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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore clan associations can do more to help preserve the traditions and cultures of the local Chinese.
They can also help Singaporeans seize the opportunities in China.
Mr Lee was speaking at the 150th anniversary celebrations of a Hakka grouping, the Char Yong (Dabu) Association.
Char Yong is a Hakka association established in 1957.
Mr Lee said the clan associations should use their network to help Singapore businessmen link up with partners in China.
The clans can also work with counterparts around the world to increase Singapore's overseas ventures.
Mr Lee added that Singapore may have a small community of Hakka Chinese but many have contributed to the nation's success.
These include Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and former Finance Minister Richard Hu.
PM Lee said Hakka Singaporeans possess the spirit of hard work and perseverance. Many of them are active in fields like business, politics and education.
But Mr Lee warned that traditions and cultures are fast fading in this globalised world.
So clan associations can play a part by better engaging the young through bilingual websites and setting up cultural centres.
Clans, he said, can also play an important role in community service like setting up schools and medical centres.
- CNA/ir
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