Clan federation rolls out new mobile app

Clan federation rolls out new mobile app

Chinese clan associations, usually associated with older folk, are moving with the times and rolling out their very own mobile app.

Yesterday, an app that showcases the information and activities of clan groups here was unveiled by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), the umbrella body for these groups.

It held a soft launch of the new app, which allows users to connect with clan associations. The app will showcase videos and publications, as well as activities that users can sign up for online.

SFCCA chairman Chua Thian Poh hoped that the app will not only enhance the communication and relationship between existing clan association members, but also get young people more interested in clan activities.

Getting more youth to join clan associations was one of the topics discussed by SFCCA members at its annual general meeting yesterday.

Among other ideas, members suggested coming up with sports or gaming activities. "Young people these days have a lot of choices. They must see that our activities have value. Otherwise, they won't join," said SFCCA secretary-general Patrick Lee.

Currently, more than 40 of the 212 clan associations under the SFCCA have youth groups, an increase of six to eight from the year before.

The association also hopes that the app will serve as a depository for published materials, including books and articles on dialect culture and practices. More than 50 clan associations have already uploaded their materials online.

The app can be downloaded free from the Apple iTunes and Google Play app stores. Users who provide feedback on the app any time from now until Nov 30 stand a chance to win Samsung tablets.

Yesterday, the SFCCA also launched a new book, Singapore Chinese Then And Now, which features the history of the Chinese in Singapore over the past 200 years.

Meanwhile, the Nanyang Confucian Association celebrated its 100th anniversary yesterday at Furama Riverfront Hotel, with Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say as guest of honour.


This article was first published on Sep 21, 2014.
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