SINGAPORE, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- To commemorate Singapore's bicentennial milestone, the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association (SFCCA) announced in a media session on Monday that it would organize a series of programs to pay tribute to the forefathers of the island.
Entitled "Unsung Heroes", the year-long programs will include exhibitions, talks, seminars and heritage trails. They will start with a "New World, New Life" exhibition from Nov. 19 to April 28 next year, which will offer a glimpse into the trails and tribulations of the early settlers and communities in Singapore.
Although Singapore celebrated its 53rd birthday this year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced to mark its 200-year-old history next year since Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore in 1819.
This will be followed by a series of heritage trails under the theme of "Builders of Singapore," in which the public can take part in guided tours in March 2019 to sites that showcases the infrastructure and monuments built by the Indian laborers. In October next year, the tours will focus on the iconic "Samsui Women", who were the Chinese immigrants mainly from Sanshui in southern China's Guangdong who came to Singapore in the early 1900s in search for construction and industrial jobs.
Additionally, the SFCAA and the Department of Chinese studies from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National Library Board (NLB) have also partnered up to present a digital database of prominent Chinese individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. The "Singapore Biographical Database of Chinese Personalities" will explore the relationship between these Chinese pioneers in Singapore.
The "Unsung Heroes" series are also an effort by the SFCCA to engage the youths to follow in the steps of Singapore's forefathers, and make positive contributions to society.
"We are looking forward to commemorate the nation's bicentennial milestone with our diverse and vibrant programs that will appeal to all age groups," President of SFCCA Tan Aik Hock said in his statement, adding that the association is "hopeful that the legacies of our forefathers will continue to thrive so long that our future generations continue to build upon the foundations of the last."
Formally established in 1986, the SFCCA aims to promote understanding and appreciate of Chinese language, culture and values, and strengthen cooperation among the clan associations, according to its website.
