President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and guests exchange Chinese New Year greetings at Spring Reception 2024

SINGAPORE, 12 February 2024 – The auspicious Year of the Dragon was ushered in with joyous celebrations at the Spring Reception 2024! The annual event hosted by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) was held on the third day of Chinese New Year (12 Feb) with nearly 900 guests.

Graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and joined by members of the Cabinet and Parliament, representatives of diplomatic corps, leaders and members of the clan associations, as well as representatives of local Chinese arts and cultural groups and other ethnic communities – the guests were treated to a spectacular cultural performance by local arts groups. Guests also extended their warm Chinese New Year greetings for the new year.

Political leaders in attendance included Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Manpower Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Transport Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development Eric Chua, Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC Don Wee, Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang Liang Eng Hwa and Member of Parliament for MacPherson GRC Tin Pei Ling.

SCCC Chairman Mr Ng Siew Quan highlighted continued efforts by the Centre with arts and community partners to preserve our intangible cultural heritage, including dialect culture and Chinese opera. New initiatives and projects were also implemented with MOU partners such as Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts（NAFA). Chairman Mr Ng gave an update on the progress of  Research Unit’s work and that the online repository on local Chinese culture was on track to be launched in mid-2024.

In his speech, Mr Thomas Chua, President of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by Singapore, an open city-state, in its nation-building endeavours to fortify national identity. The Federation is dedicated to promoting local Chinese culture and values, fostering unity among the diverse communities and clan associations of Singapore. A steadfast commitment to collaboration with various sectors of society underscores the Federation’s dedication to enhancing national consciousness and contributing to the continual progress of Singapore. To realise these objectives, the Federation plans to organise a range of activities, encompassing initiatives such as environmental conservation advocacy, support for seniors in adapting to the digital age, and perpetuation of the altruistic spirit that has defined clan associations since their inception.

Guests were treated to a Teochew drum performance by Nam Hwa Opera as well as festive drums, Chinese dance, dragon and lion dance performances by Nanyang Girls High School.

Photos and speeches made by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, SCCC Chairman Mr Ng Siew Quan, SFCCA President Mr Thomas Chua and can be found in our media kit here.