The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) is planning to expand the scale of its activities during the period leading up to the country's 50th birthday celebrations next year, said its president Chua Thian Poh.

The federation, which represents over 200 associations, jointly hosted the annual Spring Reception with Business China on Sunday. About 500 leaders of clan associations and businesses attended the event at SFCCA's building in Toa Payoh.

Its plans to scale up its activities includes expanding its Dragon Boat Festival and National Day sing-along events to invite more new immigrant groups, grassroots members and people of other races to participate. The Federation will also hold a short film competition with the theme "My Singapore Story" later this year.

"We hope that through these events, people from different communities will deepen their mutual understanding, and appreciate each others' cultures and customs," he said in Mandarin.

Mr Chua also spoke about the upcoming Chinese Cultural Centre in Shenton Way which he said had garnered much attention from the media and Chinese community.

"If everything goes according to schedule, construction for the centre should begin later this year, and be completed within two to three years," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was the guest of honour at the event, wished attendees good health and success in the upcoming year. In his speech delivered in Mandarin, DPM Teo who is also Home Affairs Minister said that Business China has helped to develop Singapore's economy and foster friendly ties between Singapore and China.

He added that the clan associations "raise our knowledge about Chinese culture and traditions, enrich the variety of cultures here, and strengthen social cohesion", and added that he hopes that both organisations will continue to contribute to Singapore's harmony and cultural growth.