Since the establishment of the SCCCI Chinese Entrepreneurial Culture Foundation on 9th Apr 2019, the Foundation actively promotes SCCCI’s history and the legacy of Chinese Entrepreneurial Culture through its exhibitions, research publications, collection and cultural activities.
The 58th War Memorial Service in Commemoration of the Civilian Victims of the Japanese Occupation and Total Defence
On 15th Feb 2025 (Sat), the Foundation and NEXUS jointly held the 58th War Memorial Service in Commemoration of the Civilian Victims of the Japanese Occupation and Total Defence before the Civilian War Memorial at the War Memorial Park. The Guest-of-Honour was Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.
450 people attended the service, including SCCCI Council Members, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) representatives, SAF Veterans’ League representatives, religious leaders, Ambassadors and Diplomats, student representatives and Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band.
In conjunction with SG60 and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Foundation invited Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean to launch the “Eternal Vigilance: SCCCI Learning Journey”. This learning journey covers three memorials in the Esplanade Park and the War Memorial Park – the Cenotaph, Civilian War Memorial and Lim Bo Seng Memorial. It aims to remind Singaporeans the importance of staying vigilant and the need for national defence.
“Reflecting Upon the Past, Moving Forward as One: The Civilian War Memorial” Travelling Exhibition
Launched in 2023, the “Reflecting Upon the Past, Moving Forward as One: The Civilian War Memorial” Travelling Exhibition was displayed at Jurong Pioneer Junior College from Jan to Mar 2025, attracting more than 3,000 students, teachers and public visitors. The curator also conducted docent training programme for 40 students, allowing the younger generation to understand Singapore’s World War II history.
This exhibition also travelled to schools, libraries and community spaces, broadening SCCCI’s efforts in National Education. This allowed the public to understand SCCCI’s role in spearheading the building of the Civilian War Memorial and its significance.
“Sojourners to Citizens: The Citizenship Journey” Roving Exhibition
On 7th Apr 2025 (Mon), the Foundation launched the “Sojourners to Citizens: The Citizenship Journey” Roving Exhibition in celebration of SG60. The Guest-of-Honour was Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong. This exhibition features SCCCI’s campaign for Singapore Citizenship from the year 1947 and looks back on Singapore’s key milestones in its journey towards self-governance and independence. It serves to provide the public with a deeper understanding of how citizenship rights came to be and its significance towards nation-building.
In his speech, Minister Edwin Tong said, “With citizenship, our first citizens gained not just rights — they gained a sense of identity and a stake in this land, that we call Singapore”. SCCCI President Kho also shared, “Citizenship is a hard-earned privilege, won through the relentless efforts of our forefathers. We must always remember their sacrifices and treasure what we have”.
Around 180 people attended the launch ceremony, including Council Members, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) representatives, SCCCI members and student representatives. Madam Foong Moy, who were among those who registered for Singapore Citizenship at the registration stop at the old SCCCI premises in 1958, also attended the event with her husband, Mr Chiang Chua Sam.
Following its launch, the exhibition was displayed at the SCCCI Auditorium from 7th (Mon) to 14th Apr 25 (Mon) before travelling to 11 venues.
· In May, the exhibition travelled to Nanyang Girls’ High School and Zhangde Primary School.
· In Jun, the exhibition travelled to Singapore Expo as part of Singapore Food Expo and the National Library Building.
· In Jul, the exhibition travelled to Pioneer Primary School and Nan Chiau High School.
· In Aug, the exhibition travelled to Toa Payoh Hub as part of SFCCA National Day event, Xingnan Primary School and Red Swastika School.
· In Sep, the exhibition travelled to One Punggol and Bedok Community Centre. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong also visited the exhibition after gracing One Punggol’s first anniversary celebration.
As of 2025, the exhibition reached out to 37,600 visitors. Next year, the exhibition will continue to travel to other school and community spaces to promote National Education.
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Singapore-Malaysia Chinese Business Culture Conference
On 26th (Fri) and 27th Sep 2025 (Sat), the Foundation and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Chinese Studies jointly organised the 2nd Singapore-Malaysia Chinese Business Culture Conference. Culture, Education and Community Committee Chairman Anthony Tan Kang Uei and Deputy Head of NUS Department of Chinese Studies Associate Professor Koh Khee Heong delivered opening speeches to commence the conference. Core Council Member Adrian Peh Nam Chuan, Council Member Charles Ho Nai Chuen and Honorary Council Member Dr Lee Peng Shu attended the event.
The conference invited eight esteemed speakers from Singapore, Malaysia, China and Taiwan to share their research findings. The speakers were Dr Yang Yan and Dr Zhang Huimei from Singapore, Dr Lee Kean Yew and Dr Chiam Yan Tuan from Malaysia, Professor Lee Pui Tak and Dr Deng Yu from China, and Professor Goh Leng Hoon and Dr Henry Chong Ren Jie from Taiwan.
Over 100 people attended the conference. The conference aims to promote research interests in Chinese business culture and deepen the public’s understanding of the history and development of Singapore-Malaysia Chinese businesses.
The Compilation of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Council Meeting Minutes (1906 to 1942) Book Launch
In conjunction with SG60, the Foundation published a set of 14 volumes titled The Compilation of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Council Meeting Minutes (1906 to 1942). On 26th Sep 2025 (Sat), the publication was launched at the Singapore-Malaysia Chinese Business Culture Conference. Representatives from National Library Board, National Archives of Singapore, NUS Central Library and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Library received a set each. This publication is a compilation of SCCCI’s Council meetings from its establishment to the pre-war period, which serves as an important resource in the research of Singapore Chinese business community and business history.
SCCCI Chinese Business Culture Hub Public Talk Series
Besides opening to public on the last Saturday of every month, the SCCCI Chinese Business Culture Hub (SCBCH) also organised a series of public talks on the same day. It aims to promote the Chinese Entrepreneurial Spirit and deepen the public’s understanding of SCCCI’s history. A total of eight public talks were held, attracting a total of 417 attendees.
· On 29th Mar, Mr Teo Peng Hoe conducted a Mandarin talk titled “The Story of the 1964 SCCCI Building Model”.
· On 26th Apr, Dr Gary Lit Ying Loong conducted a talk titled “If the Sky were to Fall . . . Unveiling hidden facts and forgotten history of WW2 in Singapore and Malaya”.
· On 28th Jun, Mr Wong Pui Fatt conducted a Mandarin talk titled “History and Craftsmanship of SCCCI Porcelain Portraits: Soon Thye Cheong and Jingdezhen Century-Old Partnership”.
· On 26th Jul, Dr Loh Kah Seng conducted a talk titled “Shopkeepers of Chinatown: Love and Tears”.
· On 30th Aug, Dr Joshua Tan conducted a talk titled “Whose Education? Merchants, Scholars and ‘Chinese’ Education in Postwar Singapore and Malaya”.
· On 6th Sep, Dr Lai Chee Kien conducted a talk titled “The Constitution Exposition of 1959 in Singapore”.
· On 25th Oct, Dr Koh Keng We conducted a talk titled “Chambers of Commerce and Business History: The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce as a Case Study”.
· On 29th Nov, Ms Lee Chyen Yee conducted a talk titled “Boat Quay: The Asia Emporium of the early 20th Century”.
2025 Tan Kah Kee Foundation Forum (Jointly organised with Tan Kah Kee Foundation)
On 3rd Aug 2025 (Sun), the Foundation and Tan Kah Kee Foundation jointly organised the 2025 Tan Kah Kee Foundation Forum (conducted in Mandarin) at SCCCI Auditorium to promote the history of local Chinese banks. Speakers Dr Yang Yan and Mr Tommy Xie discussed the 1933 merger of Ho Hong Bank, Chinese Commercial Bank and Oversea-Chinese Bank, and its subsequent developments. A total of 157 people attended the forum. Culture, Education and Community Committee Vice-Chairman Dr Zhou Zaocheng represented SCCCI at the forum.
“Digital Multicultural Heritage: Innovation, Continuity, and Collaboration” Forum (Jointly organised with NTU School of Art, Design and Media and Singapore Society of Asian Studies)
On 2nd (Thurs) and 3rd Oct 2025 (Fri), the Foundation, NTU School of Art, Design and Media, and Singapore Society of Asian Studies jointly organised the “Digital Multicultural Heritage: Innovation, Continuity, and Collaboration” Forum at the SCCCI Auditorium. The forum focuses on how digital technology and AI can change and improve the ways we express, safeguard and sustain cultural heritage.
The forum invited 10 speakers from Singapore, America, United Kingdom and other countries to share their research findings. A total of 100 people attended the forum. Youth Business Affairs Committee Vice-Chairman Richard Koh Seoh Leng represented SCCCI at the event.
“47 Hill Street: From Grand Mansion to the Home of the Business Community” Forum
In conjunction with the “Home to the Business Community: SCCCI Building Diamond Jubilee Celebration” Special Exhibition, the Foundation organised the “47 Hill Street: From Grand Mansion to the Home of the Business Community” Forum on 7th Oct 2025 (Tues) at the SCCCI Auditorium. Speakers Mr Mok Ly Yng and Dr Ho Puay Peng shared fascinating stories behind the SCCCI building history and architecture.
The forum attracted 120 attendees. Property Management Committee Chairman Patrick Ng represented SCCCI to give the opening speech at the forum.
Loan of Artefacts to Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
In conjunction with SG60, Temenggong Artists-In-Residence organised the “Heartstrings between Two Homes: Qiaopi Stories” art exhibition from 13th (Fri) to 21st Sep 2025 (Sat). The exhibition was launched by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Mr Eric Chua.
At the invitation of Temenggong Artists-In-Residence, the Foundation loaned two wooden plaques for this art exhibition to promote the history and culture of SCCCI. The plaques are: “Unifying for the Future” plaque presented by Yuan Shikai, the President of the Republic of China to SCCCI in 1914, and “Apex Business Organisation with Predominant Influence” presented by Xu Shichang, President of the Republic of China to SCCCI in 1920.
Hill Street Heritage Trail Booklet
The Foundation launched the bilingual Hill Street Heritage Trail Booklet. Covering 13 historical landmarks along Hill Street, this booklet aims at deepening public understanding of Hill Street’s unique heritage and its historical ties with SCCCI.
The Foundation also trained docents to provide regular guided tours to schools, organisations and community groups. The tours serve to allow the public to rediscover the historical and cultural significance of Hill Street, as well as understand the contributions of SCCCI to the local business community and the development of Singapore.
SCBCH Programmes
June Holiday Special Programme
· During the June school holidays, the Foundation pushed out two special programmes centred around SCCCI’s history. The “Threading the Chamber’s Story: One Bead at a Time” beading workshop was held on 18th (Weds) and 19th Jun (Thurs). The “Tracing Legacies: Uncovering the Stories of our Presidents” mystery game was held on 21st Jun (Sat). A total of 49 people participated in the programmes.
“Eternal Vigilance: SCCCI Learning Journey”
· Following the launch of the “Eternal Vigilance: SCCCI Learning Journey” during the 58th War Memorial Service, the Foundation held 12 weekly guided tours from Feb to Apr 2025 to share with the public the story of the war memorials in Singapore. On 23rd (Sun), 25th (Tues) and 27th Jun (Thurs), 6 more guided tours were held. A total of 437 people participated in the tours.
“Hill Street Heritage Trail” Learning Journey
· The Foundation held four guided tours of the “Hill Street Heritage Trail” Learning Journey on 16th (Weds), 25th (Fri) and 30th Oct 2025 (Weds) and 2 guided tours on 12th (Tues) and 19th Nov 2025 (Tues). A total of 105 people participated in the tours.
SCCCI Collection
The Foundation continued the systematic organisation of SCCCI’s archival materials. This year, the Foundation commenced the SCCCI Oral History Interview project to document and preserve SCCCI’s history. Between Mar and Jun 2025, the Foundation has completed six oral history interviews.
· 12th Mar (Weds): Senior Honorary Council Member Lau Tai San
· 17th Mar (Mon): Immediate Past President Roland Ng San Tiong
· 20th Mar (Thurs): Honorary President Thomas Chua Kee Seng
· 9th Apr (Weds): Honorary President Chua Thian Poh
· 16th Apr (Weds): Honorary President Teo Siong Seng
· 16th Jun (Mon): Honorary President Tay Beng Chuan (Written Interview)
The Foundation will continue with interviews of other Honorary Council Members and SCCCI members for future research and publication purposes. At the same time, the Foundation continues to organise and inventorise SCCCI’s artefacts from over its 119-year history, preserving SCCCI’s history and heritage.
Research on SCCCI History, Chinese Entrepreneurial Spirit and Culture
The Foundation contributed four articles to the quarterly Chinese Entrepreneur magazine. This magazine is published by the Research & Publications Committee to promote the Chinese entrepreneurial history and culture.
1. “Home to the Business Community: SCCCI Diamond Jubilee Celebration Special Exhibition” (Apr 25)
2. “Unwavering Loyalty: The People Behind the Chamber’s Fight for Citizenship” (Jul 25)
3. “Beacon of the Business Community: The Legacy of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry” (Jul 25)
4. “The Story of Ah Gong” (Jan 26)
SCCCI Chinese Business Culture Hub
With the launch of the SCBCH on 10th Sep 2022, the Foundation took an active approach in promoting national education to the younger Singaporeans as well as local and overseas business community. SCBCH highlights the important roles SCCCI played in national development and in the promotion of the SCCCI Chinese Entrepreneurial Spirit.
SCCCI President Kho Choon Keng and Council Members hosted guests from local and foreign business groups, Singapore government officials, and SCCCI members. A total of 12,700 visited the SCBCH, including from 124 local and foreign delegations, institutions and schools.
SCCCI will celebrate its 120th Anniversary in 2026. Towards the end of 2025, the SCBCH commenced the gallery enhancement project as well as preparation work for the 120th Anniversary Special Exhibition and commemorative publication, which will be ready mid-2026.