Speech by Minister S Iswaran at the Singapore Eurasians Memories, Hopes and Dreams book launch

Speech by Mr. S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), at the Singapore Eurasians: Memories, Hopes and Dreams book launch on 15 February 2017, 7.50 pm, The POD at National Library

Mr. Benett Theseira,

President, Eurasian Association

Members of the Eurasian community,

Ladies and gentlemen,

          Good evening.  I am delighted to join you here today for the launch of the book, Singapore Eurasians: Memories, Hopes and Dreams.  The first edition of this book was published in 1992 and was a landmark book for the Eurasian community in Singapore.  Today, I am pleased to launch this revised and expanded second edition by Dr Alexius Pereira, which updates the story of the community to the present day. 

Social history of the Eurasian community

2      The Eurasian community is an integral part of our social fabric, and has contributed much to its richness and diversity.  Quoting from the original edition of the book by Myrna Braga-Blake and Ann Eber-Oehler, ‘The mosaic of Eurasian origins encompasses not only a variety of European paternity, but also women from Burma, Ceylon, French Indo-China, Hong Kong, India, Macao, Malaya, Siam and other Asian countries.’  The Eurasian community here is a living tribute to the openness and diversity which have long made Singapore special.  As attitudes around the world shift away from globalisation and become more inward looking and mistrustful, the launch of this book is a timely reminder that openness and diversity must remain a vital part of our core values as a society.   

3      This book does an excellent job of capturing the story of the Eurasian community.  It does an excellent job because it not only documents the events of the past, but also, through its many vivid personal and family recollections, captures the essence of who Eurasians are.  As society modernises, it is our responsibility to ensure that these stories and traditions stand the test of time and are not forgotten.  They enable the community, especially the younger generation, to appreciate and take pride in their cultural heritage, as well as anchor a deep sense of identity.   

Second edition of the book

4      An important addition by Dr Pereira (Alexius) to this second edition of the book is the history of the Eurasian Association (EA) since it became a self-help group in 1994.  Over the years, the EA has played a key role in community development, including through their support for this book, which they have worked hard to make a reality.  The EA is also home to the Eurasian Heritage Centre, which is a marvellous community resource and a splendid place to learn about the community’s history and roots.  It includes a permanent exhibition on World War 2, which is well worth a visit especially as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore this year.

5      The EA’s efforts to broaden its outreach, especially to the young, are important.  In fact, I was heartened to learn that a new chapter in the book, on the language Kristang, was written by a Eurasian youth, Kevin Martens Wong.  Kevin has put in a lot of time and effort into learning and researching the language, and has developed a curriculum to share the language with others, including through language learning apps like Memrise.  These days, he can be seen regularly teaching classes at the Eurasian Community House.  His efforts, and that of others working with Kevin, to revive the Kristang language are admirable.  I hope that more Eurasian youth with a passion for their culture and heritage, will be inspired by Kevin and his team to similarly step forward and do their bit for the community.

Self-help groups helping the vulnerable in society

6      The self-help groups also play an important role in helping the vulnerable in society and the EA is no exception.  The Family Support Services branch of the EA has helped many families tide over tough times with its financial assistance scheme, as well as its regular counselling, coaching and mediating services.  As part of the Homework Supervision Programme, Eurasian youth can serve as mentors to younger students, whose families are facing financial difficulties, and help them with their homework. 

7      The Eurasian community may be small but it is resolute in its efforts to help its brethren.  I congratulate the EA and urge all Eurasians to support these noble initiatives which attest to the community’s spirit of self-help.  Ultimately, the timbre of any society is gauged and shaped by how it cares for the less fortunate.  The efforts of each community are also an important contribution to our national effort to build a resilient society. 

Conclusion

8      In closing, I would like to thank the authors, the Eurasian Association, and the many others who have come together to produce this valuable addition to the annals of Singapore’s history and culture.  It is an essential read for anyone seeking a keener understanding of the Eurasian community and Singapore.  It will not only allow us to reminisce and remember the past, but will also inform and inspire future generations, reinforcing the Eurasian identity and its cherished place in Singapore’s multi-ethnic society. 

9      Thank you.  

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