Do you think that clan associations can still have relevance in the near future in Singapore? /u/bangsphoto Singapore

Just curious what some opinions on their longevity is in Singapore. It started as associations for immigrant Chinese to work in Singapore, to find some kinship amongst their own dialect group or surname, but given our country’s growth and changes, how will these associations still continue to stay relevant?

Having been involved in one (mostly my Dad bringing me along, not out of a personal interest) there honestly was nothing that really drew me in, the activities involved were mostly some dinner gatherings, maybe some charity drives, Lunar New year festivities etc.

But those aside, it feels like it has less longevity than your clubs and organisations, since historically, you would find one that is part of your ancestral identity than to be accepted into one. I also don’t feel that most are doing anything substantial to actually draw in new membership or younger folks to join them (based from my anecdotal experience, correct me if I’m wrong) maybe some are involved with business networking, but that would probably appeal to a certain subcategory of young people seeking business interest first.

A lot of them are able to last (I believe some just fade over the years) due to the really great investments and property portfolios they hold, but outside of that, I don’t see them drawing too big of a interest unless you’re in the area of learning your dialect. (I’m hainanese, but I don’t speak a word of hainanese.)

I know they probably have a tough time with drawing younger audience, but in my experience, the one I’ve been to aren’t exactly finding ways to draw younger people, in my opinion it probably involves some level of adaptability towards current or newer trends and beyond the identity of just a ‘clan association’ (this one will probably be somewhat controversial to them)

Just curious what some opinions on their longevity is in Singapore. It started as associations for immigrant Chinese to work in Singapore, to find some kinship amongst their own dialect group or surname, but given our country’s growth and changes, how will these associations still continue to stay relevant?

Having been involved in one (mostly my Dad bringing me along, not out of a personal interest) there honestly was nothing that really drew me in, the activities involved were mostly some dinner gatherings, maybe some charity drives, Lunar New year festivities etc.

But those aside, it feels like it has less longevity than your clubs and organisations, since historically, you would find one that is part of your ancestral identity than to be accepted into one. I also don’t feel that most are doing anything substantial to actually draw in new membership or younger folks to join them (based from my anecdotal experience, correct me if I’m wrong) maybe some are involved with business networking, but that would probably appeal to a certain subcategory of young people seeking business interest first.

A lot of them are able to last (I believe some just fade over the years) due to the really great investments and property portfolios they hold, but outside of that, I don’t see them drawing too big of a interest unless you’re in the area of learning your dialect. (I’m hainanese, but I don’t speak a word of hainanese.)

I know they probably have a tough time with drawing younger audience, but in my experience, the one I’ve been to aren’t exactly finding ways to draw younger people, in my opinion it probably involves some level of adaptability towards current or newer trends and beyond the identity of just a ‘clan association’ (this one will probably be somewhat controversial to them)