The 18th Council of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (“SFCCA”) was officially sworn in on 12 October 2024 at the Federation. The investiture ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, along with over 200 guests. Notable attendees included Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Mr Chee Hong Tat, as well as representatives from government agencies, the Chinese community, clan associations, and partners of the Federation.
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong delivers his address
SFCCA President Thomas Chua delivers his speech
During the ceremony, President of the 18th Council, Mr Thomas Chua, announced that Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong would succeed Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong as the new Patron of SFCCA. In his speech, Mr Chua expressed heartfelt gratitude to Senior Minister Lee for his support of various proposals from Chinese clan associations, which reinforced a strong sense of national identity during his tenure. On his appointment as Patron, Prime Minister Wong emphasised the government’s commitment to continue collaborating with clan associations to support the Singapore Chinese community. He also pledged to deepen partnership with SFCCA, working together to build a better Singapore.
Mr Thomas Chua also announced that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth has given their in-principle agreement to support extending the lease of SFCCA by 30 years. The Federation plans to hold a 40th anniversary gala dinner next year to celebrate the milestone, and at the same time, raise funds for renovating our premises. The renovation will incorporate modern designs and facilities that enhance functionality, further strengthening the Federation’s role as a key platform for preserving Chinese culture and fostering community unity.
SFCCA will also continue to work closely with our member associations to optimise their operations, offering support in areas such as auditing, documentation, and archiving to those with limited resources. This will ensure the sustainability of these Chinese clans and help preserve the important cultural assets within the Chinese community. Additionally, the Federation will strengthen ties with partners in the Chinese community and explore further collaborations with other community partners to collectively promote social harmony in Singapore. A primary focus of the new council will be to attract more young people and women to participate in activities and initiatives, enriching the diversity of clan associations.
The 18th Council election successfully concluded on 30 September 2024. Mr Thomas Chua was re-elected as President, with Mr Zhong Sheng Jian and Mr Chan Kian Kuan continuing as Vice-Presidents. Mr Ng Siew Quan remains as Secretary-General, with Mr Francis Phua and Mr Pok Cheng Chong serving as Deputy Secretaries-General. Mr William Leong took on his new role as Treasurer, with Ms Ang Fung Fung and former Property Committee Chairman Mr Chan Sen Meng as Deputy Treasurers.
The 18th Council consists of 31 members, including eight new members: Deputy Treasurer Ms Ang Fung Fung (55), Research Committee Chairman Dr Foo Tee Tuan (62), Member Affairs Committee Vice-Chairman Mr Vincent Tan, Youth Committee Vice-Chairman Mr Teo Hark Piang, Cultural Committee Vice-Chairmen Ms Terene Seow (68) and Mr Eldwin Wong (46), Property Committee Vice-Chairman Mr Neo Kah Kiat (54), and the youngest member, Ms Chen Yiwen (39). The average age of these eight new members is 54, with three under the age of 50. Notably, this marks the first time women have joined the Council, with three female members among them.
Oath-taking Ceremony of the 18th Council and Executive Committee led by SFCCA President Thomas Chua (right)
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong (left) joins SFCCA President Thomas Chua (right) for a photo with the oath document
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong (front row, middle), Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong (front row, 3rd from right) and Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat (front row, 3rd from left, 1st row), alongside with President of SFCCA Thomas Chua (front row, 4th from right) pictured together with the 18th Council of SFCCA. Absent from the photo are Deputy Treasurer Ms Ang Fung Fung and Cultural Committee Chairman Mr Yeo Eng Koon.
Watch the video to relive this significant event.
