Let’s Chakap Chakap with the President (September 2025)

Dear Nyonyas and Babas,

In this month’s video, The Peranakan Association Singapore President, Nyonya Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, is joined by two special members of our community – Nyonya Ida Chee and Baba Emeric Lau.

Nyonya Ida, an 11th-generation Peranakan from Melaka, traces her roots back to 1689. Her family has been in Singapore since the late 1800s, with her great-great-grandfather Mr Chee Swee Cheng among the pioneers of OCBC. She grew up on Heeren Street in Melaka, one of the last families to live there before most houses turned into hotels and restaurants.

During the pandemic in 2020, Nyonya Ida opened Peranakan Mansion in a heritage building across from her home, serving dishes inspired by her grandmother’s recipes. Her restaurant has since featured at Sentosa’s Peranakan Reimagine programme, showcasing how food keeps identity and memory alive.

We also welcome Baba Emeric, the new Editor of The Peranakan Magazine. Raised by his Peranakan-speaking grandparents, Baba Emeric has been part of TPAS for over 20 years, first joining in his twenties through the encouragement of Baba Alan Koh. Under his leadership, the magazine has been redesigned and relaunched online at peranakan.org.sg/theperanakanmagazine, with fresh features uploaded weekly.

Baba Emeric thanks the editorial team and our loyal readers for their support, and invites contributions from anyone who wishes to share stories, photos, or perspectives. Do write in to editor@peranakan.org.sg