Singapore, 16 February 2019 – The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Genealogy Society Singapore (GSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to encourage and help Singaporeans trace their family trees and compile the Singapore Chapter of their extended families.

Signed by SCCC Chief Executive Officer Low Sze Wee and GSS President Ng Yew Kang, and witnessed by Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the MOU combines the strengths of SCCC and GSS. SCCC provides the platform for local Chinese families to congregate and has conducive facilities to conduct activities; while GSS brings with them their expertise on genealogical studies and research, and leverage their networks with clans, socio-cultural and civics associations within and outside Singapore for this project.

Said Mr. Low, “Here at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, we always look for innovative ways to increase public appreciation of our local Chinese culture, in order to create a greater sense of belonging amongst young Singaporeans. Our identity starts from the very heart of our homes, and our families. A deeply rooted understanding of our forefathers, who they were and where they came from, provides the necessary foundation to better understand who we are today.” Mr. Ng said, “GSS is happy to partner SCCC in promoting the need for Singaporeans to compile the Singapore Chapter of their extended family histories. GSS would guide and offer them help along their journeys of discovery. Genealogy is an integral part of the Chinese culture dating back thousands of years and Singaporeans should not forsake this valuable cultural asset. We should instead use genealogy to trace our roots and to strengthen family relationship.”

The project is slated to commence in mid-2019. A joint committee between SCCC and GSS will be set up as part of this MOU to regularly discuss the project.