The Singapore ChineseChamber of Commerce and Industry was first established in 1906 as the General Chinese Trade Affairs Association by prominent members of the Chinese community. Its original purpose was to look after the trading interests of the Chinese business community, however, to reflect the fact that it had expanded its scope from commerce into industry, the name was changed to its current name in 1977. In addition to protecting and promoting the commercial interest of the Chinese community, the organization also played a role in the social, cultural and educational spheres with the intention to safeguard Chinese customs and values. It has raised funds to build schools, and provided assistance to the community in times of crisis.
Timeline
The main historical notable events of the organization are as follows:
1906: The SCCCI is established to champion the Chinese community and to resolve and mitigate differences among the different clans. The first president was Goh Siew Tin.
1951: The SCCCI lobbies the British colonial government to grant citizenship to Chinese immigrants who had stayed in Singapore for eight years, and finally succeeds in 1957.
1953: The SCCCI supports – and donates generously towards – the setting up of the Nanyang University.
1964: The SCCCI building is officially opened by Lee Kuan Yew.
1966: The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce Foundation is set up to provide financial assistance to the needy and scholarships to deserving students, and to support cultural activities and public educational political campaigns.
1991: The SCCCI hosts the inaugural World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Singapore which is attended by more than 800 delegates from 75 cities and states in 30 countries and regions.
1993: The chamber's clan-based election system of self-imposed divisions among clan lines is abolished, hence working together as a more united community.
1995: The SCCCI becomes the first chamber of commerce in the region to obtain the ISO9002 certification.
2006: The Chamber's centennial celebrations take place, with the Asian Chinese Entrepreneurs Summit and a gala dinner as highlights.
SCCCI Building
The SCCCI Building is located on Hill Street, facing the Armenian Church. The headquarters of the organisation has been sited here since the early twentieth century. Before 1964, the headquarters was a two-story building. The construction of the current building started in 1962 and the completed building was officially opened on 20 September 1964. The architecture is a blend of Chinese and Western styles.
