Singapore, 14 February 2021 – Held virtually for the first time, approximately 250 guests came together to welcome the auspicious Year of the Ox at Spring Reception 2021. Jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), the annual event gathers distinguished representatives from the local Chinese community and various ethnic groups to exchange well-wishes and aspirations for the new year, while presenting a platform to encourage greater appreciation of Chinese values and culture through performances by a youthful line-up from local arts groups.
As part of the Spring Reception programme, Guest-of-Honour Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry delivered a Chinese New Year address, while Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law delivered greetings to all attendees. Political leaders that were in attendance include Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister Ong Ye Kung, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State Low Yen Ling, Minister of State Sun Xueling, Minister of State Desmond Tan, Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng and Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua.
Other distinguished guests included Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign dignitaries and representatives from local arts and cultural groups, clan associations, leaders of the Chinese community and representatives from different ethnic communities. With the session live streamed on both SCCC and SFCCA’s Facebook platforms, members of the public were also invited to join in the festivities to enjoy captivating cultural performances such as a percussion drum performance by Drum Feng, a street dance and Chinese martial arts performance by Urban Terrain Groovers and a rendition of Chinese New Year songs by musicians Deborah Shok and David Khor.
Speaking on the digital nature of Spring Reception 2021, Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman of SCCC and Honorary President of SFCCA said, “In the face of the COVID pandemic, we are glad to still be able to hold our first virtual Spring Reception this year. The past year was unlike any we have seen, the pandemic disrupted people’s lives and plans and the SCCC is no exception. Nonetheless, we remained positive and saw this challenge as an opportunity to preserve and promote Chinese culture, while thriving through the pandemic. We will continue to present traditions in innovative ways, leveraging on technology and new media, and enriching the local arts and cultural scene.”
Echoing that in his speech, Mr Tan Aik Hock, President of SFCCA, said, “The pandemic has changed the way we live and clan associations also need to adapt with the times, so as to promote the local Chinese culture and values more effectively. SFCCA therefore calls upon all our member associations to harness the power of technology to adjust to the new normal.” Besides taking the lead in shifting their operations and activities online since the beginning of last year, SFCCA would spearhead the digital transformation by providing the necessary assistance to their association members, Mr Tan added.
###
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre collaborates with arts and cultural groups and community partners to promote and develop local Chinese culture. Through engaging and accessible content, we hope to nurture greater appreciation of our multi-cultural identity and a stronger sense of belonging.
Opened by our Patron, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 19 May 2017, our centre in the heart of the city welcomes everyone to enjoy exhibitions, fairs, performances, seminars, talks, workshops and other cultural activities throughout the year.
For more information, please visit https://www.singaporeccc.org.sg/.
Established in 1985, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) is the apex body of the Chinese clan associations in Singapore, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong named as our first Patron in 2011. The Federation’s primary objectives are to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese language, culture and values; to lead the Chinese clan associations in Singapore, as well as, organise and support educational, cultural and community activities. The Federation now boasts a membership of over 230.
For more information, please visit http://www.sfcca.sg/en.
