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SINGAPORE – With the world increasingly divided and uncertain, it is especially important that the Chinese community\u2019s cultural identity is firmly anchored in Singapore\u2019s multicultural society, shared principles and common future, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the community\u2019s role here goes beyond cultural activities or the development of clan associations, and it is about values and the kind of society Singaporeans want to build, Mr Gan said on Feb 19.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the Spring Reception organised by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), he said the development of the Chinese community has always been an integral part of the city-state\u2019s larger society.<\/p>\n
The community\u2019s long history of organising itself, building bonds and giving back is why its value goes beyond cultural preservation to strengthening social cohesion and resilience, said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.<\/p>\n
The SCCC, for instance, has since its establishment in 2017 promoted a unique Singapore Chinese culture shaped by and rooted in the Republic\u2019s multicultural context \u2013 not a detached or imported culture, said Mr Gan.<\/p>\n
He cited the centre\u2019s collaborations with the Malay Heritage Centre, the Indian Heritage Centre and Bhaskar\u2019s Arts Academy as a clear message that culture should serve as a bridge to bring society together, rather than a source of division.<\/p>\n
At the Feb 19 event, some 600 guests were treated to performances such as a multi-cultural showcase by SCCC\u2019s arts resident Drum Feng in collaboration with Malay percussion group Nadi Singapura and Indian percussion group Singapore Dhol Squad. <\/p>\n
Mr Gan said SCCC\u2019s efforts have borne fruit: In a 2025 survey, more than three-quarters of respondents recognised Singapore Chinese culture as distinct from other Chinese cultures, shaped by the Republic\u2019s multicultural society.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis reflects growing confidence in our local cultural identity and shows that we are moving in the right direction,\u201d said Mr Gan, adding that SCCC\u2019s international collaborations also present to the world a Singapore that is diverse, open and principled.<\/p>\n
Going forward, SCCC will take on a larger role in facilitating integration between locals and new citizens, he added.<\/p>\n
These include concert collaborations with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra that portray the immigrant journey and celebrate new citizens\u2019 contributions, and the annual National Day Sing-Along co-organised with SFCCA that strengthens a sense of belonging and national pride among new citizens.<\/p>\n
SCCC chief executive officer Alvin Tan told The Straits Times that these programmes seek to highlight new immigrants\u2019 participation in and contributions to the local Chinese arts and cultural scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn doing so, we hope to encourage more positive local attitudes and foster stronger social ties between Singaporeans and new immigrants,\u201d said Mr Tan.<\/p>\n
SCCC chairman Ng Siew Quan said the centre\u2019s visitor numbers more than doubled from some 420,000 in 2024 to 950,000 in 2025. The number of students who participated in its programmes also more than doubled from 13,000 in 2024 to 28,000 in 2025.<\/p>\n
In October, the centre will refresh its permanent exhibition exploring the unique identity, culture and heritage of Chinese Singaporeans, to keep it engaging and relevant, he added. <\/p>\n
The refresh will be completed in 2027, to coincide with SCCC\u2019s 10th anniversary. <\/p>\n
In his speech, Mr Gan also credited SFCCA\u2019s initiatives for enabling clan associations here to preserve their distinct identities, while contributing more effectively to the wider society.<\/p>\n
SFCCA is the apex body of Chinese clan associations in Singapore, with over 250 members.<\/p>\n
Besides pooling resources and connecting associations, SFCCA has supported its members in enhancing clan governance, social care and sustainable development, such as through courses offered in partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).<\/p>\n
Initiatives such as the <\/p>\n Chinese Community Leadership Programme<\/p>\n <\/a> are also nurturing a new generation of leaders who are confident in their heritage and committed to the nation, added Mr Gan.<\/p>\n