Letter from Baba Colin Chee, President, The Peranakan Association Singapore
(This is a monthly letter to TPAS members and guests)
Dear Babas and Nyonyas,
I thought becoming a grandfather the second time around two weeks ago would not be as exciting as the first. But when our new grandson decided to introduce himself to us, on the eve of his kor kor’s third birthday, I found it difficult to contain my joy and gratitude for God’s grace!
I had this great sense of anticipation.
THE 32ND BABA NYONYA CONVENTION 2019, MELAKA
In a somewhat similar way, I am looking forward to our Peranakan community’s 32nd Baba Nyonya Convention in Melaka. It will be hosted by Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka (PPCM) and will be held in three weeks’ time from 22 to 24 November.
Its theme is Chrita Dula Kala. Memories That Shaped Us with young speakers presenting at the Symposium. This is a good thing, because in our young rests our community’s future.
Not surprisingly, the convention quickly sold out. A large section of our Singapore Peranakan families can trace deep roots to Melaka. Perhaps it explains the rush to sign on. But I feel deep in my bones that they expect a fun time there too!
I am also looking forward to enjoying the warm and relaxed welcome of our friends across the Causeway. And to joget with them!
But as event organisers will tell you, putting up a fun and let-your-hair-down show is not as easy as it seems. It requires a lot of hard work, thinking and well-coordinated activities.
I was at the receiving end of it when an PPCM’s anxious Convention Organising Chairman, Baba Peter Ong, texted me twice and asked: “Just wondering if TPAS wants to do a gimmick (something dramatic) at the farewell dinner when we have the hand-over ceremony as TPAS is hosting next year!”
I finally assured Baba Peter that we don’t have a gimmick for the dinner. However, we do plan to make an announcement that will make the delegates sit up and listen! He was put at ease.
The Peranakan Association Singapore will be hosting next year’s 33rd Baba Nyonya Convention as part of its 120th Anniversary celebrations.
THE 33RD BABA NYONYA CONVENTION 2020, SINGAPORE
For this we have to thank TPAS members who trusted us enough to give us the mandate at this year’s Annual General Meeting to start preparations for next year’s Peranakan Ball (which I have written about in past letters) and the Baba Nyonya Convention 2020.
Because next year is special for our Association, we are going the extra mile to make the Convention memorable and yet keep it affordable.
Our 33rd Baba Nyonya Convention Organising Committee was formed several weeks ago. It is chaired by our very capable Nyonya Gwen Ong, who is also the General Committee’s Head of Events.
Under her leadership and core team, I am glad to report that as of today we are far ahead in our planning and preparations for the Convention next year – from hotel accommodation, to coach transfers, to the venue and conceptual programmes.
In relation to the venue, we wish to thank the Board and Management of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre for generously sponsoring its expansive and superb facilities for the Convention. We are fortunate and glad they count our Peranakan culture as an especially unique aspect of Singapore Chinese culture. Which we are indeed!
We are also grateful that Gunong Sayang Association and Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore will help us as our close partners. I am happy to see three Peranakan associations based in Singapore, each with its own distinctive charter, coming together to make merry. It reminds me of our extended families gathering before special celebrations to prepare the feasts that inevitably follow!
Our very special thanks also go to The Peranakan Museum. It had agreed early this year to be our significant partner to co-organise the Convention’s key event – the Symposium – which will reflect our Association’s theme for the whole of next year, “Keeping Our Culture Alive”.
We have also had the help of our counterparts in Penang and Melaka to identify their best-known masters of Peranakan craft and cuisine for the Convention’s BaBazaar – with its bazaar, craft and cuisine workshops, and entertainment. We will soon also approach our friends in KL, Phuket and Indonesia for similar assistance. By doing this, we hope to bring the splendour of the region’s Peranakan best to Singapore in November 2020.
Much has yet to be done. As they say: “The devil is in the details.” It is something we are now beginning to focus on and execute.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Thank you, dear friends, supporters and guests of our Facebook page and website. Until I write you again at the end of November to update you, do make it a point to rediscover uplifting vistas in your relationships with your family members and friends. It is never too late to delight in the joys of happy family ties and special friendships!
Blessings,
Colin Chee
Unity. Stability. Growth
It is not going to be business as usual
31 October 2019