Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan

Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan

Establishment and Purpose of Clans

When the Chinese arrived in Singapore in the 1800s and early 1900s, they often group themselves into these networks on the basis of a common surname, locality in China, dialect or occupation. Such networks provide co-operation and support among themselves in a foreign land. These networks eventually gave rise to the formation of various association, of which included the Chinese clans. The Chinese clans are often established based on surname, their locality in China or both. [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=3-5| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

With the presence of the Chinese clans, these clans essentially assist their members in areas of their welfare such as housing, medical care, financial assistance, education, providing scholarships, settlement of disputes, officiating wedding ceremonies, assisting burial ceremonies, ownership and maintaining of cemeteries etc. Clans also had a role in allowing these Chinese immigrants to maintain links with their relatives back at China. In brief, these Chinese clans essentially concentrated on charity works and taking care of the religious and welfare needs of their members. [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=3-5| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

One of the first few Teochew Chinese clans established in Singapore was the Ngee Ann Kongsi. It was founded in 1845 by Seah Eu Chin together with 12 clans from Chenghai and Haiyang. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 199 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ]

Discontent with Ngee Ann Kongsi

Over time, it appears that the Kongsi was dominated by the Seah family and the descendants of the 12 clans. On 28th December 1927, 14 men wrote to Ngee Ann Kongsi’s chairman, Seah Eng Tong to voice certain discontents with the Kongsi. The 14 men led by Lim Nee Soon included Lun Woo Ngam, Tan Guan Chuan, Yeo Choo Tian, Low Chia Heng and Yeo Chan Boon. They felt that the Kongsi strayed from its founding objectives and did not act as a good representative of the Teochew community. In order to be in line with the Kongsi’s original aims, they demanded the Kongsi to be handed over to the Teochew community. A series of negotiations over the Kongsi carried on for the next eight to nine months, but failed to conclude with an appeasement from both parties. Lim Nee Soon saw the need of a highest organization that could represent the Teochews. Therefore on 9th September 1928, Lim Nee Soon led a group of 40 Teochew community leaders to publish a proposal to form a Teochew Huay Kuan (Huay Kuan means Clan in Chinese). [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 199 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ]

Establishment of Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan

On 15th September 1928, a Teochew community-wide general meeting was held at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate over the founding of a Teochew Association. It was agreed that the association would be called the Singapore Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan. Poit Ip, which means eight districts in mandarin, stood for the 8 districts in the province of Kwang Tung, China. The eight districts were, Chenghai, Chaoyang, Jieyang, Raoping, Puning, Huilai and Nanao. A 12 member temporary committee including Lim Nee Soon, Lee Wee Nam, Huang Wei Ting, Lim Woo Ngam and Yeo Chan Boon was formed. It was also established that each district would nominate 2 representatives to serve on the committee. On 12th December 1928 the temporary committee convened a meeting at the Tuan Mong School in preparation of the formation of the Huay Kuan. Eight committee members including Lim Nee Soon and Lee Wee Nan were then tasked to draft the constitution. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 199 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ]

On 26th January 1929, the Teochew general meeting was held in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. It was resolved that a properties management committee, called the Teochew (Eight Districts) Public Property Preservation Association, be organized by the Teochew clansmen from the eight districts. This committee would be dissolved upon the establishment of the Teochew Huay Kuan that would manage all the properties. This temporary office was also housed at the Tuan Mong School. The temporary association had 48 members including the following office bearers, President: Lim Nee Soon, Vice-President: Lee Wee Nam and Treasurers: Tan Chew Char and Liu Bing Xian. [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=26| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

On 20th March 1929, the British colonial authorities exempted the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan from registration and it was formally established. A recruitment drive was launched in April 1929 and it attracted more than 700 members. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 200 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ] In August 1929, the very first Management Committee was elected. The Management Committee include the following office bearers, President: Lim Nee Soon, Vice-President: Lee Wee Nam and Yeo Chang Boon, Treasurer: Chen Li Zhi and Secretary: Lim Woo Ngam. [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=28| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ] Upon independence of Singapore on 9th August 1965, the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan applied for registration as required by the authorities and its approval was granted on 9th November 1965. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 200 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ]

Reconciliation between Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan

On 4th September 1929, the members of the first council were sworn in. Lim Nee Soon, Lee Wee Nam, Yeo Chan Boon and four others were then tasked to negotiate with the Ngee Ann Kongsi regarding the Teochew’s public properties. A meeting was convened between Seah Eu Tong and Lim Nee Soon on 12th April 1930 to deliberate over the future of Ngee Ann Kongsi. After the meeting, a new Management Committee of 25 members for the Ngee Ann Kongsi was formed. The Ngee Ann Kong Si was officially incorporated on 25th February 1933 under the Ngee Ann Kongsi (Incorporation). [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 200 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ] The Ngee Ann Kongsi essentially becomes a trustee’s organization for the Teochew community. With the complete construction of the Teochew Building (at no.97 Tank Road) in 1963, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and the Ngee Ann Kongsi shifted their offices into it. [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=90| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

Present Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan relationship

Today the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan deals largely with promotion of Teochew cultural values while the Ngee Ann Kongsi acts as a charity organization and business arm of the Teochew community. Ngee Ann Kongsi annually contributes a substantial amount of their net income towards Teochew Huay Kuan to finance the welfare aid of its needy members and the clan’s activities. These two organizations exist in close relation and often engage in joint activities. For instance, when Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan organizes its annual Teochew Week Exhibition or The Toechew International Convention in 2003, Ngee Ann Kongsi acted as their sponsor. The Teochew Funeral Parlour at Hougang, Singapore was jointly built and maintained by Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan.

Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan’s members

Today, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan has grown to be one the largest Chinese clans in Singapore. In 1963, it widened its membership base to include female members [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=90| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ] As of 2008, its membership strength stands over 7000 members from a total of 520,000 Teochews in Singapore. Its members are not required to pay yearly membership fees; only a one-time registration fee is required. It restricts membership to Teochews only. The members of Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan come from all walks of life and have many outstanding figures. For example, as of 2008, it has 6 Singapore ministers forming its honorary advisory board. They are Lim Boon Heng (Minister, Prime Minister Office), George Yong Boon Yeo (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Lee Boon Yang (Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts), Teo Chee Hean(Minister for Defence), Lim Swee Say (Minister, Prime Minster Office) and Lim Hng Kiang (Minister for Trade and Industry).

Activities of Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan

The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan has been involved in various activities over the years. The cultural, welfare and charity activities and providing an economic function are some of its areas it has been engaged in.

Cultural activities

Every Lunar New Year it holds a mass greeting party. At the Mid-Autumn Festival, a party is held with Teochew mooncakes and Teochew “Kongfu” Chinese tea and Teochew opera. Since 1992, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan has held several Teochew Week on themes like Teochew history, folklores and culture, Teochew food and songs etc. It also held a series of talks on Chinese folklores, Chinese migration history and introduction to opera performance. It conducted cultural activities such as workshop on Chinese dance, martial arts, Chinese painting and calligraphy competition. These classes are often free or subsidised and opened to public. It also takes part in the annual Singapore Ching Gay event which involves a parade of dance and mobile floats. It organizes an annual Teochew art exhibition and holds performance by the associations’ teenage and children’s drama groups, young people’s drama group and male chorus. In October 2002, it organized a 6-month joint exhibition with the Singapore History Museum on Singapore Teochews’ history and culture. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 201 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ]

Welfare, Charity Provision

Welfare function was also an important function of the Singapore Chinese associations in the 19th and early 20th century. These welfare needs can be met in the form of charity funds and in the past it was not unusual to provide these assistances beyond the shores of Singapore. In 1936, the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan raised a total of $15,413 for the purpose of strengthening a dyke in Chao Chou, the native place of Singaporean Teochews. [ Citation| first=Toon Hoe | last=Tan| coauthors=| contribution=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| title=The Chinese Associations in Singapore: A Case Study of Ngee Ann Kongsi and Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=National University of Singapore| pages=49| date=| year=1984| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ] It also setup a Relief Fund Committee of the Teochew Pang (association). By 1940, the Teochew community raised a total of $472,900 for its relief fund. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 200 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ] Locally, the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan donated to foundations such as the Nanyang University Foundation, National Defence Foundation, Cultural Foundation and Chinese Development Assistance Council Foundation. The Ngee Ann Kongsi annually contributes a generous portion of their net income towards the welfare activities of the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan. Currently, it also provides scholarships to both the local and Chinese students.

Economic Function

Although the economic and business purposes of the Chinese clans are never explicitly spelt out, by its nature and existence of a network, it provides opportunities for businessmen to do business. Tan Koh Tiang, current administration secretary of the present Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan, states that the Teochew International Convention, which is held every 2 years, not only links up with the other Teochew clans all throughout the world to share about cultural and clan issues but it also serves to promote economic development and links. In 1993, it conducted a seminar on investment opportunities in Chao-zhou and Guangdong provinces. It also provided contacts and information service for businessmen who want to venture to China. It also offered trips to China to suss out investment potential. [ Citation| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=Chinese clans at the crossroads| title=Chinese clans at the crossroads| editor-first=Wang| editor-last=Hui Ling| coeditors=Tan Seow Hon| publisher=The Straits Times| place=| pages=| date=1993-05-22| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ] Commenting on the seminar, Dr Phua Kok Khoo of the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan stated that its "main emphasis is still on promoting Chinese culture, and even if (they) discuss business, it will not be at the expense of cultural activities”. [ Citation| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=Chinese clans at the crossroads| title=Chinese clans at the crossroads| editor-first=Wang| editor-last=Hui Ling| coeditors=Tan Seow Hon| publisher=The Straits Times| place=| pages=| date=1993-05-22| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

Demise of Chinese Clans and Present challenges faced by Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan

Chinese clans faced a period of stagnation and fall which begin about the period of post independence of Singapore. After Singapore Independence, Community centres were established to promote communal activities for people in Singapore. Successful public housing policies also made the people less incline to approach the clans for assistance on housing issues. Besides, educational and health facilities were also established to meet the needs of Singapore citizens. People’s employment was also satisfied by the country’s industrialization projects. These factors that lead to the demise of Chinese clans is reflective in BG Lee Hsien Loong’s speech,"since Independence, many of the services the clan used to provide have been taken over by Government and other civic organizations…the government took over the running of schools and public services.Thus Chinese clan started to lose its appeal and purpose towards the community and thus they experienced a dwindling membership". [ Citation| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=BG Lee Hsien Loong Speech At Lee Clan General Association's 86th Anniversary Dinner| title=BG Lee Hsien Loong Speech At Lee Clan General Association's 86th Anniversary Dinner| editor-first=Hsien Loon| editor-last=Lee| coeditors=| publisher=| place=| pages=| date=1992-10-28| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

With the decline of Chinese clans, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and other clans increasingly faced obstacles in sustaining their survival. It is a common perception among the Singaporean youths that Chinese clans are outdated and old-fashioned and thus they lack interest in participating in the clan’s activities. This worry over the youths’ perception is implied by the former Chairman of Chongshan Huay Kuan, Mr Leong Ah Soh, 59 years old, who told the Straits Times on 13th February 1998 that "even though clan leaders want to re-fashion clans to attract the young, there is great resistance from the ground". [ Citation| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=Clans 21 blueprint to be drawn up| title=Clans 21 blueprint to be drawn up| editor-first=Jason| editor-last=Leow| coeditors=| publisher=The Straits Times| place=| pages=| date=1998-02-13| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

The language divide between the mandarin and dialect speaking general population of the Chinese clans and the English speaking younger generation also acts as an obstacle to getting youth to be engaged in clan activities. In a report by the Straits Time on 13th February 1998, it cited that many people gave the Chinese cultural festival's events a cold shoulder due to their inability to understand or speak Mandarin. [ Citation| first=Soo Fang | last=Chin| coauthors=| contribution=Chinese culture for English-educated| title=Chinese culture for English-educated| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=The Straits Times| place=1998-02-13| pages=| date=| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ] The decrease in importance of the Chinese language can be attributed to the fact that many youths view Chinese as an inferior language. According to Professor Chew Cheng Hai, a consultant to Nanyang Technological University's Centre for Chinese Language and Culture, he states that the “Singaporean society views Mandarin as the language of those who are not successful”. [ Citation| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=Experts warns against viewing Chinese as inferior language| title=Experts warns against viewing Chinese as inferior language| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=The Straits Times| place=| pages=| date=2003-12-02| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-27 ]

Unable to effectively reach out to the youth, due to language and generation barriers, Chinese clans face an aging membership and a problem of finding successors to clan leadership positions. This is a pertinent problem pointed by Tan Koh Tiang.

Reaching out and moving ahead–Purpose and Change

In light of the demise and challenges faced by the Chinese clans, it is imperative for Chinese clans to adopt steps to ensure their survival. The emphasis for change and adaptation are highlighted by top Singapore government officials. BG Lee Hsien Loong said "whether the clans are able to remain vibrant and relevant to the new generation, rejuvenate themselves and attract younger members will depend to a large extent, on how successfully they adapt their role to changing social conditions." [ Citation| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=BG Lee Hsien Loong Speech At Lee Clan General Association's 86th Anniversary Dinner| title=BG Lee Hsien Loong Speech At Lee Clan General Association's 86th Anniversary Dinner| editor-first=Hsien Loon| editor-last=Lee| coeditors=| publisher=| place=| pages=| date=1992-10-28| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

In order to strive for change, Tan Koh Tiang admits while the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan had served its traditional purpose in the pass, it is tending towards a focus on promoting Teochew cultures, tradition and values today. The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan which presently engages actively in a wide range of cultural activities such as workshop on Chinese dance, martial arts, Chinese painting, calligraphy competition and Chinese essay-writing competition. In I983, it formed a cultural and education section and setup an education and cultural centre in the Teochew Building and in 1985 the cultural and education section was enlarged to become a cultural committee, responsible for promoting educational, cultural and recreational activities.Teochew Poit Ip Huay kuan continues to promote links with Teochew’s China hometown as a means to advance Teochew’s tradition and culture. The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan will be conducting a study trip to trace its ancestral roots in China which will be held in June 2008. As part of this trip, there will be a calligraphy exhibition in China which is jointly organized by China Shantou district and the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan. Speaking at the 12th Teochew International Convention, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong concurs with such activities and also suggested that clans could help youths discover their cultural route in order to counter the weakening sense of heritage and tradition among the young. [ Citation| first=Laurel | last=Teo| coauthors=| contribution=Teochew meet stresses need to stay rooted culturally| title=Teochew meet stresses need to stay rooted culturally| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=The Straits Times| place=| pages=| date=2003-11-23| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-27 ]

The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan also reflected a sense of adaptability with changing times through its ability to accept and harness on technology. In 1987, it established a computer centre and was the first clan association to conduct computer courses and in 1998 it setup the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan website to reach out to the internet population. It also keeps in touch and notifies its members through the use of email and the press. It is worthy to note that these outreach through email, press and websites are largely carried out in mandarin.

By riding on the technological advancement and promoting Teochew culture, Teochew Poit Ip Huay kuan hopes to reach out to youths to ensure a succession of future leadership. The need for incoming young blood in the Chinese clans is of utmost importance. As DPM Lee Hsien Loong has mentioned, “clan associations have to induct fresh blood into their leadership ranks and pass on the reins of leadership to the next generation in a smooth, progressive manner…then the clan association will remain dynamic and vibrant and will not become obsolete in modern Singapore”. [ Citation| first=Hsien Loong | last=Lee| coauthors=| contribution=Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speech at 15th anniversary dinner of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations| title=Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speech at 15th anniversary dinner of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=| pages=| date=2000-05-05| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-27 ] The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan provides scholarship to both local and China Teochew students. It hopes that these scholarship recipients will spread the reputation of the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and entice more youths into the clan. In early 2008, the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan also established the Young Teochew Group and aims to hit a 100 strong membership ; currently as of April 2008, its membership strength stands at 30 people. Tan Koh Tiang said that it was mainly the China Teochew youths who responded to the scholarship provision and joined Young Teochew Group.

As the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan moves ahead they still make conscious effort to collaborate with other local and overseas clans. Such collaboration fosters relationship between clans, provides opportunity for clans to learn from each other, tackle common clan issues and boost survivability. As addressed by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the SFCCA 15th anniversary dinner, “clan associations should therefore look beyond themselves and work or even merge with one another in order to consolidate leadership and organizational resources”. [ Citation| first=Hsien Loong | last=Lee| coauthors=| contribution=Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speech at 15th anniversary dinner of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations| title=Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speech at 15th anniversary dinner of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations| editor-first=| editor-last=| coeditors=| publisher=| place=| pages=| date=2000-05-05| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2008-04-27 ] The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan, participates in previous Teochew International Convention and also hosted the 4th and 12th convention in 1987 and 2003 respectively. Such conventions allow clans to built ties and link up with each other for future clan developments and activities. The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan also attended anniversary celebrations of its counterparts in various states of Malaysia, as well as the anniversary of celebration activities held by the Federated Teochew Association of Malaya. It has received the officials, delegations and opera troupes from Chaozhou and Shantou region and the Southeast Asian study tour delegation of the Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce. It has also organized tours to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan and 8 districts in Chaozhou and Shantou region to broaden members’ general knowledge about Teochew culture and strengthen clan ties. [cite book | last = Chang | first = Chin Chiang | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = History of Clan Associations in Singapore | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = 202 | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = ]

References