体，通过各种慈善公益项目，帮助有需要的群体，与人民携手对抗疫情。

承前启后，继往开来

我国社会将不断地发展和演变，不过有一个特征是值得我们小心经营和珍惜的。

多元种族文化一直以来是我国社会的特点。

在全球化的时代，多元文化背景是我们的一大优势，让我们能够与世界各地的族群建立起合作和交流的桥梁。

然而，我们的种族和谐得来不易。每一代国人都必须付出努力，在传承各族群特有文化传统的同时，继续维持族群之间的和谐。

我很高兴看到会馆以不同的方式，促进各族人民相互了解，和谐共处。

由宗乡总会举办的华族文化活动, 融入了我国其他种族的文化特色，反映了新加坡多元文化的社会面貌，也加强所有国人对新加坡的认同感。

随着时代的变迁，宗乡总会更必须与时俱进。其中重要的一环，是吸引年轻一代，为宗乡总会注入新活力。

为此，宗乡总会推出了许多符合年轻人兴趣的活动，比如青年体育节、“ 我的新加坡新常态”微电影大赛、《新加坡秘踪》短视频系列等等。

这几年来，宗乡总会与本地学生交流，例如为大专学生提供不少实习机会，让他们协助举办各类会馆活动。这能够让年轻人向资深会员学习，更深入了解本地社团，也给予他们发挥创意的机会。

宗乡总会也非常注重栽培下一代，包括颁发奖学金让我国学子到中国学习，培养双语双文化人才。我希望这些年轻人学成归来后，能积极参与宗乡总会的活动，并在将来扮演更重要的角色，带领宗乡总会继续前进。

总结

在此，我感谢陈奕福先生和第十六届理事会的付出和努力，也祝贺蔡其生先生获选为会长，和第十七届理事会的当选。

我期待宗乡总会再接再厉，引领所有会馆，继续传承华族文化和传统，并促进社会和谐，继续为新加坡的发展作出贡献。

谢谢！

* * * * * 

English translation of the Chinese speech made by DPM Heng Swee Keat at the Investiture Ceremony of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations 17th Council

Mr Edwin Tong, 
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second 
Minister for Law 

Mr Tan Aik Hock, 
Senior Honorary Council Member of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) 

Mr Thomas Chua, 
President of the SFCCA Council Members, 

Guests joining us both in-person and online, 

A very good afternoon to all of you. 

It is a great pleasure to be invited to the 17th Council Investiture Ceremony of the SFCCA.

Role of the Clan Associations 

Over the years, clan associations have played an important role in Singapore’s development. In the early years, many left their homes for “Nanyang” to make a living. Our pioneers supported each other, pooled money and resources to set up clan associations, helping early migrants sink roots in Singapore. 

As the country developed, clan associations took on a new mission. They became a key pillar in promoting the Chinese language, culture, and traditions. 

Following its formal establishment, the SFCCA has continually facilitated collaboration between clan associations, assisted in their rejuvenation, and contributed to society more broadly. 

Today, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SFCCA has continued to fulfil its mission, and found new ways to serve the people. 

For instance, as one of the organisers, the SFCCA held this year's River Hongbao in a new, hybrid format so that more people could experience the Lunar New Year celebrations online, even if they could not be there in person. 

In addition, the SFCCA led Chinese community groups to help the needy through various charity projects, fighting the pandemic hand-in-hand with the people.

Building on the past for a better future

Our society will continue to develop and evolve, but there is one characteristic that we should nurture and cherish.

Multiracialism and multiculturalism have always been unique features of our society.

In the era of globalisation, our multicultural background is a key strength. It allows us to more easily build bridges with communities around the world.

But the harmony that we enjoy is hard-earned. Every generation must make efforts to maintain it, even as we celebrate the unique cultural traditions of each ethnic group.

I am heartened to see that the clan associations are doing your part to promote the mutual understanding and harmony between the various ethnic groups.

The Chinese cultural activities organised by the SFCCA have incorporated the cultures and traditions of our other ethnic groups. This reflects the multicultural fabric of our society and strengthens the Singaporean identity.

The SFCCA must also evolve with the times. A key aspect is to engage our youths.

In this regard, the SFCCA has rolled out activities that resonate with the younger generation. These include the Youth Sports Festival, a micro film competition titled “My Singapore New Norm”, a short-form video series “This is Singapore”, and more.

In recent years, the SFCCA has also been actively engaging local students, including through internship opportunities for tertiary students. By organising various activities under the SFCCA, these students can learn the ropes from experienced members, hence gaining a deeper understanding of local community groups. In turn, students can contribute with their creative ideas.

The SFCCA has also placed emphasis on nurturing future generations. For example, the Federation provides scholarships for local students to pursue their studies in China, with the aim of cultivating bilingual and bicultural talent. I hope these youths, after graduating, will play a role in leading the SFCCA forward.

Conclusion

I would like to thank Mr Tan Aik Hock and the 16th Council for their contributions and efforts. Congratulations to Mr Thomas Chua for your appointment as President of the SFCCA, and the 17th Council for being elected

I look forward to the SFCCA’s continued efforts to lead the clan associations in passing down Chinese culture and traditions, promoting social harmony, and contributing to the development of Singapore.