The “Hinghwa People · May Day Thousand-Person Banquet,” organised by the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network, was grandly held on Labour Day at the fourth-floor ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel at Raffles City.
More than 1,000 Hinghwa natives, community leaders, and distinguished guests from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Putian in China gathered across 102 tables for the occasion. The evening brought together members of the community to reconnect with their roots, celebrate shared heritage, discuss future development, and deepen their integration into Singapore’s multicultural society. The atmosphere throughout the event was both festive and warmly nostalgic.
This year’s banquet was themed “Gathering” (“聚”), symbolising how people are brought together by a shared dialect, united by common heritage, and bonded through culture. Organisers expressed hope that the event would continue to promote the Hinghwa spirit of diligence, resilience, unity, and frugality, while helping younger generations better understand their origins and carry forward the legacy of their forebears in Singapore.
In his address, President Fong said that since the early days of migration to Nanyang, Hinghwa people have ventured across the seas, settled in new lands, and quietly contributed to various sectors of Singapore society.
He noted that the thousand-person banquet was more than a social gathering — it was a reflection of cultural heritage, a reconnection of community ties, and a passing on of shared values.
“Gathering is not merely about meeting or creating a lively atmosphere,” he said. “It is about slowing down time, bringing people closer, ensuring that our dialect is not forgotten, and that our culture continues to live on.”
He added that the association hopes to use the banquet as a platform to strengthen bonds within the community, allowing different generations to connect, support one another, and preserve their shared identity. Known for their industriousness and perseverance, Hinghwa people embody the very spirit of Labour Day, making the occasion especially meaningful.
Reflecting on Migration and Cultural Continuity
Ahead of the banquet, a short film traced the journey of early Hinghwa migrants from Putian, Fujian, to Southeast Asia, documenting how they established roots in Singapore.
The video highlighted their contributions across education, commerce, construction, food and beverage, the arts, and public service — sectors in which they played an important role in shaping Singapore’s Chinese community.
Fong noted that membership has continued to grow, with increasing participation from younger members — a sign that Hinghwa culture remains vibrant among the new generation.
“We want young people to return, to participate, and to take on responsibility, so that the Hinghwa spirit can be passed down from generation to generation,” he said.
Guest of honour Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development and Chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group, described the banquet as a meaningful initiative that not only brings people together on Labour Day but also introduces more people to Hinghwa culture and traditions.
He noted that the perseverance and work ethic of the Hinghwa community closely align with the values represented by Labour Day. As a multicultural society, he added, Singapore’s success is built on cooperation and mutual support among its diverse communities.
Cultural Performances Bring the Evening to Life
The evening featured a rich line-up of performances. It opened with a traditional music ensemble from the Singapore Putian Shiyin Bayue troupe, performing pieces such as Ode to Mazu and Moonlit Begonia, evoking nostalgia for many in the audience.
Singer Lin Na followed with uplifting renditions of Good Luck Comes and The Beautiful Road, delivering heartfelt blessings through her powerful vocals.
Young bamboo flute virtuoso Lin Hao impressed with his performance of Hanging Red Lanterns, before showcasing his versatility with a crossover rendition of the musical classic This Is The Moment, earning enthusiastic applause.
Rising singer Lin Huang Anqi captivated the audience with her emotive interpretations of popular songs, while Singapore-based Hinghwa singer Pan Ying performed well-loved xinyao classics including Moonlight in the City, As It Was Said, and Drizzle of Love, prompting many in the audience to sing along.
Adding a distinctly traditional touch, Vice President Tan Kim Yong delivered a series of Hinghwa-style “praise chants” in dialect, drawing warm applause and a strong sense of shared cultural pride.
One of the evening’s highlights was the debut of the event’s theme song, Gathering, created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Composer Norman Tan shared that the inspiration came from the association’s theme and the collective spirit of the Hinghwa people, aiming to tell their story through a modern medium.
A Night of Reunion and Looking Ahead
Throughout the evening, guests exchanged toasts, took photographs, and reconnected with one another in a lively and convivial setting. Many attendees had travelled from overseas, including Putian, underscoring the deep ties that bind the Hinghwa diaspora worldwide.
As performances concluded and memories were captured, the 2026 “Hinghwa People · May Day Thousand-Person Banquet” drew to a close on a warm and emotional note.
Organisers expressed hope that future editions of the event would continue to bring the community together, writing new chapters in the preservation of Hinghwa culture and the development of its global network.