Spring Reception 2023

Gathering together and exchanging New Year greetings

“Spring Reception 2023”, jointly organised by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, was held on Tuesday, 24 January 2023 (3^rd day of Chinese New Year) at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. After a 2-year hiatus, this was the first time that the event has resumed to its physical setting. Guest of Honour, Minister of Community, Culture and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong also joined more than 700 guests to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.

Lion dancers from the Guang Wu Wushu Team receiving the Guest of Honour, Minister of Community, Culture and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong

Distinguished guests attending this year’s Spring Reception includes Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State Low Yen Ling, Minister of State Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State Desmond Tan, Mayor Denise Phua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng; along with several Members of Parliament, diplomatic envoys, leaders and representatives of the Chinese community, representatives of the local clan associations, representatives of performing arts and cultural groups, as well as representatives from the major races of Singapore and students representatives from institutes of higher learning.

Guest of Honour, Minister of Community, Culture and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong (2^nd from right, 1^st row) and other distinguished guests celebrating Chinese New Year with the other guests at the gathering

Young girl offering mandarin oranges as New Year greetings on behalf of the organisers to Guest-of-Honour, Minister of Community, Culture and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong（Photo Credit: MCCY）

Guest of Honour, Minister of Community, Culture and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong delivering his address

In his address, Guest of Honour, Minister of Community, Culture and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong emphasised the importance of national unity in facing the future which is full of challenges. This includes increasing the sense of national belonging as well as social cohesion. He also highlighted the indispensable role of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations in community and cultural building, while urging the continued support of the Chinese community in Singapore towards these efforts.

Chairman of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr Ng Siew Quan delivering his address

Chairman of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr Ng Siew Quan mentioned in his speech that the Centre has established a research team and plans to launch an online “Singapore Chinese Cultural Knowledge Bank” in mid-2024. The knowledge bank will introduce local Chinese culture through content that will be available in both Chinese and English.

President of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Mr Thomas Chua delivering his speech

Chairman of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Mr Thomas Chua highlighted the importance of involving the youths in clan associations to maintain their vitality. He acknowledged the challenges faced by young people in balancing work and family life, and stated that the clan associations would incorporate a “family” element in their activities. Through this, clan association activities will help to strengthen family bonds across three generations (elderly, middle-aged, and youth), while increasing the younger generation’s interest in Chinese history and culture. Additionally, in accordance with government initiatives, SFCCA will continue assisting elderly members in acquiring digital skills to keep up with the times. SFCCA will also organise inter-ethnic programmes to increase community integration and social cohesion.

Chui Huay Lim Galaxy Ensemble’s opening performance

Jazz music performance by High Notes

Spring Reception 2023 was also live-streamed on both the Facebook pages of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations. Approximately 800 audience including online audience enjoyed the opening performance by the Chui Huay Lim Galaxy Ensemble and the jazz performance by High Notes.