Feng Guo Fen Yang Association 160th Anniversary: A Brief History

Clan History × Cultural Documentation × Book Publication


Project Type

Research-based Book Publication / Cultural & Historical Documentation



Time & Location

First published: 5 November 2025

Singapore



Publisher

Feng Guo Fen Yang Association

(鳳廓汾陽公會)



Author

Gareth Quek Keng Yee



Project Managers

Zheng Ran

Cai Boxuan (Boosen Tsai)



Role

Project Manager

Cai Boxuan (Boosen Tsai)



Background



Feng Guo Fen Yang Association 160th Anniversary: A Brief History is a commemorative publication documenting the 160-year history of the Feng Guo Fen Yang Association, one of Singapore’s earliest Teochew clan-based associations. Founded in 1865, the association has played a vital role in religious life, kinship organisation, social welfare, and cultural continuity within the Teochew diaspora.



The book was developed to address gaps in existing historical records, bringing together archival materials, genealogical documents, temple histories, and oral accounts to form a consolidated and accessible historical narrative. It situates the association within broader contexts of migration, settlement, and community formation in Singapore.


Description


As Project Manager, Cai Boxuan coordinated the research, editorial, and production processes of the publication. Working closely with the author, editors, designers, and the association committee, he supported the structuring of historical content, verification of archival materials, and alignment between academic research and community memory.


The publication covers topics including clan origins and genealogy, temple development, ritual practices, overseas lineage networks, cultural customs, and key historical figures. Presented bilingually, the book bridges scholarly research with public readability, ensuring accessibility for both academic audiences and community members.


Beyond documentation, the project functions as a form of cultural preservation—transforming dispersed records and lived memories into a durable reference for future generations, while reinforcing the role of clan associations as active cultural institutions rather than relics of the past.



Outcomes



  • Published commemorative volume marking the association’s 160th anniversary
  • Consolidated archival research, genealogical records, and oral histories
  • Strengthened collaboration between researchers, designers, and community institutions
  • Created a long-term reference for Teochew diaspora history in Singapore
  • Enhanced public access to clan history through bilingual publication


Keywords


Clan History · Teochew Diaspora · Cultural Documentation · Community Heritage · Genealogy · Religious Institutions · Singapore Chinese History · Book Publication



2022-2026
Archives


Milestone

  1. Illustrating Kindness (II): A Youth Perspective on Shan Tang Culture Exhibition, Singapore
  2. Capture Story: Culture City of Surakarta, Indonesia
  3. Chao 100+1:Ink, Landscape, Tide - Kan Tai-Keung Solo Exhibition (Singapore Edition)
  4. Zine Project Manager: 阔目Monsoon Fish, China&Singapore
  5. Autumn Program, China
  6. Urban Escape Project: Creative Market & Cultural Week, China


2025

Project Planning & Concept Development

  1. Improvised Notes: Reconstructing the Self and Community Across Boundaries, China

  2. Joo Chiat-Katong Cultural City Walk, Singapore


  3. Newton Teochew Shantang Cultural Experience, Singapore


  4. Illustrating Kindness (II): A Youth Perspective on Shan Tang Culture Exhibition, Singapore


Exhibitions & Public Sharing

  1. Exhibiting Artist, CITA-CITA KITA YANG MULIA(Our Noble Aspirations), Singapore


  2. Guest Talk: The One- How Localisation Movements Flow from the Local to the Global, China


  3. 三联艺文San-lian Arts&Culture Club: 重低音杂志岛 Heavy Bass Magazine Island Project, China


  4. Guest Talk: Grassroots Book Room-Teochew Beyond Teochew, Singapore

Project Manager

  1. Capture Story: Culture City of Surakarta, Indonesia


  2. NovArt: Graffiti Art from the West to the East, Indonesia



Publications (Book Projects)


  1. Project Manager: Feng Guo Fen Yang Association 160th Anniversary: A Brief History, Singapore 
  2.    

  3. Zine Project Manager: 阔目Monsoon Fish, China&Singapore





2024


Curator


  1. Chao 100+1:Ink, Landscape, Tide - Kan Tai-Keung Solo Exhibition (Singapore Edition)
  2. Illustrating Kindness(I): A Youth Perspective on Shan Tang Culture Exhibition, Singapore

Project Planning & Project Director


  1. 倩影摇芳Graceful Silhouettes- Solo Exhibition with Public Education Programme Development, China
  2. Take you to West Lake(LaLaSo):City Walk on Chinese Stone Cravings&Classical Gardens, China
  3. Chinese traditional Ritual Paper Motif Archive: Initiation & Project Execution, China&Malaysia
  4. A Dragon by the Pond- Community Public Education Programme, China
  5. “字由字在 Characters at Ease”: Chaozhou in Writing- Collaborative Special Exhibition, Chaozhou Art Museum, China
  6. Li-Gong-Keng She Ethnic Village: Immersive Residency, Field Research & Cultural Co-Creation, China
  7. Du Tiankai Special Music & Poetry Evening, China
  8. Teochew Metal-Rod Puppet Theatre Workshop, China
  9. Public Aesthetic Education: Old Street Urban Texture Documentation, China

Spatial Milestones


  1. Co-funded the NAFA Chinese Society, Singapore
  2. Founded the independent Magazine Teochew Echo回南天, China


2023


Curator

  1. “XYZ Coordinates”: International Toilet Art Week, China
  2. Depth of the Chair: Photography, Installation & Moving Image, China

Event Planning & Director


  1. Peach Oolong Band Live, China
  2. Jazz Trio Concert, China
  3. 4th Teochew language Competition Grand Finals(Global Live Broadcast), China
  4. Barefoot Poetry Gathering, China
  5. Fetal Cry: Treehouse Party, China
  6. From Greece to Xikou, China
  7. “Roots at the Village Foot”: Rural Revitalisation Project-Xikou8th Villages, China
  8. Vision Youth Awards 20th-Chaozhou Edition, China
  9. On the Margins: A Cultural Week from the Edge of the Province and the Nation, China
  10. “Roots at the village Foot” Rural Revitalisation Project-Chunguang Village, China
  11. Film Screening & Discussion, China
  12. Chaozhou Has NO “Yiah Lao Yah” Live Performance, China

Spatial Milestones


2022


Curator

  1. Unanswered: A Community-Based Art Experiment, China

  2. Figuring It Out: A Pop-up Reflection Exhibition, China

Event Planning & Director

  1. Autumn Program, China
  2. Urban Escape Project: Creative Market & Cultural Week, China

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