First Anniversary Celebration of the Public Unveiling of China Cultural Centre “Fine Arts Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Young Artists” Officially Kicked off

On 6 November, “Fine Arts Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Young Artists” in celebration of the first anniversary of the public unveiling of China Cultural Centre was grandly held at the Centre. Over 150 people including Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Chen Xiaodong; Member of the Executive Board of the China Cultural Centre and Chairman of the National Arts Council (NAC), Chan Heng Chee; Chairman of the Board of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Low Sin Leng; President of Bank of China Singapore Branch, Qiu Zhikun; Senior Director of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Yeo Whee; Deputy Director of Northeast Asia Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, Chan Su Yin Tracy and delegates from public in Singapore including Singapore’s Chinese clan associations, cultural groups, news media, education, aviation, Chinese- invested enterprises attended the colorful celebration. Director of the China Cultural Centre, Ma Hongying officiated the ceremony.

Bright red lanterns and auspicious Chinese knots were hung up. Melodious music fostered a light-hearted and warm atmosphere.

Guests at the ceremony were exchanging ideas.

Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Chen Xiaodong cut cakes with guests to celebrate the first anniversary of the China Cultural Centre.

Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Chen Xiaodong Addressed the Event

Ambassador Chen Xiaodong noted in his speech that cultural exchange was a significant source of growing bilateral relations. It enhanced mutual understanding and consolidated the popular basis of traditional friendship between the two countries. Looking back on the past year, the Centre has made a good start. It has held a wide variety of cultural activities, created a series of unique cultural brands and showcased the charm of Chinese culture. China Cultural Centre had become a window offering the Singaporean public a glimpse of China and a taste of Chinese culture.
“The anniversary of the China Cultural Centre marks an important milestone in the history of the development of the Centre. I hope and believe that China Cultural Centre will take this opportunity to blaze new trails in a pioneering spirit and make new contributions to strengthening China- Singapore cultural exchanges and enriching ‘All- Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times’ between the two countries” said Ambassador Chen Xiaodong.

Chen Heng Chee delivered a Speech on Behalf of the Executive Board of the China Cultural Centre

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Singapore member of the Executive Board of the China Cultural Centre said that the Executive Board of the China Cultural Centre comprised of members nominated by both China and Singapore - a trait that was unique among overseas China Cultural Centre. The unique mode of the Executive Board and our productive discussions serve as a model of mutual benefit between China and Singapore. Chinese Executive Board members captive us with their knowledge of profound Chinese culture while cultural characteristics featuring various races and religions were presented by the Singapore Executive Board members. Over the past year, China Cultural Centre has organised an array of cultural exchange activities, showcasing the cultural diversity that attracted both Chinese and Singaporeans of various ages, who come from a multitude of cultural backgrounds.

Director of China Cultural Centre, Ma Hongying, was interview by Lianhe Zaobao

During the anniversary ceremony, Director of the China Cultural Centre, Ma Hongying was interviewed by the renowned local newspaper and said that during the past year, China Cultural Centre had initiated more than 100 activities in over 80 different categories featuring varied forms and diverse content, and had received over 70 thousand people. In 2017, China Cultural Centre would continue to hold “Happy Chinese New Year”, “Chongqing Cultural Year” “China- Singapore Youth Arts Festival” “A Moment We Share” “Discovering China” “Exhibition of China Fine Works of Culture” “Malanhua Performing Arts School for Children” and other branded activities in collaboration with local institutions to promote cultural exchanges between China and Singapore.