Chee Hong Tat takes over as chairman of Chinese Community Liaison Group from Edwin Tong

SINGAPORE – Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat has been appointed chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG), a group tasked to deepen the Government’s relationship with Chinese community organisations and to strengthen cooperation among the various Chinese community groups.

He succeeded Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong as CCLG chairman on May 23.

In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on the same day, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Mr Chee, as a member of CCLG since 2015, had been actively involved with the Chinese community and regularly engaged many of its members, in particular the clans and business associations.

PM Wong said he is confident that Mr Chee will continue the CCLG’s good work and further strengthen ties between the Government and the Chinese community here.

Established in 2000, the CCLG comprises office-holders and MPs who regularly engage the Chinese community.

“I look forward to Hong Tat working closely with key Chinese community organisations to strengthen leadership renewal so that they can remain relevant and dynamic,” said PM Wong.

The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) said separately on May 23 that it warmly welcomed Mr Chee as the new CCLG chairman.

The federation, the apex body of Chinese clan associations in Singapore, noted that Mr Chee had been maintaining close and lasting ties with the Chinese community, such as by participating in SFCCA events, and that he was the guest of honour at dialogues co-organised with government feedback unit Reach.

Mr Tong, who had held the post since November 2020, will continue to serve as CCLG’s adviser.

PM Wong thanked Mr Tong for his contributions to the group, and said Mr Tong and other CCLG members had done much in the past five years to engage the Chinese community.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, Edwin and CCLG members worked with key Chinese community organisations to identify innovative ways to maintain contact with the members of the Chinese community and provide support to vulnerable segments,” he said.

“Notably, Edwin also played a key role in successfully mediating

the settlement between the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongs

i over redevelopment plans for the historic Teochew Building.”

The SFCCA also thanked Mr Tong for his contributions, and said the former culture, community and youth minister had been “instrumental in advancing cultural legacy and fostering social cohesion”.

As CCLG chairman, Mr Tong consistently championed the development of the Chinese community, such as through his strong support for the annual River Hongbao. He also made regular visits to various clan associations and community groups and actively listened to their views, it noted.

The federation said it looked forward to working more closely with Mr Chee to promote social cohesion and build a more inclusive and harmonious society, and with Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo to further promote cultural and community development.

“Looking ahead, the federation will continue to work closely with the broader Chinese community to deepen collaboration with the 4G leadership team,” said SFCCA president Thomas Chua.

“We remain committed to serving as a bridge between the Government and the community, working together to contribute to Singapore’s long-term social and national development.”