On the morning of June 12, a delegation of 29 senior Chinese government officials visited SSA HQ to learn about SGS’s role in promoting racial harmony and social cohesiveness in Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.
The delegates were participants of the 37th Senior Chinese Officials (SCO) Study Visit Programme that is jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Civil Service College (CSC) three times a year. The objectives of this programme are firstly, to promote institutional linkages between Singapore and China; secondly to enhance the visiting officials’ understanding of Singapore’s political, economic, social and human capital development.
The Chinese visitors accompanied by Singapore government officials from MFA and CSC were welcomed by SSA representatives led by Chairman Mr Ong Bon Chai. The visit began with an introduction to SSA and SGI by Asst Hon Secretary Ms Sandra Sin and Director of Publication Mr Chan Heng Yuen, and Director of Education Ms Tan Gek Noi respectively. A video introducing SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and highlighting his efforts in the normalization of ties between China and Japan, including the landmark meetings with late Chinese premier Zhou Enlai was also shared with the Chinese officials.
This was followed by a lively question and answer session. Responding to a multitude of questions from the Chinese audience, Chairman Ong Bon Chai patiently elucidated and highlighted the activities, philosophy and contribution of SSA as a socially contributive religious organization. The visit concluded with a tour of the SSA Headquarters.
Si Jin Quan, who led the Chinese delegation, expressed his appreciation of SGS’s and SGI’s continual efforts for peace, culture and education to achieve human happiness. He added, “SGI President Ikeda has dedicated a few decades of tireless efforts to forge ties of friendship between China and Japan. I also wish to express our appreciation to SSA for your donation and support to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake disaster. I offer my best wishes for SSA to scale greater heights in your endeavours.”
