Introduction

1924

In 1924, Wang Jialu, Hou Xifan, Lin Shuicong, Lin Shenfu, Hong Guangteng, Li Guangqian, Liang Zhou and others initiated the establishment of the “Lam Ann Association” and the meeting was called in Hong San See Temple. In 1926, Lam Ann Association was officially founded, and Executive Council purchased five two-storey shophouses in Ann Siang Hill. House number 59 was used as the clubhouse for the association. The other four shophouses were rented out to provide the source of funding for the association. The first chairman was Mr. Wang Jialu. In 1924, Wang Jialu, Hou Xifan, Lin Shuicong, Lin Shenfu, Hong Guangteng, Li Guangqian, Liang Zhou and others initiated the establishment of the “Lam Ann Association” and the meeting was called in Hong San See Temple. In 1926, Lam Ann Association was officially founded, and Executive Council purchased five two-storey shophouses in Ann Siang Hill. House number 59 was used as the clubhouse for the association. The other four shophouses were rented out to provide the source of funding for the association. The first chairman was Mr. Wang Jialu.

1926

Wang Jialu served as the president for the first and third terms, and was then succeeded by the venerable Liang Shaoshan. The association’s charter was subsequently amended to a committee system. The venerable Hou Xifan served as the executive chairman for several decades until he was ordered to leave during the war period. Afterward, the venerable Zhou Xianrui continued to preside over the association’s affairs and assisted in war relief efforts. When the Japanese forces advanced southward, the association’s premises became the headquarters for the anti-Japanese volunteer army. After the Japanese occupied Singapore, the association’s officials, to avoid unnecessary sacrifices, burned related documents and fled, with the martyr Lin Mousheng being a prominent figure among them.

1945 – 1950

At the end of 1945, Liang Houzhou, Zhou Xianrui, Lin Jianda and other sages reestablished the association. Zhou Xianrui was unanimously elected as the chairman.

In 1950, the association was registered as a public company limited by guarantee in accordance with the Companies Act 1940. In 1962, Chairman Lam Chien Tat once again brought up the matter of rebuilding the clubhouse during the investiture of the 27th Executive Council, and it received an immediate favorable response.

1963 – 1967

In 1963, Lam Chien Tat resigned due to poor health condition. Mr. Zhuo Jinshu succeeded as chairman and continued to work on the rebuilding a new clubhouse for the association. Initially, it was planned to convert the original site of Ann Siang Hill into a 4-storey building. After due discussions, it was decided to build a 5-storey building in the open space in front of the Hong San See Temple at Mohamad Sultan Road.

In June 1967, Mr. Zhuo Jinshu passed away, and Mr. Lin Jianda was re-elected as chairman. However, during the re-election ofthe following year, he expressed his wish to step down due to his health condition. Mr. Wu Hongye was elected unanimously as the new chairman and continued to lead the association rebuilding project.

1970 – 1980

With the combined efforts and contributions from the clansmen, hundreds of thousands dollars of funds were raised. After the drawings of the building were approved by the government, the construction of the new building started with a grand ground-breaking ceremony held on January 10, 1970. The ceremony was officiated by the honorary chairman of the Singapore Lam Ann Association, Ng Aik Huan. On January 15, 1977, a ceremony was held to celebrate the association’s golden jubilee and the completion of the new building.

Mr. Goh Hong Giap served as chairman from 1968 to 1977. He was succeeded by Mr. Lee Koon Seng. In 1980, Mr. Lin Jianda was elected as the 36th chairman.

1982 – 1988

In 1982, Lin Wenyuan was elected as the chairman. During his 12 years in office, he actively promote association’s business, especially in strengthening bonds within the clansmen. In 1988, in view of the urgent issue of succession, the Executive Council established the Youth group on 15th September. The youth group involved actively in the traditional festive celebrations and culture festivals organised by the association.

1994 – 1999

In 1994, the young entrepreneur Ng Kok Keng was elected as the 43th Chairman, he started the renovation works on Hong San See Temple, and initiated the building of a multi-purpose hall Nanfeng Pavilion in the association building.

From 1996 to 1999, Ng Kok Keng was re-elected as the chairman of the 44th and 45th Executive Council. Under his leadership, the association organised the 5-Celebration Ceremony from 8-11 April 1996. One of the event was the 3rd World Convention of Nanan Clansmen. Besides this, the association continued to organise various activities, laying a strong foundation for the association.

2004 – 2007

From 2004 to 2007, Tan Eng Lai assumed as the chairman of the 48th and 49th council. During his tenure, he actively recruited talented young clansmen to join the association to enhance the strength of the entire team.

The century-old Hong San See Temple, under the jurisdiction of the association, has once again suffered severe damage from termite infestation. In response to this serious situation, the association has established the fourth Restoration Committee, named “Hong San See Temple National Monument Restoration Committee,” to initiate preparations for repair and renovation. Experts from the Beijing Palace Museum have been invited to assist in surveying and planning, with the aim of drafting a blueprint for the restoration project.

2006 – 2008

In November 2006, the aoosciation held a grand celebration of the Five Celebrations, themed “Celebrating reunion for all the Nanan hearts, joyous encounters to elevate hometown sentiments.” This event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the association’s establishment and hosted five major celebrations: the First Nan’an Economic Forum @ Singapore, the 170th anniversary of the founding of Hong San See Temple, the 18th anniversary of the Youth Group, and the 48th anniversary of the Mutual Help Association. Five thousand guests from around the world gathered in Singapore to joyfully reunite, share hometown sentiments, and collaborate on development.

2008, Dato Lin Jincong took over the chairmanship. He step down in 2009 due to health condition.

2009

Also in 2009, the restoration of Hong San See Temple was successfully completed after five years of work and an investment of $2.5 million, restoring the temple to its former splendour. To support the project, the Restoration Committee organised a series of fundraising initiatives, including the Pan Xiuqiong Concert, jointly presented with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and featuring renowned conductor Choo Hoey conducting a symphonic performance of the Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto. The Lee Foundation contributed $1 million towards the restoration, while other fundraising efforts included commemorative “Niu Ta Bricks” for donors and a limited-edition “Nan’an Red Wine” bearing the calligraphy of renowned artist Tan Swie Hian, the Association’s Permanent Honorary President. In July that year, the Nan’an Art and Culture Society was established to promote arts and cultural studies and nurture future artistic and cultural talent.

2010

On 22 February 2010, under the leadership of 51st Executive Council Chairman Tan Aik Hock and presided over by Master Guangxiang, a consecration ceremony was held at Hong San See Temple to mark the enshrinement of various Buddhas and deities. The celebrations continued with the stage performance Songs and Dances of Southern Winds Tonight and a grand banquet attended by over a thousand guests, where appointment certificates and commemorative “Niu Ta Bricks” were presented in recognition of contributions to the temple’s restoration. Following the successful completion of the restoration project, Hong San See Temple was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation Award of Excellence, with a formal presentation ceremony held on 23 November 2010.

2011

In 2011, the Association organised its largest event to date, the seven-day “Bringing Your Children to Trace Your Ancestral Roots in Nan’an, Fujian” tour. Led by members of the older generation, the programme aimed to help younger participants reconnect with their ancestral heritage by exploring the customs, geography, and culture of their hometown. A total of 138 participants joined the journey, gaining a deeper understanding of and appreciation for their roots.

In the same year, the Association collaborated with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra to present the outdoor concert “Elegance and Popularity: SCO’s Harmonious Melodies at Hong San See Temple.” Held in front of Hong San See Temple, the concert attracted more than 800 attendees and brought the community together through an evening of music and cultural appreciation.

2013

In 2013, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) held its Architectural Heritage Awards ceremony at the auditorium of the Lam Ann Association. In recognition of its exemplary restoration efforts, Hong San See Temple became the only Grade A restoration project to receive the URA Architectural Heritage Award. In the same year, the Lam Ann Association was honoured with the Outstanding Clan Association Award by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations for its remarkable achievement in completing the extensive five-year restoration of the century-old Hong San See Temple.

2014

From 18 to 21 November 2014, the 12th World Convention of Nan’an Clansmen, themed “Nan’an Spirit, Charming Lion City,” was held at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre in conjunction with the 88th anniversary of the Singapore Lam Ann Association. The biennial convention brought together clansmen from around the world to strengthen ties, foster mutual understanding, and promote cultural and economic exchanges. Through these connections, the event contributed to greater collaboration and supported regional economic and community development.

2015

Today, an estimated 400,000 Singaporeans trace their ancestry to the Nan’an region, including towns such as Shishan, Xiangyun, Meishan, Luodong, Fengzhou, Liucheng, Meilin, Lefeng, Shuitou, Guanqiao, and Shijing. Since 2007, the Nan’an General Chamber of Commerce has maintained a representative office within the Singapore Lam Ann Association, strengthening cultural, social, and business ties between Singapore and Nan’an. To further promote investment and trade collaboration, the Association established the Singapore Lam Ann Chamber of Commerce, which was officially inaugurated in the Association’s auditorium on 19 November 2015.

2016 – 2019

In 2016, the Singapore Lam Ann Association launched the “Chongyang Love Warms Lion City” initiative to honour the contributions of senior citizens to their families and society. Held annually around the Double Ninth Festival, the event featured complimentary meals and stage performances, bringing warmth and companionship to elderly residents during the festive season. The programme was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023

From 29 September to 8 October 2023, the inaugural Singapore Hokkien Lam Ann Festival was held, drawing more than 30,000 visitors over ten days. Organised by the Singapore Lam Ann Association, the festival featured exhibitions on the Association’s history, guided tours of Hong San See Temple, over 20 cultural talks at the Lee Kong Chian Hall, a cultural corridor, outdoor performances, and a food fair. Widely regarded as a milestone for local clan and community organisations, the festival received an enthusiastic public response and set a new benchmark for large-scale cultural celebrations in Singapore.

2024

The second Singapore Hokkien Lam Ann Festival ran for 10 days, featuring lectures, performances, Fujian cuisine, Hong San See Temple tours, the Lin Mousheng Story Exhibition, AI/VR experiences, and cultural workshops, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors. A record-breaking “Land, Sea, and Air Journey”—including a cruise, a Malaysia tour, and a Nan’an heritage flight—engaged over 500 members and their families.

2025

The “Visiting a Hundred Associations • Sharing Hometown Bonds” initiative connects Lam Ann associations, chambers, and community groups worldwide, strengthening hometown ties and inviting them to the 2026 centennial. The goal is to visit 100 organisations by July 2026.