Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong,

Ministers, Senior Ministers of State, Ministers of State, Mayor, Senior Parliamentary Secretaries and Members of Parliament,

Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Government Officials,

Chairman of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr Ng Siew Quan,

Board Members of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Council Members of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Happy Chinese New Year!

First of all, I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Gan and all distinguished guests for joining us to welcome the Year of the Horse. The Year of the Horse symbolises drive and a pioneering spirit. It reminds us to stay focused and respond proactively to challenges in a rapidly changing landscape. Throughout Singapore’s development, the Chinese community has journeyed alongside the nation, playing a vital role in strengthening community bonds and promoting harmony in our multicultural society.

Last year, SFCCA marked our 40th anniversary with the theme Harness Community Spirit, Unite in Action, Build a New Chapter Together, and organised a series of commemorative events. As a unifying platform for clan associations, the Federation remains committed to harnessing the collective strengths of clan associations and encouraging closer collaboration. We also actively support clan associations in keeping pace with the times and developing more professional and sustainable operations.

Talent development is key to the sustainable growth of Chinese community organisations. Guided by this shared understanding, one of the Federation’s key priorities in recent years has been strengthening the capabilities of clan associations and nurturing a new generation of leaders. Since July last year, SFCCA has partnered with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to offer a series of customised training courses for our members, covering key areas such as clan governance, financial management, and volunteer management. To date, three courses have been launched, attracting close to 100 participants, with very positive feedback received.

On 26 March, we will launch a new course titled Event Management and Social Media to support clan associations strengthen their capabilities in event planning, publicity, and public engagement. Members should have received the course information, and we look forward to your continued support. Moving forward, we will continue to align with evolving trends by introducing additional courses, including those on generative AI, to further enhance our clan associations’ operational capabilities and adaptability in the digital age.

SFCCA has reached an agreement with SUSS: participants who complete any three training courses within three years will be awarded a Professional Certificate in Community Leadership, jointly issued by SFCCA and SUSS. This recognises their learning achievements while encouraging our clans to develop more professionally competent community leaders and management teams.

In addition, with strong Government support, the Chinese Community Leadership Programme, jointly organised by SFCCA and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opened for nominations last December. The response was very encouraging, with over 120 nominations. The selected nominees will be announced in March, and the programme will commence in July. We look forward to the continued support of Chinese community organisations as we work together to advance youth development and leadership succession.

Looking ahead, SFCCA will continue working with partners across various sectors, upholding traditions while embracing innovation. We aim to encourage more young people to participate in clan activities and nurture a new generation of committed and capable Chinese community leaders. SFCCA is also exploring the provision of shared services for our member associations to make a more proactive contribution to Singapore’s multiculturalism and social harmony.

Lastly, I would like to once again thank Deputy Prime Minister Gan and all distinguished guests for your presence and support. May you gallop ahead with vigour in the Year of the Horse. Wishing you every success and good health for your loved ones!

Thank you!