Letter from Baba Colin Chee, President, The Peranakan Association Singapore
(This is a monthly column to TPAS members and guests)
Dear Babas and Nyonyas,
JUNIOR MEMBERS
We crossed a milestone in our history on 23 September 2019 when the Association opened its doors to anak Babas and Nyonyas. Since then, response has been reassuring.
We are hopeful of the momentum continuing for more children and youths (age 6 to under 18 years) to become Junior Members in the coming months.
Significantly, this Junior Membership category was created to introduce Peranakan culture to our children and grandchildren when their minds and hearts are most receptive and welcoming.
It is an important avenue to keep our culture alive, meaningful and relevant to the next generation. It will also help to ensure the longevity of our Association.
We have formed an activities team for Junior Members led by Nyonya Dawn Marie Lee and which includes Association members, Nyonya Theresa Tan and Nyonya Cheryl Lee-Cheang. Our Association’s Head of Events, Nyonya Gwen Ong, is also in the team to ensure alignment and integration. We will draw on our growing list of subject experts for advice to inspire our young.
Our intent is to bring greater vibrancy to this age group with exciting activities that will draw them in and make them proud to be a member of our community.
Look out for the first event for Junior Members that will be held during the year-end school holidays in November/December.
OUR HEROS
One of the ways we plan to engage our Junior Members is by sharing more stories about our heroes – from the past as well as the living. We have a large reservoir to draw from.
In our award-winning magazine, The Peranakan, we have written about prominent Babas who have contributed to nation-building. They include statesmen like our late Prime Minister Baba Lee Kuan Yew, in many ways the builder of modern Singapore, his compatriot, the late Finance and Defence Minister, Baba Goh Keng Swee, and our beloved people’s President, Baba Wee Kim Wee.
In the latest August/September issue of magazine, we feature businessman and philanthropist Baba Chee Swee Cheng, the first Chairman of OCBC Bank.
Past issues have featured Babas in theatre and music, such as GT Lye, Francis Hogan, Dick Lee, Ivan Heng, Lim Kay Tong, Glenn Goei, the late Felix Chia and William Tan; in literature, Baba William Gwee, amongst others.
Our Nyonyas have been, and will be featured too in future issues of the magazine.
At this point, I would like to reiterate that The Peranakan Association Singapore is very inclusive in outlook.
Our members comprise both Peranakans and non-Peranakans who have a keen interest in the culture. We welcome all of you into our growing and ethnically diverse family.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dalam Dapor with Nyonya Violet Oon, 12 October 2019
In October we launch our Dalam Dapor (In the Kitchen) series of culinary workshops, starting with chef extraordinaire, Nyonya Violet Oon, as our first guest instructor.
For those who registered but have not yet paid up, please do so by Friday 4 October, otherwise your place will be given to the next in queue.
Joget Siang Tea Dance, 3 November 2019
Put on your dancing shoes and bring your family and friends along for Joget Siang Peranakan Tea Dance, a happy collaboration with the Peranakan Interest Group of the Joo Chiat Community Club (JCCC) Management Committee.
The tea dance will be held at the JCCC Hall on Sunday, 3 November 2019 at 3pm. At just $10 a ticket (which includes a tea time buffet spread, live music and lucky draw), I’m sure that tickets will sell out fast!
I encourage Association members to quickly make your way to the JCCC office at 405 Joo Chiat Road as tickets are limited and are sold on a first-come-first-served basis (no reservations). This event is also open to Marine Parade residents, so you can be sure that tickets will sell out quickly.
Malam Jolly Western, 28 December 2019
I would like to thank our members and friends for your strong support for the coming annual Dinner & Dance, Malam Jolly Western, on Saturday, 28 December 2019. We were amazed by how fast the tables were snapped up!
We had to happily increase the number of tables to accept more people without compromising on safety and comfort. I look forward to jolly, jolly laojiat with you to usher the dawn of the new year!
The Peranakan Ball, 18 July 2020
Two weeks ago we launched the sale of tables for our fund-raising dinner, The Peranakan Ball, to be held at the Island Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel, on Saturday 18 July 2020. It will be a special Ball to celebrate the Association’s 120th Anniversary.
President Halimah Yacob has graciously accepted our invitation to be our Guest-of-Honour for the Ball.
You will be delighted to know that Nyonya Violet Oon, doyenne of Peranakan cuisine, has kindly agreed to curate the menu for the Ball with her kawan kawan Nyonya Sylvia Tan, Baba Christopher Tan, and chefs of the Shangri-La.
We will release more information about the Ball in the coming months. Do not delay in booking your tables. Email Nyonya Gwen Ong at: events@peranakan.org.sg
Until my next update at end-October, here’s wishing you the best of health, happiness, and contentment. Kamsiah once again for supporting your Association!
Blessings,
Colin Chee
Unity. Stability. Growth
It is not going to be business as usual
30 September 2019