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AsiaOne
24-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Chee Hong Tat to chair Chinese Community Liaison Group, succeeding Edwin Tong, Singapore News
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat has been appointed chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG) by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, with effect from Friday (May 23). Chee will succeed Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong, who was chairman of CCLG since November 2020. Tong will continue to serve as advisor to the group. In a statement on Friday, PM Wong said of Chee as the new chairman: "Minister Chee Hong Tat has been a member of CCLG since 2015. He has been actively involved with the Chinese community and regularly engages various segments, in particular the clans and business associations. "I look forward to Hong Tat working closely with key Chinese community organisations to strengthen leadership renewal so that they can remain relevant and dynamic. I am confident that Hong Tat will continue the good work of CCLG and further deepen ties between the Government and the Chinese community." PM Wong also thanked Tong for his contributions to CCLG since he assumed the chairman position, noting that he had done much in engaging the Chinese community. He said: "During the Covid-19 pandemic, Edwin and CCLG members worked with key Chinese community organisations to identify innovative ways to maintain contact with the members of the Chinese community and provide support to vulnerable segments. "Notably, Edwin also played a key role in successfully mediating the settlement between the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi over redevelopment plans for the historic Teochew Building." The CCLG was set up in 2000 to deepen the government's relationship with Chinese community organisations and strengthen cooperation among the various Chinese community groups. The group comprises office-holders and Members of Parliament that regularly engage the Chinese community. The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) has also recognised and expressed its appreciation for Tong's contributions as former CCLG chairman. In a statement on May 23, the federation said: "As chairman of the CCLG, Minister Tong has consistently championed the development of the Chinese community. He has provided strong support for the River Hongbao and attending its Chinese New Year's Eve countdown celebrations for five consecutive years. "During his tenure, he regularly visited various clan associations and community groups, actively listening to their views while strengthening mutual trust between the government and the community. "The federation extends heartfelt thanks to Minister Tong for his steadfast support and contributions and wishes him every success in his new role." SFCCA also welcomed Chee as the new chairman and recognised his role in maintaining close ties with the Chinese community since he entered politics. The federation said that in Chee's capacity as a key member of the CCLG and a Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Chee has actively participated in significant SFCCA events and served as the guest of honour at dialogue sessions coorganised by the federation and Reach. "These sessions have played an important role in deepening public understanding and facilitated valuable feedback on national policies. The federation looks forward to working more closely with Minister Chee to promote social cohesion and build a more inclusive and harmonious society." [[nid:718285]]
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Chee Hong Tat takes over as chairman of Chinese Community Liaison Group from Edwin Tong
Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat succeeds Minister for Law Edwin Tong as CCLG chairman from May 23. PHOTOS: ST FILE, JOO CHIAT CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Chee Hong Tat takes over as chairman of Chinese Community Liaison Group from Edwin Tong SINGAPORE – Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat has been appointed chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG), a group tasked to deepen the Government's relationship with Chinese community organisations and to strengthen cooperation among the various Chinese community groups. He succeeded Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong as CCLG chairman on May 23. In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office on the same day, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Mr Chee, as a member of CCLG since 2015, had been actively involved with the Chinese community and regularly engaged many of its members, in particular the clans and business associations. PM Wong said he is confident that Mr Chee will continue the CCLG's good work and further strengthen ties between the Government and the Chinese community here. Established in 2000, the CCLG comprises office-holders and MPs who regularly engage the Chinese community. 'I look forward to Hong Tat working closely with key Chinese community organisations to strengthen leadership renewal so that they can remain relevant and dynamic,' said PM Wong. The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) said separately on May 23 that it warmly welcomed Mr Chee as the new CCLG chairman. The federation, the apex body of Chinese clan associations in Singapore, noted that Mr Chee had been maintaining close and lasting ties with the Chinese community, such as by participating in SFCCA events, and that he was the guest of honour at dialogues co-organised with government feedback unit Reach. Mr Tong, who had held the post since November 2020, will continue to serve as CCLG's adviser. PM Wong thanked Mr Tong for his contributions to the group, and said Mr Tong and other CCLG members had done much in the past five years to engage the Chinese community. 'During the Covid-19 pandemic, Edwin and CCLG members worked with key Chinese community organisations to identify innovative ways to maintain contact with the members of the Chinese community and provide support to vulnerable segments,' he said. 'Notably, Edwin also played a key role in successfully mediating the settlement between the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi over redevelopment plans for the historic Teochew Building.' The SFCCA also thanked Mr Tong for his contributions, and said the former culture, community and youth minister had been 'instrumental in advancing cultural legacy and fostering social cohesion'. As CCLG chairman, Mr Tong consistently championed the development of the Chinese community, such as through his strong support for the annual River Hongbao. He also made regular visits to various clan associations and community groups and actively listened to their views, it noted. The federation said it looked forward to working more closely with Mr Chee to promote social cohesion and build a more inclusive and harmonious society, and with Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo to further promote cultural and community development. 'Looking ahead, the federation will continue to work closely with the broader Chinese community to deepen collaboration with the 4G leadership team,' said SFCCA president Thomas Chua. 'We remain committed to serving as a bridge between the Government and the community, working together to contribute to Singapore's long-term social and national development.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
AsiaOne
26-04-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Noor Deros not permitted to preach in Singapore, says Asatizah Recognition Board, Singapore News
The Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB) has responded to queries regarding religious preacher Noor Deros, in a media statement today (April 26). The ARB clarified that identifying Noor as a Singapore Islamic teacher is "inaccurate and misleading" as he has not received recognition under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) and is therefore not permitted to preach in Singapore. It added that he had applied for recognition in 2017 but was unsuccessful as he refused to comply with the ARS Code of Ethics despite being counselled by the ARB. The ARS Code of Ethics is a framework that ensures accountability and integrity among religious teachers while safeguarding Singapore's unity, peace and harmony. The board said there are currently over 5,000 qualified teachers who are authorised to teach Islam in Singapore. Noor, who is based in Malaysia, had claimed in a series of Facebook posts that he had spoken to the Malay/Muslim candidates from the Worker's Party (WP) about prioritising the rights and concerns of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore, Malay language daily Berita Harian reported. He also claimed, among other things, that he had urged WP and other election candidates to reject the normalisation of LGBTQ+ issues, take a strong stance against Israel, and recognise the state of Palestine. 'No foreign entity should interfere in our voting process' Meanwhile, the Sikh Advisory Board (SAB) and Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) released separate statements today to highlight the importance of protecting racial and religious harmony in Singapore. The SAB said Singapore election must be protected from outside influence. "No foreign entity should interfere in our voting process... Our choices should be made by us, without pressure or manipulation from others." SFCCA said that in "an increasingly fragmented and polarised world", there is a greater need to deepen collective commitment to the nation. "We will continue our efforts to promote mutual understanding and trust between different ethnic groups to strengthen our social cohesion. SFCCA will remain committed to work with all citizens, to build a more united, harmonious, and stable Singapore," it added. [[nid:717255]] syarifahsn@ No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Straits Times
26-04-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Chingay Parade picture wins photography competition promoting multiculturalism
SINGAPORE - He spent several hours across multiple rehearsals at the Chingay Parade 2025 in February at the F1 Pit Building waiting for the right shot. Then, dancers of various cultural backgrounds got into formation against a vibrant backdrop, and he asked them to form heart shapes with their hands. The photograph helped hobbyist photographer Goh Ngan Pin, 48, clinch the top prize in the open category of the fourth Heartstrings of Singapore photography competition. Mr Goh Ngan Pin is a hobbyist photographer, he is also a voluntary photographer for the People's Association for the past three years. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MR MARK CHONG It was jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA). On April 26, Mr Goh was one of 46 winners presented awards at SCCC near Shenton Way by guest-of-honour Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, Edwin Tong. About 100 representatives from clan associations, cultural groups and government agencies attended the ceremony. Mr Goh, who has been a voluntary photographer with the People's Association (PA) for the past three years, said: 'I am often quite thick-skinned when it comes to asking people to pose or trying to get the right shot.' The event also marked SFCCA's 40th anniversary and the unveiling of its commemorative logo – a design blending clean English typography with bold Chinese brushstrokes to symbolise the harmony of tradition and modernity. In his speech, Mr Tong praised the federation's efforts in rallying over 200 clan associations to preserve heritage and foster a strong Singaporean Chinese identity through events over the years. These included organising the River Hongbao, and working with the National Integration Council, government feedback unit Reach, and the PA to organise events and dialogues to promote nation-building. Mr Edwin Tong (second left) unveiling the commemorative logo that marks Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations' (SFCCA) 40th anniversary with SFCCA chairman Mr Thomas Chua (second right) and representatives. PHOTO: SINGAPORE FEDRATION OF CHINESE CLAN ASSOCIATIONS Mr Tong said: 'We have to treasure and nurture our special Singaporean Chinese practices, our special rituals, our customs and our deep heritage. 'I think when we celebrate SG60, we should look back at the special role that SFCCA and the Chinese clans have played in building Singapore all these years.' Another winner was Victoria Junior College student Namasya Holla, 17, who took second place for a panoramic image of Gardens by the Bay and also received a merit award for a photograph submitted under the multiculturalism theme. She had captured four girls from different uniformed groups during the National Day Parade at her alma mater, Cedar Girls' School. She said: 'I wanted to capture them all looking at the national flag together. I hope my photo inspires others to appreciate multiculturalism.' Ms Namasya Holla and her photo 'Stronger Together', which won the student category of Theme 2: Singapore's Multicultural Diversity of the Heartstrings Singapore photo competition. ST PHOTO: HAZEL TANG All winning photographs, and 100 shortlisted entries, will be on display at SCCC's multipurpose hall on April 26 and 27. The exhibition will move to Ang Mo Kio Public Library from April 28 to May 26. Also announced was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SFCCA and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, to deepen cultural development and strengthen community bonds. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
