Singapore Cantonese Clan Association

How many times on a trip can you feel as if you were some exhibit or photo opportunity? Well, after the day at Chinese Primary school and the dinner at the Language University in Guangzhou, we thought that the Chinese customary formalities would have ended there, once we left China. It didn't.

The visit to the Singapore Cantonese Clan Association at Bishan can be briefly summarised by a mild, lingering after-thought of "what the heck were we there for?!". The clan association cum crematorium cum temple of worship, which occupied a rather large location, laid smack in the middle of Bishan, one of Singapore's increasingly expensive towns. There, we were introduced to the Cantonese association in Singapore, their history and how they are trying to mould the future generation. Which was kind of interesting to know, but it still doesn't tell us the purpose of us being there.

After the rather formal introduction by the board of directors in a conference room, we were given a tour around the entire premises. After which, we were again herded together for group photos with the board of directors. Photos that would probably be up in their next newsletter... If we are lucky enough, we might even be framed up in some room there too. Is this showmanship a Chinese tradition? Part of the social custom that "if you have it, flaunt it"?