SFCCA Enters a New Chapter Welcoming Eight New Council Members Including 3 Women Co-Opted Into The 18th Council

Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) successfully concluded the election of the 18^th Council today, welcoming eight new members and achieving a historic milestone with three women co-opted into the Council for the first time. This underscores the Federation’s dedication to enhancing gender diversity within its leadership structure.

The three new female council members are Ms Ang Fung Fung, Ms Terene Seow, and Ms Chen Yiwen respectively. Notably, Ms Chen Yiwen (39) is the youngest member of the 18^th Council and a recipient of last year’s SFCCA Outstanding Youth Award. She holds pivotal roles in the councils of the Nanyang Hakka Federation and Foong Shoon Fui Kuan. Another new member, Mr Teo Hark Piang (46), is also a recipient of SFCCA Outstanding Youth Award; he currently leads the Chang Clan General Association and Teo Ann Huay Kuan. The inclusion of these two award recipients in the SFCCA council reflects the Federation’s commitment to youth development and leadership. It is also worth noting that the average age of the eight new Council members is 54, with three members under the age of 50, underscoring the Federation’s determination to nurture the next generation of leaders.

The triennial election also confirmed key leadership positions within the 18^th Council, as well as the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the six executive committees today.  Mr Thomas Chua has been re-elected as President, with Mr Zhong Sheng Jian and Mr Chan Kian Kuan continuing as Vice-Presidents. Mr Ng Siew Quan remains Secretary-General, assisted by Mr Francis Phua and Mr Pok Cheng Chong as Deputy Secretaries-General. Mr William Leong will take on his new role as Treasurer, supported by newly co-opted member Ms Ang Fung Fung and former Property Committee Chairman Mr Chan Sen Meng as Deputy Treasurers.

There are also some leadership changes within the various executive committees. Mr Ng Poh Wah will now chair the Membership Affairs Committee, while Mr Yeo Eng Koon will lead the Cultural Committee. Dr Foo Tee Tuan, a new Council member, has been appointed as Chairman of the Research Committee, and Mr Wan Shung Ming will oversee the Property Committee. The Youth and Social Affairs Committees will continue to be led by Dr Zhou Zhaocheng and Mr Lennon Tan, respectively.

At the meeting to appoint office bearers, President Mr Thomas Chua expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing council members for their contributions. He noted that the new leadership team will generate more diverse ideas and bring vitality to the Federation. He emphasised the need for the new Council to engage youth in clan activities and ignite their interest in clan heritage. Additionally, he encouraged associations to appoint women to key leadership roles to enhance diversity within their councils and invigorate efforts to preserve clan culture.

In addition to Ms Ang Fung Fung (55), Ms Terene Seow (68), Ms Chen Yiwen and Dr Foo Tee Tuan (62), the new members include Mr Eldwin Wong (46), Mr Neo Kah Kiat (54), Mr Teo Hark Piang, and Mr Vincent Tan (60). The investiture ceremony of the 18^th Council will be held on 12 October 2024.

SFCCA welcomes eight new Council members. Pictured in the first row (from left to right) are Chen Yiwen, Terene Seow, and Ang Fung Fung, and in the second row (from left to right) are Foo Tee Tuan, Teo Hark Piang, Neo Kah Kiat, and Vincent Tan. Not in picture: Wong Yuan Jun Eldwin

SFCCA’s 18th Council President Thomas Chua (front row, second from left) and the new Council members.

The 18^th Council and Executive Committee name list is as follows: