Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the 7th World Fujian Convention and the 4th Singapore Hokkien Festival

Mr Chua Thian Poh
Chairman
7^th World Fujian Convention Organising Committee
And President of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan

Mr Wang Meng Hui
Vice Governor
Fujian Provincial People’s Government

Chief Delegates

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        A very good evening to all of you.

大家晚上好！

欢迎各位来到新加坡，参加这个盛会。

        Let me first warmly welcome all our overseas guests to Singapore. There is a saying - wherever the seas lead, you will find Fujians. With us tonight are Fujians from the five continents. The 7^th World Fujian Convention, which has brought you here, is an international platform which helps fellow Fujians keep in touch with one another. I have no doubt that at the end of the convention, many old ties will be renewed and many new ties forged. 

        In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants from Fujian Province arrived in great numbers to many parts of South East Asia. Many of these Xinke (新客) settled in Singapore. They came alone, but brought with them their rich traditions and cultures. They formed clan associations based on geographical origins and kinship ties. These huay guans provided a home away from home for the early immigrants. Some provided accommodation, helped find employment, started schools, managed cemeteries and gave financial support to less-privileged fellow clansmen. More importantly, the huay guans were a focal point to meet, assist each other and exchange news about their home village. 

        Although clan associations were formed based on geographical origins or kinship, their strong community spirit extended beyond the clans. The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan and other Fujian clans are good examples of this community spirit. They established schools, educational institutions, temples and hospitals which benefited the wider community and reached out across ethnic boundaries. Many of our early Chinese stream schools were set up by clans and dialect groups.

        Visionary leaders like Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kah Kee were exemplary in their care for all tang ren (唐人) or Chinese under their wings. Many of these pioneering leaders are remembered for values such as resilience, integrity, compassion and a sense of responsibility to give back to the larger community. Their leadership and influence continue to impact our younger generations today.

        To commemorate the 7^th World Fujian Convention and the 4^th Singapore Hokkien Festival, the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan is publishing a book entitled “Prominent Figures of the World Fujian Communities – the Singapore Chapter”. The publication is a compilation of 155 Fujians who had made exceptional contributions to Singapore’s nation building in areas of economics, education, culture and social service. This book not only records their deeds but also serves as a compass for our younger generations in terms of the values that guided them and their exemplary character. I note that Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan intends to donate the book to the National and public libraries, as well as tertiary and secondary schools libraries. It is a commendable effort to bring to life the days of our early pioneers, who gave tirelessly of themselves to build a better community. I hope the book will inspire a new generation to appreciate the past and in turn contribute to our society.

        The role of clans has evolved with the times. Many started as a “home away from home” but are now also institutions that facilitate commerce and economics. I understand that many Fujian-related business associations are also here today. I urge clan leaders to continue to uphold the same spirit of mutual support and cooperation exhibited by our forefathers, to transmit the rich and colourful heritage of our community to the next generation, and to carry on helping new immigrants settle down in Singapore.

        I congratulate the Singapore Hokkien Huey Kuan for successfully organising the 7th World Fujian Convention - the first in Singapore - in conjunction with the 4th Singapore Hokkien Festival. Besides providing a platform to network and exchange ideas, this event also promotes closer ties among Fujian communities around the world. I wish all delegates a fruitful event and an enjoyable stay in Singapore.

        Thank you very much.