(Bandar Seri Begawan, 18th) The Singapore Fuzhou Association celebrated its 115th anniversary with a grand banquet on November 15 at the Fuzhou Building. Fifty-five tables were set for the evening, with nearly 600 guests gathering to join in the festivities.
The guest-of-honor for the banquet was Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance. Also present were Mr. Chua Kee Seng, President of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations; Mr. Yang Gang, Minister-Counselor and Consul General of the Chinese Embassy; Mr. Koh Choon Keng, President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Lin Xianghua, Executive President and Secretary General of the World Fuzhou Ten Districts Association; Dr. Lau Seck Chuan, President of the Brunei Fuzhou Ten Districts Association; presidents and representatives from various clan associations and institutions; overseas Fuzhou clan representatives, as well as the Association’s advisors, board members, honorary board members, and other guests—nearly 600 people in total, gathered in high spirits and lively celebration.
Mr. Yap Ming Jie, President of the Singapore Fuzhou Association, noted in his speech that it has not been easy for the Association to have come through 115 years. Through more than a century of struggles and endeavors, looking back at the road taken fills one with deep emotion.
"More than a century ago, pioneering Fuzhou settlers made the long journey to Nanyang, supporting and watching over each other in a foreign land, and founded the Fuzhou Association. Since its inception, the Association has shouldered the mission of looking after the welfare of fellow townsmen and maintaining community ties. In its early years, it helped clansmen settle down and establish businesses, provided relief aid, ran schools, and offered a lifeline for newly arrived townspeople," he said.
"With societal development, the Association's role has also expanded—not only actively participating in nation-building, but also making significant contributions in education, culture, and charity. From re-establishing Sanshan School after the war, setting up scholarships to support Fuzhou youth, to promoting mother tongue education and traditional Chinese culture, preserving cultural roots, and actively engaging in community service, the Association has contributed to social harmony and progress in Singapore. Through the tireless efforts of generations of Fuzhou people, the Association has become an important platform for bonding the Fuzhou community and serving society, ranking among Singapore’s seven major clan associations.”
Yap Ming Jie pointed out that throughout the 115-year journey, the Association’s growth has always been closely tied to Singapore’s development. At different stages in history, the Association has kept pace with the times, making contributions to the development of the nation and the Chinese community. The indomitable spirit of unity and perseverance shown by our predecessors has enabled the Association to thrive through a century of challenges. This spirit continues to inspire current and future generations to forge ahead.
He said that the 115th anniversary is an occasion worth commemorating, but more importantly, it marks a new beginning. In the face of an ever-changing era, the Association will steadfastly promote Chinese education and traditional Chinese culture—not only to preserve our collective memory, but also to help the younger generation deepen their sense of cultural roots and develop strong cultural confidence and identity in a complex, changing world.
He noted that the Association will do its utmost to provide a stage for the young generation to showcase their talents, offering them more opportunities and responsibilities, enabling them to quickly become the backbone of the Association and pillars of its future.
Keeping pace with the times and embracing innovation have been key to the Association’s continued progress for over a century. Looking ahead, the Association will continue to adapt to society’s changing environment, improve its organizational structure, enhance transparency and professionalism in management, to ensure more efficient and standardized operations, and lay a solid foundation for long-term, stable development.
Mr. Cheng Wenluan, Chairman of the Anniversary Organizing Committee, mentioned that the Association was established in 1910. Its current vitality is the result of the hard work of its founders, successive boards, and the support of clan members. "Our 115th anniversary is a chance to review the brilliant journey taken, remember the difficult years, pay tribute to the outstanding contributions of our forebears, and celebrate their selfless dedication, unity, and spirit of self-improvement. This precious legacy of Fuzhou kinship and culture will thus be passed down through generations."
During the anniversary banquet, Dr. Lau Seck Chuan, President of the Brunei Fuzhou Ten Districts Association, generously donated SGD 4,000 to the Association and presented a commemorative gift to President Yap Ming Jie on behalf of Singapore.
The guest-of-honor for the banquet was Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance. Also present were Mr. Chua Kee Seng, President of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations; Mr. Yang Gang, Minister-Counselor and Consul General of the Chinese Embassy; Mr. Koh Choon Keng, President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Lin Xianghua, Executive President and Secretary General of the World Fuzhou Ten Districts Association; Dr. Lau Seck Chuan, President of the Brunei Fuzhou Ten Districts Association; presidents and representatives from various clan associations and institutions; overseas Fuzhou clan representatives, as well as the Association’s advisors, board members, honorary board members, and other guests—nearly 600 people in total, gathered in high spirits and lively celebration.
"More than a century ago, pioneering Fuzhou settlers made the long journey to Nanyang, supporting and watching over each other in a foreign land, and founded the Fuzhou Association. Since its inception, the Association has shouldered the mission of looking after the welfare of fellow townsmen and maintaining community ties. In its early years, it helped clansmen settle down and establish businesses, provided relief aid, ran schools, and offered a lifeline for newly arrived townspeople," he said.
"With societal development, the Association's role has also expanded—not only actively participating in nation-building, but also making significant contributions in education, culture, and charity. From re-establishing Sanshan School after the war, setting up scholarships to support Fuzhou youth, to promoting mother tongue education and traditional Chinese culture, preserving cultural roots, and actively engaging in community service, the Association has contributed to social harmony and progress in Singapore. Through the tireless efforts of generations of Fuzhou people, the Association has become an important platform for bonding the Fuzhou community and serving society, ranking among Singapore’s seven major clan associations.”
Yap Ming Jie pointed out that throughout the 115-year journey, the Association’s growth has always been closely tied to Singapore’s development. At different stages in history, the Association has kept pace with the times, making contributions to the development of the nation and the Chinese community. The indomitable spirit of unity and perseverance shown by our predecessors has enabled the Association to thrive through a century of challenges. This spirit continues to inspire current and future generations to forge ahead.
He said that the 115th anniversary is an occasion worth commemorating, but more importantly, it marks a new beginning. In the face of an ever-changing era, the Association will steadfastly promote Chinese education and traditional Chinese culture—not only to preserve our collective memory, but also to help the younger generation deepen their sense of cultural roots and develop strong cultural confidence and identity in a complex, changing world.
He noted that the Association will do its utmost to provide a stage for the young generation to showcase their talents, offering them more opportunities and responsibilities, enabling them to quickly become the backbone of the Association and pillars of its future.
Keeping pace with the times and embracing innovation have been key to the Association’s continued progress for over a century. Looking ahead, the Association will continue to adapt to society’s changing environment, improve its organizational structure, enhance transparency and professionalism in management, to ensure more efficient and standardized operations, and lay a solid foundation for long-term, stable development.
Mr. Cheng Wenluan, Chairman of the Anniversary Organizing Committee, mentioned that the Association was established in 1910. Its current vitality is the result of the hard work of its founders, successive boards, and the support of clan members. "Our 115th anniversary is a chance to review the brilliant journey taken, remember the difficult years, pay tribute to the outstanding contributions of our forebears, and celebrate their selfless dedication, unity, and spirit of self-improvement. This precious legacy of Fuzhou kinship and culture will thus be passed down through generations."
During the anniversary banquet, Dr. Lau Seck Chuan, President of the Brunei Fuzhou Ten Districts Association, generously donated SGD 4,000 to the Association and presented a commemorative gift to President Yap Ming Jie on behalf of Singapore.