Dear Nyonyas and Babas
Be In The Quiet
Two weeks ago, I decided to hike up Bukit Timah Hill. On the way up I paused at a sign that read:
”Let’s enjoy the natural sounds of nature. Only when you keep other noises out, will you allow the sounds of the forest to enter.”
In the cacophony of life, how easily we forget this. Instead, we tend to lose ourselves in the noise.
Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves to be in the quiet.
Only then can we become conscious of and sensitive to what is really happening around us, and what we wish of ourselves.
Being in the quiet makes you a better listener. It hones your patience to get at the facts first and to look at both the big picture and the micro details that matter. It ignites introspection. It disciplines your decision-making process.
And, as we grow older, we temper all this with some compassion and humility.
This General Committee (GC) survived COVID-19 partly because it paused and took stock many times along the way. It was still stressful nevertheless!
Reimagine & Reinvent Our Culture
My 31 March letter set off a flutter of kind and empathetic emails to me. I am humbled but at the same time encouraged that our members share our concerns for our Peranakan culture and the need to move it forward.
Our culture can only be kept alive, even flourish, if we continue to reimagine and reinvent it.
Yes, we must not forget our traditions; we must continue to respect them.
But we must also understand and accept that it is only natural to let go of those traditions that are no longer relevant to each of us.
This does not mean forgetting them. It is simply accepting that they are no longer relevant or functional in our time and age. This organic and inevitable culling will lead to a much healthier culture. The process is like pruning a plant to let it grow.
It is my hope that the association will continue to receive the support of its members and friends in this challenging endeavour, even as a new GC is elected into office on 12 June 2022.
Growing Interest in The Culture
It is heartening to note that there is growing interest in our culture. And, next year, when the Peranakan Museum reopens in renewed splendour, it will surely give the culture yet another lofty lift.
Equally important, if we can collaborate with our other partners like NUS Baba House or People’s Association to successfully connect with our youths and young adults, it would kindle a positive and more sustainable turning point for the culture.
As Singapore reopens and as we gain confidence to step forward and embrace the new normal, there will be plenty more to do.
Our biggest programming challenge will be to pick up the courage to start organizing physical and social events to bring our members and friends together again.
As you would be aware, we have only had a handful of very limited in-person gatherings in the recent six months out of a nearly two and a half years of COVID-19 since February 2020.
While we are monitoring the situation closely, we have lined up in the pipeline a few physical social events towards the end of this year and through to next year. They include gatherings and tours, subject to any reversal in safe management measures.
We will continue to have virtual (online) webinars as these will still serve their purpose in bringing more people to our sharing sessions.
The pandemic has opened our eyes to the opportunities that virtual webinars alone can engender.
Conclusion
As I step aside after this term, I know I am leaving The Peranakan Association Singapore in the hands of a very capable successor, Nyonya Genevieve Peggy Jeffs. She will have the support of an experienced and equally competent team now freshly infused with much-needed talent, vigor, and new ideas. That is, if they are elected and encouraged by you. I know you will cheer them on and I thank you in advance for that.
May God bless each of you and your loved ones and keep all of you in good health.
Blessings
Colin Chee
President
Reimagine & Reinvent
30 April 2022