Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) begins its 185th anniversary with the launch of a digital archive stretching back almost two centuries at its annual Spring Reception today. The year-long celebrations, held in conjunction with SG60, will also be headlined by a 185th Anniversary Celebratory Gala Dinner, the 8th Singapore Hokkien Festival, and the launch of an English and Chinese children’s picture book and young adult’s graphic novel. “Hokkiens, Let’s Go! Hokkien lang, zuey din giah (福建人，做阵行)”, a line from a song commissioned by SHHK, has been adopted as the theme of the 185th anniversary celebrations.

Minister for Digital Development and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs Mrs Josephine Teo graced the ceremony as the Guest-of-Honour, where she gave a speech and launched Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s Digital Archives, a first for local Chinese clan associations.

The SHHK Digital Archives will contain more than 5,000 news articles, literature, and records about SHHK and its related entities — with the earliest record from 1827. It provides an easy-to-use interface with basic and advanced search features, and is available for free to the public. It can be accessed at https://archives.shhk.com.sg/.

Mr Thomas Chua, President of SHHK, said, “The 60-year history of the founding of Singapore is closely linked to the 185-year history of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan. As the largest Chinese dialect group in Singapore, the Hokkiens undoubtedly contributed towards nation building. Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan will, in the spirit of our ancestors, continue to work hard towards benefitting the community.”
Minister Josephine Teo also toured a mini exhibition showcasing tech adoption and digitisation efforts by clan associations, including:

a) Chin Kang Huay Kuan’s SAYMIN App
b) Singapore Lam Ann Association’s ChatGPT Library
c) Nanyang Ang Clan Guild’s mobile app
d) Kim Mui Hoey Kuan’s events portal
e) Thian Hock Keng’s web app virtual tour

Minister Josephine Teo exchanged well-wishes with over 400 distinguished guests, including the SHHK board of governors, council, honorary council and committee members, affiliated schools’ principals and staff, Chinese clan associations’ leaders and representatives, in attendance to celebrate the Year of the Snake. She also participated in the toasting of the traditional red date tea – a uniquely Hokkien tradition which symbolises the hope for a good and sweet year ahead.