Refined Tastes • Spring Tea Gathering - First Anniversary of Sian Chay Cultural Forum

On 14 March 2025, in the early days of the Year of the Snake, Sian Chay Cultural Forum held a Spring Tea Gathering at the second floor of Sian Chay Charity Centre, to mark its first anniversary. The event was themed "Grateful for our journey, the moments we share," and was inspired by traditional Chinese gatherings where poetry, music, and cultural exchange were shared among friends.

The program began with gentle flute music and the calm sound of the guqin. Guests

from Singapore's cultural, arts, education and media communities came together to

reflect on the past year of Sian Chay Cultural Forum and to celebrate the role of Chinese

culture in today's society.

The venue was decorated with flowers, bamboo, and plants, creating a quiet and

elegant atmosphere. Tea fragrance filled the space as guests enjoyed poetry recitation, music performance, tea ceremony, and incense appreciation.

Performances by flutist Chen Qinglun, guqin performer Liu Lu, piano accompanist Wang Chenfan, and tenor Zhuang Jie brought together traditional and modern styles, allowing music and poetry to blend together naturally.

Many respected guests attended the gathering, including Dato’ Sri Chew Soon Huat, JP, Honorary Executive Chairman of Thong Chai Medical Institution; renowned writer You Jin; poet and cultural scholar You Junhao; poet Zhou Decheng; and aesthetics and art history scholar Chen Jiazi. Through recitations, speeches, and performances, they shared their perspectives on culture, art, and social responsibility, reflecting Singapore’s open and diverse cultural spirit.

Throughout the event, literature and music were closely connected. Chinese poetry

recitation, tea conversations, and the combination of words and music helped the

audience experience the beauty of culture in everyday life and understand how

tradition can remain meaningful in modern times.

SoMe Music School Founder Emily Wang was invited to attend the Spring Tea Gathering. She experienced the cultural exchange and artistic sharing at the event and witnessed the important first anniversary of Sian Chay Cultural Forum.

During the event, Dato’ Sri Chew Soon Huat delivered a speech on the value of culture and the arts in society. He also shared his hopes for the continued growth of a healthy and lasting cultural environment. With warm conversations and a graceful atmosphere, the Spring Tea Gathering came t o a successful close, bringing new ideas and inspiration for cultural exchange, arts education, and public cultural activities in Singapore.