Dear Nyonyas and Babas
Where We are Facing is Where We are Going
Three Saturdays ago, Linda and I brought our two chuchu, five and two years old, to East Coast Park’s Cyclist Park.
Braving the blazing afternoon sun, they heroically, and with great fun, did their twists and turns up and down the mild slopes of the park on their three-wheeled kick scooters with their helmets firmly in place.
Soon, a young adult joined them and expertly did jumps on his skateboard. The two boys stopped and watched him, spellbound.
When the skateboarder took a break, I asked him how one would ride a skateboard. His answer, which was unexpectedly reflective, made me ponder:
“Where we are facing is where we are going. Like life.”
So simple, yet so true. In eleven words, he succinctly articulated what Lee Kuan Yew said on 11 December 1965. It was four months after Singapore was cut out of Malaysia and we were in dire straits:
“Thrust forward! Never hesitate to do what we know to be right. And if in the end we do not succeed, well, so much the pity. But never let it be said that we failed for want of trying; that our nerves, our courage, our conviction were not equal to the challenge that is posed.”
Of course, the respective contexts in which these words were spoken cannot be more contrasting. The first is about life in general; the second about the life and death struggle of a newly independent nation.
But they convey the same elements of conviction and believing deeply about something, focus, true grit, determination, and about doing the right thing and not giving up.
Similarly, our minds are set to ensure our culture does not fade away. We must not lose faith. We must stay focussed and keep moving forward.
Cusp of Renewal and History
Cultural Renewal
Our Peranakan culture is on the cusp of renewal and the momentum of reimagining and reinvention is what will drive the community forward and strengthen its cultural identity.
Among the 43 new members in 2020 and 37 in 2021, there are a few who are Peranakans on both sides of the family. But the larger majority have only one side of the family as Peranakan. This is the inevitable result of Peranakans increasingly marrying “outside” the community, which has been trending especially since the post-World War II years.
That so many more of the latter identify themselves as Peranakan notwithstanding is indeed heartening. It shows a gathering pride in the culture and identity. It reveals a better understanding that being Peranakan is cultural and not only about lineage.
And we are grateful that these are members who signed up on their own accord during the darkest days of the pandemic.
History in the Making
In twelve days, the community will elect a new team of leaders to steer the Peranakan Association forward. It will be formed at a time when our identity as Peranakans continues to be tested and when it is on the threshold of metamorphosing itself in a process of change.
It may also be a historic moment.
A nyonya may be elected as President of the Peranakan Association for the first time in its 122-year history. How appropriately so if this comes about. Nyonyas form 79% of the association’s total membership of 2,156 members!
And, as many of us will happily attest, nyonyas have probably been a very silent but very significant transmitter of the culture to our young. They contribute alongside their Babas who would focus on other important aspects of our culture such as ancestor worship and religious festivals, especially in olden days.
I am confident that the new team will continue to hold high the torch to keep the Peranakan culture alive.
This is my second to last letter to the association’s members and friends. You have all been encouraging and uplifting in all that we have done for the Peranakan Association since May 2018.
May God bless each of you and your loved ones. Do take care of yourselves and keep safe.
Blessings
Colin Chee
President
Reimagine & Reinvent
31 May 2022