Chinese clan associations in Singapore to get more money for cultural activities
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Cultural institution Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng's inaugural cultural festival is the first project to benefit from the expansion of a fund to promote Chinese culture.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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SINGAPORE – Clan associations in Singapore will get more money to organise activities with the expansion of a fund to promote Chinese culture.
The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), the apex body of such organisations, has raised the cap for applications to tap its Clan Associations Cultural Activities Fund from $2,000 to $7,500.
Clans stand a higher chance of getting more funding if they work on joint projects.
“We hope this adjustment will encourage our members to collaborate and share resources, enhancing the effectiveness, reach and impact of the projects, co-creating greater social value,” said SFCCA president Thomas Chua in Mandarin on Jan 31.
He was speaking at the Spring Reception organised by SFCCA and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC).
For clans organising events independently, the funding limit has also been raised from $2,000 to $5,000.
SFCCA currently has 250 member associations. Of these, 20 are associate members, meaning that they are not clan associations but Chinese community organisations such as arts and cultural groups.
The first project to benefit is Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng’s
Located in Bishan Lane, KWSPST houses two temples and a columbarium. It also has a heritage gallery, which is open to the public by appointment for free.
The festival aims to showcase traditional Chinese and Cantonese culture and will include opera and lion dance performances as well as academic lectures on Cantonese culture and a showcase of Cantonese cuisine.
The festival will be held annually or biennially if it is successful, Dr Yee Wai Seng, who is vice-head of KWSPST’s heritage gallery, told The Straits Times.
“We hope to enhance understanding and exchanges between Singaporean Chinese and people from other dialect groups and ethnicities,” said Dr Yee.
“Another key focus is to engage the younger generation, especially those who received an English-based education, as they may be less familiar with traditional culture.”
The SFCCA has raised the cap on its Clan Associations Cultural Activities Fund from $2,000 to $7,500.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
The festival also aims to foster a sense of identity among residents in Bishan, he said.
“KWSPST is a 155-year-old institution, and Bishan town was built on land that originally belonged to it. Many Bishan residents may not even be aware of KWSPST’s presence.”
It is the first time KWSPST has applied for the fund.
“The increased funding symbolises SFCCA’s recognition of our member associations’ cultural activities. It’s not about the amount but, rather, the encouragement and support given to all KWSPST members,” said Dr Yee.
Member associations interested in applying for the fund can contact the federation’s secretariat for more details.
Mr Chan Jin Hong, 35, council member and youth committee chairman of Eng Teng Association, said the increased funding allows smaller clans like his to organise more events to engage the younger generation. His Hakka clan association has about 200 members, with around 40 per cent of them below 40 years of age.
He hopes to apply for the fund in 2026 and work with other clan associations to organise cultural talks and events.
“We can share resources and best practices, and learn from the bigger clans, as well as tap into their bigger networks.”
Mr Wong Kum Soon, 49, vice-chairman of Tung On Wui Kun, said the increased funding will enable his Cantonese clan association, which has about 300 members, to do more public outreach.
“We hope to work with other clan associations of different dialect groups to organise food-related and other events to attract the younger generation and non-members.”
SFCCA is also working with the Singapore University of Social Sciences to launch a training programme for its member clan associations.
This will cover topics such as governance, financial management and the effective use of social media for event publicity.
“This initiative aims to help clan associations adapt to evolving trends and attract new members,” Mr Chua said. “In addition, it will enhance the competencies of secretariats and leaders, so they can effectively manage operations in the new era.”
More details will be announced in the second half of 2025.
Mr Chua also said that in celebration of SFCCA’s 40th anniversary in 2025, there will be a fund-raising gala dinner in the last quarter of 2025, where a portion of the money raised will go towards the renovation of its building in Toa Payoh.
The newly renovated space will integrate modern design elements and upgraded facilities to serve members and the public better.
“We remain committed to driving innovation and supporting clan associations in staying dynamic and relevant in a rapidly evolving environment, while preserving and passing on Singapore’s Chinese heritage and clan culture,” said Mr Chua.
“This will ensure that clans continue to thrive in the modern era and for generations to come.”
Correction note: An earlier version of this story said Mr Wong Kum Soon was from Tung Ann Association instead of Tung On Wui Kun. This has been corrected.
