Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Marks 180th Anniversary with Commemorative Book Launch and $1.8M Donation to Singapore Institute of Technology

It was a resounding online and onsite success for Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s (SHHK) commemoration of its 180th Anniversary. Held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, originally planned large-scale celebratory programmes had to give way to a ceremonial commemorative book launch and forum, held at the SHHK Cultural Academy and streamed live via Facebook. The live stream garnered around 26100 views across various streaming platforms. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the Guest-of-Honour at the event and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Mr Edwin Tong was the Special Guest.

PM Lee Launches SHHK’s Commemorative Book

Edited and compiled by a specialist team lead by SHHK’s Council Member Mr Toh Lam Huat, the commemorative book titled “世纪跨越：新加坡福建会馆180周年报刊史料选汇编” (Transcending Centuries: A Chronicle of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan 180 Years of Historical Articles) is a compilation of media articles and essays with mention of Hokkien Huay Kuan and its related entities since the founding of Singapore. This is SHHK’s first attempt at publishing a comprehensive book recording its long history.

The book was officially launched by PM Lee at the Ceremony. He penned his autograph on a hardback edition and presented it as a memento to SHHK.

$1.8M Donation to Support Urban Micro-Grid Network

SHHK through its charitable arm, The Hokkien Foundation, donated $1.8 million to Singapore Institute of Technology to support a first-of-its-kind university in Southeast Asia running on a multi-energy urban micro-grid network. Besides tapping on a part of the Foundation’s reserves, members of SHHK’s 43rd Council generously donated towards the cause. SIT has temporarily named one of its lecture theatres at its Dover campus, the “Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Lecture Theatre”. Subsequently, a Collaboration Loop at the upcoming Punggol campus, will be named after Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, signifying Huay Kuan’s support for collaborative efforts in innovation and entrepreneurship. The cheque presentation ceremony was witnessed by PM Lee, Minister Edwin Tong, SHHK Immediate Past President Mr Chua Thian Poh. Professor Tan Thiam Soon, SIT’s President received the cheque from SHHK President Mr Tan Cheng Gay.

During the ceremony, the “SHHK Lecture Theatre” at SIT@Dover Campus was unveiled ‘live’ by Mr Chan Hock Keng, SHHK Vice-President and Professor Chua Kee Chaing, SIT’s Deputy President (Academic) & Provost.

Additional Support Grant for Needy Students

In light of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on low income families and children, SHHK 43rd Council decided to apportion a part of its donations to provide for a one-off COVID-19 support grant. A total of 404 needy students from SHHK’s affiliated schools, and 7 SHHK members or staff’s children, will each receive $500 cash in addition to their regular annual bursaries from The Hokkien Foundation*. Principals from the 6 affiliated schools of Huay Kuan received the cheques on behalf of the students.

SHHK 6 affiliated schools are Tao Nan School, Ai Tong School, Chongfu School, Nan Chiau High School, Nan Chiau Primary School and Kong Hwa School.

(*The Hokkien Foundation Bursary for Affiliated Schools: $400 per primary school student, $600 per secondary school student; The Hokkien Foundation Bursary for Children of SHHK’s Members and Children of Staff of SHHK’s Subsidiaries: $450 per primary school student, $650 per secondary school student, $900 per JC or ITE student, $1,800 per polytechnic student, $3,500 per university student)

New Discoveries, Fresh Perspectives

Prior to the book launch, history enthusiasts were treated to rare insights and findings about Huay Kuan and Singapore in a forum that was also streamed live via Facebook. Mr Toh Lam Huat, Former Sin Min Daily Editor, alongside Professor Kenneth Dean, Head of Department of Chinese Studies at NUS, and Dr Neo Peng Fu, Director of Confucius Institute at NTU, shared notes on the significant roles SHHK played in Singapore and the region throughout history. Mr Toh, Editor-in-Chief of the commemorative book, brought to light new discoveries and interesting anecdotes found while endeavouring on the book project.

273 members of the public took part in the exciting “180 years in 5 minutes” Kahoot game. The top prize winner received $1000 worth of grocery vouchers while nine other winners each received $200 chocolate vouchers.

To catch up on the forum and find out more about the rich heritage and history of SHHK, visit www.facebook.com/singaporehokkienhuaykuan today.