Clan association marks 180th year with $1.8 million donation to Singapore Institute of Technology

The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) has donated $1.8 million to the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to support the university's new campus in the upcoming Punggol Digital District.

The clan association's president, Mr Tan Cheng Gay, presented a cheque yesterday to the SIT president, Professor Tan Thiam Soon, during an event to celebrate the SHHK's 180th anniversary.

Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Tan said the donation, made through the clan association's Hokkien Foundation charity arm, is in line with the SHHK's philosophy of supporting the community and funding education since its founding.

Successive leaders of the clan association have always believed that "to have knowledge is to have the future", Mr Tan added.

In recognition of the donation, the SIT has named a lecture theatre at its current Dover campus after the clan association.

During the event, which was held at the SHHK Cultural Academy and livestreamed on Facebook, the SHHK also announced that it will give support grants totalling $205,500 to 411 needy students, including seven children of SHHK staff and members and 404 students from its affiliated schools.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was the guest of honour at the event, also launched a commemorative book tracing the SHHK's 180-year history titled Transcending Centuries. It is a compilation of media articles and essays about the clan association and its associated entities.

Congratulating the SHHK on its anniversary, Mr Lee noted that the clan association has evolved together with Singapore over the years.

"To be able to adapt to the changing environment and keep the Huay Kuan thriving, that is an exceptional achievement," he said.

Mr Lee added that the SHHK has embraced Singapore's unique multiracial and multicultural identity by not only looking after Hokkien and Chinese Singaporeans but also providing support to Singaporeans of other races.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong also attended the event as a special guest.