Content
Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations
新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会
Locality Organisations
地缘性组织
Introduction
The Chinese in Singapore constitutes the majority of the population in Singapore. Most of the early immigrants arrived virtually penniless as they were being forced to seek out a new livelihood in the South Seas (Nanyang) due to difficult economic conditions in China then. Those who arrived at Singapore faced problems in seeking employment and a roof over their heads. As the size of immigrant population grew, other social needs such as cultural interactions and education had to be met. The laissez-faire style of the British colonial government led the Chinese community to develop its own social organisations to meet these needs. Clan associations that were based on kinship and geographical ties were set up and not only do they organised themselves to help newcomers settle down, they also acted as intermediaries in interpersonal and intra-community conflicts, organised social and religious activities for members of their own dialect groups. Some even set up schools for the children of their members, and provide bursaries and scholarships for these children.
Over the years, the functions and activities of these clan associations had evolved, and in fact, the organisations had to change if they were to remain relevant to the changing needs of their members. It is interesting to find out the history of the clan associations that were set up in Singapore, and how many of these organisations are currently still active? This Guide document more than 300 locality and kinship (surname) clan associations since the founding of Singapore in 1819, some of which had since ceased operation. Sources that could lead to more information about them, including books, self-published commemorative publications, newsletters, websites and their last known registered addresses, would be used as leads for the user of this guide to find more about these organisations. The guide is divided into three sections:
Subject Guide |
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