Hinghwa Nang

Unity, Heart and Progress

The Inaugural Labour Day Banquet Draws Over 1,000 Attendees

On the evening of May 1, 2025, the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore was abuzz with energy as the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network hosted the first-ever “Hinghwa Nang’s Labour Day Thousand-People Banquet.” The grand event featured 115 tables and welcomed approximately 1,150 guests, creating a festive and heartwarming atmosphere.

Among the distinguished guests were Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Cao Zhongming, as well as representatives from various local clan associations. Hinghwa folks from Singapore were joined by community leaders and supporters from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Fuzhou, China — a testament to the deep unity and cooperative spirit of the global Hinghwa community.

During his opening speech, Mr. Fang Zhizhong, President of the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network, recalled how last year’s inaugural “Hinghwa Food and Cultural Festival” sparked a desire to create a more lasting platform for cultural connection. This led to the decision to establish May 1st as the annual “Hinghwa Thousand-People Banquet” Day. The goal? To help Hinghwa people feel pride in their heritage, stay united, and pass down traditions from generation to generation.

Mr. Fang emphasized that preserving the Hinghwa culture and spirit relies on the unwavering support and dedication of every individual in the community. He especially called on the younger generation to continue this legacy so that the hardworking, thrifty, and resilient values of the Hinghwa people can thrive not only in Singapore, but in every corner of the world.

Li Yan Kai

Mavis Hee

Lin-Huang AnQi

That evening, the banquet hall was filled with the warmth of hometown memories. Familiar accents and heartfelt laughter echoed through the venue. President Fang proudly introduced a dazzling lineup of performances that showcased the talent and diversity of the Hinghwa people. On stage were well-known local stars including Mavis Hee, Nathan Hartono(Xiang Yang), Pan Ying, and Mark Lee, alongside young musical prodigies like pianist Li Yankai and Lin Huang Anqi. Hosting the event was Sharlyn Lim, a proud Singapore-born Hinghwa native — all embodying the idea that Hinghwa continues to nurture generations of outstanding talent.

Nathan Hartono

Mark Lee

Pan Ying

Chen Nuo and team

Adding to the festive mood, Vice President Chen Jinyong charmed the audience with a traditional Hinghwa comedic storytelling act, drawing waves of laughter from the crowd. Performances such as “Shiyin Bayue” (Ten Tones and Eight Melodies) also brought a strong cultural flavor to the celebration.

Shiyin Bayue

The idea for the Thousand-People Banquet was first proposed late last year by Honorary President Mr. She Wenmin, who suggested that the community choose a special day each year to come together for a meaningful meal — one that symbolizes reunion and shared heritage. The Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network embraced this vision, leading to the realization of this memorable evening.

Mr She Wenmin

In his heartfelt address, Mr She, who is also Chairman of SMRT Corporation, shared his pride and joy in witnessing the evening’s success. He described the journey as one of collective effort and determination. He extended sincere gratitude to the organizing committee, whose dedication and teamwork made the event possible.

Earlier that day, Mr. She had also attended the inauguration ceremony for the appointment of Council Members of both the Singapore Putian Association and the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network. He expressed optimism and pride in seeing the new generation of leaders step up to serve the community and drive its development forward. He believed that this marked the beginning of a new chapter for the two associations.

Mr. She concluded his speech with a powerful phrase in the Hinghwa dialect: “Hinghwa people walk together, united as one.” This sentiment perfectly captured the spirit of the evening — one of mutual support, deep connection, and shared dreams.

Throughout the event, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. Long-lost friends and classmates reconnected; strangers became fast companions. Memories of childhood in historic Hinghwa neighborhoods — from Jalan Besar to Kreta Ayer, New World, Peck San Theng — flowed freely in conversation. Laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt toasts filled the night.

As the evening came to a close, President Fang Zhizhong led all the association’s committee members on stage to join the audience in a moving group performance of “A Better Tomorrow.” With warm voices singing in unison, the banquet ended on a note of hope and togetherness — a beautiful closing to a truly unforgettable celebration.