{"id":3811,"date":"2026-01-09T04:39:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T04:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peranakan.org.sg\/theperanakanmagazine\/?p=3811"},"modified":"2026-01-19T09:46:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T09:46:25","slug":"federation-observations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peranakan.org.sg\/theperanakanmagazine\/federation-observations\/","title":{"rendered":"Federation Observations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nyonya Josephine Tan and Baba Clarence Ling share a few highlights from the 36th<\/sup> International Baba Nyonya Convention,
including a new logo for the Federation of Peranakan Associations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 36th International Baba Nyonya Convention, held from 21-23 Nov 2025,
brought together Peranakans from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and beyond, reaffirming the unity of a community linked by shared history,
heritage and heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TPAS delegation at the Convention<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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TPAS delegation at the Convention<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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Federation of Peranakan Associations (FPA) Delegates<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Hosted by the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (PPBNKLS) at the Dorsett Grand Subang, the convention was a vibrant celebration of culture, scholarship and reunion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s theme, \u201cBridging Generations, Preserving Legacy,\u201d<\/strong> resonated throughout the three-day programme \u2014 from the Opening Ceremony and keynote presentations to cultural showcases and evening festivities. Delegates enjoyed a dynamic mix of talks, performances and exhibitions highlighting language, culinary traditions, attire, craftsmanship and community storytelling, reflecting the lived expressions that continue to shape Peranakan identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Raymond Wong with Philip Yeo distributing goodie bags<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Noreen Chan, Raymond Wong & Ronney Tan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Meh Jait Manek – Peranakan Beading Workshop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Seminar – Juita Jalil (Moderator), Cedric Tan, Vivienne Lee, Mdm Tan Saw Sim & Shane Chin, Prof Tan Awang Besar, Rector ASWARA (Keynote Speaker) & Andrew Sia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Meh Belajair Masak – Cooking Demo & Food Tasting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Meh Main Wayang – Script Reading<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Performance by Melaka Chetti<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cedric Tan, Vivienne Lee & YBhg. Dato\u2019 Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot (Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Colin & Linda Chee, Vivienne Lee & Ronney Tan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mr & Mrs Peter Ong, Genevieve Peggy Jeffs & Alvin Teo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Raymond Wong, Ibu Sari & Genevieve Peggy Jeffs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Ael Sirima, Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, Lily Wong & Dato’ Seri Tan Gin Soon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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TPAS & Persatuan Peranakan Cina Terengganu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Handover Ceremony to Penang, Host of the 37th International Baba Nyonya Convention (2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Two meaningful milestones were recorded at the Federation of Peranakan Associations (FPA) meeting:

The first was the adoption of the new FPA logo, designed by Nyonya Josephine Tan (TPAS)<\/strong> \u2014 a symbol reflecting the phoenix\u2019s resilience and the peony\u2019s grace, embodying renewal, abundance and the enduring warmth of community. In the colourful quilt of Singapore’s communities, Peranakan culture is one of the most vibrant threads\u2014rich with ornate kebayas, hearty nyonya dishes, and the musical charm of Baba Malay. But as our babas and nyonyas grow older in a rapidly modernising world, they face a double challenge: to age well and keep the culture alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Logo Design Rationale<\/strong>

The Federation of Peranakan Associations (FPA) logo captures the spirit, beauty, and unity of the Peranakan community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At its heart, the phoenix embodies resilience, renewal, and harmony, reflecting our community\u2019s enduring strength and shared heritage. The peony, positioned close to the phoenix, represents abundance, grace, and the warmth of family, virtues deeply rooted in our Peranakan culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rendered in gold, the design celebrates the richness of intricate Peranakan artistry and conveys prestige, elegance and timeless tradition. The circular form symbolizes continuity and inclusivity, reflecting our unifying mission to bring Peranakan associations together in respect for our shared heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flowing \u201cFPA\u201d initials, elegantly woven into the phoenix\u2019s form, serve as a seal of cultural authority and authenticity. They affirm our role as the guardian and voice of Peranakan heritage across generations and borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elegant and contemporary, this emblem stands as a living symbol of our enduring legacy, preserving tradition while inspiring future generations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The second was a sharing by Nyonya Josephine Tan on ChakapBot<\/strong>, Singapore\u2019s first AI-powered conversational chatbot created to preserve and revitalise the endangered Baba Malay language. Supported by Temasek Polytechnic, the National University of Singapore, the National Heritage Board and TPAS, the initiative demonstrated how technology can strengthen youth engagement and sustain our linguistic heritage.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A heartfelt kamsiah<\/em> to PPBNKLS for their warm hospitality and impeccable planning, and to all delegates who travelled from near and far to make this gathering such a meaningful success. The convention remains a cherished annual platform for reconnecting, celebrating our roots and shaping the future of a living, evolving heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We look forward to gathering again at the 37th International Baba Nyonya Convention in Penang this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All images courtesy of PPBNKLS, Baba Clarence Ling, and Nyonya Josephine Tan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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