Clan associations need to attract young talent, renew leadership: PM Wong

They can play bigger role in helping to unite society in next phase of nation-building

- Chin Soo Fang

Chinese clan associations in Singapore, many of which have been around for more than a century, will need to attract young talent and ensure leadership renewal to continue to serve the community.

Speaking in English and Mandarin at the Huang Clan Association’s 100th anniversary dinner on July 13, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that aside from helping to preserve and pass on traditional culture and values, clan associations assist in integrating newcomers to Singapore. They also reach out to the disadvantaged in the community, he added.

“I believe that as Singapore enters the next phase of nation-building, the clan associations can play a bigger role in helping to unite our society,” PM Wong said, adding that leadership renewal is important.

“The clan associations must constantly be attracting young members to maintain their vitality and bring themselves to greater heights.”

PM Wong said that in the next few years, he will bring in new people and renew the members of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG), to allow the young generation of leaders to establish close ties with the community.