Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations Usher in the Year of the Fire Horse with 15th Spring Reception Celebration

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) ushered in the Year of the Fire Horse with a vibrant Spring Reception 2026, marking the 15th edition of the annual celebration. Close to 600 guests gathered for the festive occasion, highlighting the strong bonds within Singapore’s Chinese community and across different sectors of society.

Guest-of-Honour Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, attended the reception alongside distinguished members of the Cabinet and Parliament, including Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Defence, and Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs. The event also welcomed foreign dignitaries, community partners such as the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representatives from clan associations, local arts and cultural groups, and members of other ethnic communities.

The evening opened with an electrifying festive drumming performance by local arts groups Drum Feng, NADI Singapura, and the Singapore Dhol Squad. This was followed by a spectacular lion dance performance featuring 26 lions, performed by students from the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and the Singapore Institute of Technology. Guests were also treated to live calligraphy demonstrations by artists from the Life Art Society.

The celebration concluded with the traditional Tuan Bai ceremony, where guests exchanged Chinese New Year greetings in a collective gesture of goodwill, wishing one another prosperity and a smooth year ahead.

In his address, Mr Ng Siew Quan, Chairman of SCCC, highlighted the Centre’s strong performance in 2025, citing record visitor numbers, expanded community outreach, increased programme offerings, and higher student participation. He also noted the successful launch of SCCC’s first Chinese Opera Festival in partnership with the National Arts Council.

Looking ahead, SCCC will refresh its SINGAPO(ren) Permanent Exhibition from October 2026 and launch a special exhibition spotlighting local Chinese television from the 1980s to early 2000s. A travelling exhibition celebrating Singapore’s beloved zichar culture is also in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, SFCCA President Mr Thomas Chua reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to strengthening clan associations and nurturing a new generation of community leaders. In partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences, SFCCA has rolled out customised training courses for its members, with additional programmes, including those focused on generative AI, planned. Participants who complete three courses will receive a Professional Certificate in Community Leadership.

Mr Chua also highlighted the Chinese Community Leadership Programme (CCLP), jointly organised with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The programme received more than 120 nominations following its launch in December, with its inaugural run set to begin in July.