Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Opens on 19 May

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated the opening of the much-anticipated Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) as it welcomes the community to appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of Chinese culture in Singapore.
Initiated by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), the Centre will play an integral role in both preserving the Chinese culture, and passing down a cultural legacy unique to Singapore. This was exemplified through the opening extravaganza SCCC showcased to Prime Minister Lee and the many guests present this evening. From the vibrant lion dance performance by students from Nanyang Girls’ High School, to performances by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts & Cultural Troupe, to a Xinyao ensemble led by Dr. Liang Wern Fook, the rich variety of Singapore Chinese culture was brought to life. Prime Minister Lee was also brought on a tour of the SCCC building where he previewed the centre’s first special exhibition housed within its new premise, showcasing diverse art works by 19 local artists who incite fresh perspectives on the Chinese Singapore identity.

Located within the bustling Central Business District along Shenton Way and adjacent to the monumental Singapore Conference Hall, the 11-storey SCCC building, with rooftop garden, blends traditional Chinese design elements in its modern architecture, and boasts state-of-the-arts facilities including a 530-seat auditorium, a 500-seat multi-purpose hall, a 200-seat gallery space for the visual arts, catering to the various arts groups.
Opening of the inaugural SCCC Cultural Extravaganza on 20 May
In conjunction with the launch of SCCC, the inaugural SCCC Cultural Extravaganza also opened to the public on 20 May. The eight-day cultural showcase aims to present the unique Chinese culture in relatable and accessible ways to Singaporeans and visitors, and celebrate cultural champions who have made a difference to the Singapore Chinese cultural landscape.

Highlights of the Extravaganza include the opening performance – Voyage 《起航》 by award winning filmmaker and Artistic Director of the SCCC Cultural Extravaganza Royston Tan. This is a first-in-Singapore multimedia musical and visual journey, which will see Chinese art forms and traditional values being presented with a contemporary touch through the use of 3D projection mapping with holographic imagery.
SCCC has also specially commissioned omnibus film 667 《回程667》, directed by five budding local film directors – Eva Tang (The Songs We Sang), He Shuming (And The Wind Falls), Kirsten Tan (Pop Aye), Liao Jiekai (Red Dragonflies), and Jun Chong, which traces their journey as they explore what makes Singapore home through the discovery of their cultural roots.

On 27 May, Artistic Director of the SCCC Cultural Extravaganza and Chingay Parade, Fan Dong Kai will also present Sing•浪 Concert, which will see Xinyao icons and current pop artistes coming together on the same stage for the first time to perform Xinyao favourites and popular locally composed songs from the 1980s to present day, re-arranged by renowned Music Director, Goh Kheng Long.
The first-ever Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award (SCCCA) was conferred to two recipients for the individual and organisation categories on 20 May.
The SCCC Cultural Extravaganza will be held from 20 to 27 May 2017 at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906). For more information on ticketing and programme details, visit https://www.singaporeccc.org.sg.