Established in 1926, The Singapore Lam Ann Association has come a long way indeed. The year 2026 is a significant one for many of the Lam Ann-ians as we officially celebrate and mark the 100^th year celebrations!  Locally amongst the many ethnic clans and associations, we are one of the few which had stood tall through time and held our might. The journey had been an arduous one. Our forefathers had left the Lam Ann footprints in every part of Singapore, from Lim Chu Kang, Chua Chu Kang to Yishun; there’s a bit of Lam Ann history all over our island.

In the history of nation building, our forefathers had contributed significantly. Walk through the chambers of history, and you will see the Lam Ann forefathers such as Lin Lu, Cheng Jian Bi, Zhao Fang, Lim Bo Seng (transliteration) which had contributed to the building of monuments and institutions such Victoria Memorial Hall; current MOM Building, National Museum, Fullerton Square etc.  In fact, many of our roads are named after these Lam Ann forefathers, can you spot them?

As we arrive at this significant milestone, we shall showcase the Lam Ann spirit, its culture, heritage, our grit and intrepidity, our outpouring generosity; fulfilling our deeply connected root and value to the Sheng Gong tradition. Its key traits and values are loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness.

The Singapore Lam Ann Association, is one of Singapore’s oldest Min-Nan-based (Hokkien dialect ethnic group) clan associations, and was officially founded in 1926. Over the past century, it has played a vital role in community and nation building. The legacy of our Lam Ann forefathers saw its contribution towards various sectors such as the education, arts, business and charitable acts of philanthropy. Notable figures include philanthropist Mr Lee Kong Chian, calligrapher Pan Shou, and other luminary leaders who have advocated for stronger community bonds and kinsmanship.

Former Chairman and now longstanding Advisor of the Association, Mr Tan Aik Hock has actively advocated for the Association to serve and go beyond the walls and into the communities. In recent years, the Association has expanded its engagement with the wider public, hosting events such as the Chongyang Elderly Respect Banquet, heritage tours to Nan’an in Fujian, and the Singapore Fujian Nan’an Cultural Festival, attracting hoards of members and visitors. Our membership programmes have also included organising international “root-seeking” trips and cultural exchanges, so that the Lam Ann heritage and lineage shall continue to pass on the torch, forging stronger communal ties, and attracting the younger generations to be part of the family and community. Mr Tan hopes that through such immersion and exposure, the young will join the Association and the Lam Ann heritage shall then be preserved and passed on.  

As the Association celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, alongside the 190th anniversary of the Shui Lang Tou Hong San See Temple (Feng San Si), the Singapore Lam Ann Association unveilsa new chapter of growth and progression amid preserving its roots under the leadership of Mr Neo Kah Kiat, helming the Association as its Chairman, taking over the baton and leadership from Mr Tan Aik Hock. Mr Neo has started planning the centennial celebration since he took over the board, initiating visits to all the Lam Ann Associations and Clans internationally. He wants the centennial event to be significantly and meaningfully remembered. The objective of organising a “100-clan” visit is to invite the Lam Ann affiliates and communities to join us in Singapore, in November, as we culminate the centennial celebration. The “Visit 100 Clans”  began in 2024. Apart from initiating the visit, Mr Neo has also helped set in motion a series of memorable mentions in promoting the Lam Ann culture. The Association has organised the largest 10-day Hokkien Lam Ann Festival event consecutively for two years (2023-4), promoting activities and events targeting at families and community groups to know deeper its Lam Ann roots and heritage. The event has attracted 30,000 visitors and set a record amongst the cultural and heritage event here, as the first longest holding and biggest event.

Both gentlemen in their respective leadership style, have of recent, led the Association to transform into a younger, relevant and modern icon where heritage meets class and showcases our Lam Ann traits, strengths and charisma.

The Hong San See Temple, was founded in 1836 (the 16th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty) by Lam Ann pioneers from Malacca, led by Liang Rengui. Its original site was at Hwa Li Shan in present-day Tanjong Pagar. In 1905, due to urban redevelopment, the temple trustees purchased the current site on Mohamed Sultan Road (early colloquially known as “Shui Lang Tou”) and rebuilt the temple. The main custodians of the reconstruction were Lin Lu (father of WWII hero Lin Mou Sheng) and Lin Jidang, hence giving the temple its historical name “Shui Lang Tou Hong San See Temple.”

Perched on a hilltop, the temple’s architecture emulates the Shishan Ancestral Temple and features classic Minnan (Southern Fujian) design elements. Facing the sea with hills at its back, the location is considered auspicious. From the temple, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline and coastline.

The temple is dedicated to Guangze Zunwang – Guo Zhongfu, the Sacred Deity revered by the Lam Ann community. Among several Hong San See Temples locally, Shui Lang Tou Hong San See Temple is the oldest, now marking 190 years. Over time, the temple has strengthened its role as a cultural and social hub, actively preserving and promoting Sacred Deity traditions, including the values of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness. It is a key institution in the local Sacred Deity community and serves as a bridge connecting local and global Sacred Deity organisations.

Since its construction, Hong San See Temple has undergone several restorations, the most significant being in 2007. This major overhaul involved experts from the Beijing Palace Museum for consultation and Quanzhou craftsmen for architectural and decorative restoration. The project was completed in 2010 and was recognised with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Excellence Award, making it the only Chinese temple in Singapore to receive this honour. Additionally, it received the 2013 Outstanding Association Award by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations in 2014 for its outstanding efforts in restoring this temple, further cementing its status as a landmark of cultural and architectural excellence.

As we turn 100 years in age, witnessing a century-old of rooting ourselves in our heritage, culture and history, and to bring the Association to its next chapter, we know the time is now, for transition and transformation to begin.

To sustain the Association’s fiscal growth, previous councils have repeatedly explored the feasibility of rebuilding the Association building. In 2023, a dedicated Reconstruction Committee was established to review the feasibility, and finally, come July 2026, the current building will undergo a complete overhaul, meeting the current and future needs of ensuring the Association continue its relevance to serve and structuring a sustainable finance revenue for its said purpose.

As the current building sits on a prime location, collective thoughts have been put together to help fundraise for $30m (estimated cost of the new building). The Association hopes to solicit donations through the many helping hands of a passionate group of Lam Ann family, activating resources and networks.

It is a significant milestone indeed – to witness a rebuilding of a new purpose-driven building. Many in the Lam Ann fraternity is filled with pride and calling to ensure this vision become a reality. This shall bore a grand testament to the unity, dedication and brilliance of the Lam Ann people.

The World Lam Ann Youth Fellowship is an iconic platform to connect fellow young Lam Ann descendants around the globe. Its mission is to strengthen ties and foster bonds, whilst promoing collaboration among the Lam Ann Youth Body locally and abroad. This ensures the preservation and development of the Lam Ann culture. The Fellowship is held once every two years.

The 10th World Lam Ann Youth Fellowship in 2024 was hosted by the Lam Ann Chamber of Commerce in Manila, Philippines. At that event, the Singapore Lam Ann Association was formally appointed to host the 11th World Lam Ann Youth Fellowship. The fellowship convention includes organizing board meetings, exchange forums and other networking activities, forming a key aspect of global networking and interaction among its younger Lam Ann members.

The World Minnan Cultural Festival was first held in Quanzhou, Fujian, on 27 February 2010. The Festival aims to promote the Minnan culture, enhance cultural exchange and cooperation internationally, and support the preservation, showcasing and sharing of Minnan heritage. Since its inception, the Festival has been hosted in Taiwan, Quanzhou, Macau, Kinmen, Malacca, Dubai, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, and other locations. Activities typically include an opening ceremony, cultural performances, Minnan cultural exchange forums and traditional craft exhibitions.

The Festival’s secretariat is permanently based in Quanzhou, and the event is held annually or biennially. In 2025, the Singapore Lam Ann Association successfully won the bid to host the festival in 2026, thereby bringing the rich heritage of Minnan culture to Singapore and giving the local community the opportunity to experience its unique charm.