Our History

 

The Soh family clan has a long and rich history dating back to its first-known ancestor Zhuānxū (2514–2436 BCE) who was the grandson of the Yellow Emperor of China.

With a long history of over 4,500 years, descendants of the Soh family clan multiplied and flourished. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, some members of the clan migrated to different parts of Nanyang (Southeast Asia) to seek a living. In their daily lives, they focused on their own jobs and had minimal interaction.

March 1, 1929

First 11 Founding Members

Many newly arrived clan members were left to their own devices in their new homeland. Observing this situation, eleven distinguished ancestors of our clan, Wénxī, Yángchì, Yàoqīng, Míngjì, Gēnwén, Shuāngpàn, Bǐng’ān, Qíqìng, Húzhí, Māyì, and Míngyuān, along with over fifteen supporters, initiated the establishment of the Lushan Public Office on January 2, 1929 (Note: an interim office), located at Telok Ayer Street’s Cuncheng Hall. Three preparatory meetings were subsequently held, receiving enthusiastic support from fellow clan members. On March 1 of the same year, it was officially established and received approval from the then British colonial government on July 11. It was registered as an official organization and was granted a clubhouse located on the third floor of a building on Cheong Hong Lim Street. From there, the development of its activities commenced. The organization aimed to foster kinship ties, promote unity, resolve disputes, and assist incoming clan members in finding employment.

March 1929 - December 1941

Establishment Of Tongde Book School

At that time, there were many children who lost access to education. The founding members of the Soh Clan Association in Singapore, therefore, established “Tongde School” to provide education to the children from the neighborhood. The number of students increased with time, and the three-story building was soon insufficient for the growing enrollment. The school was then relocated to a bigger three-story building at Stanley Street. To adapt to changes in educational policies, Tongde Book School was renamed “Peinan Primary School.” Tong Zongxiao was appointed as the principal and general manager (overall administration). Enrollment was open to students regardless of their distance or surname, and they received a general education. Several years later, due to the demolition of the old buildings on Stanley Street, the school was once again relocated to 242 Telok Ayer Street, occupying the entire building. The activities of the school continued to develop. In 1942, during the Japanese invasion of the south, the school activities were suspended, leading to the closure of the school.

1947

Rebuilding After the War

After the Second World War, the Soh Clan Association convened multiple meetings and in 1947, it initiated a re-registration. To change with the times, it changed the Lushan Association to the Soh Clan Association. The new Soh Clan Association extensively welcomed Soh members from regions such as Fujian, Hainan, Guangdong, and Chaozhou to join as members and jointly develop the association’s affairs. Every year, on the 23rd day of the eleventh lunar month, a celebration was held commemorating the birth anniversary of Su Song, a great scientist of the Middle Ages who was a combination of astronomer, pharmacist, and statesman during the Song Dynasty, including the reigns of Emperors Shenzong, Zhezong and Huizong. They organize a warm banquet to foster family ties and actively unite the Soh Clan Association.

1952 - 2000s

Home for the Soh Clan Association

In 1952, during the celebration of the birth anniversary of Su Songzheng Jian Gong, the clan leaders established the “Jianye Foundation Fundraising Committee.” The committee’s leaders began travelling to various corners of Singapore to raise funds from clan members, and they received generous donations from the clan. After several months, they raised over $40,000. With the donations, they first purchased a three-story building at 45 Dalhousie Street. However, due to the protection of the Rent Control Ordinance, the tenants refused to relocate.

The clan members held a meeting and decided to use this building as a property of the association for rental purposes. (This property has since been requisitioned by the government.) Therefore, they had to continue fundraising and raised over $20,000. In 1956, they purchased another two-story building at 14 Veerasamy Road, which eventually became the clubhouse today. After some renovation, the building was officially put into use in 1957.

With the issues of the premise finally out of the way, affairs of the association developed rapidly. The Clan’s leaders immediately into works the formulation of welfare for Clan members. In 1963, the Soh Mutual Benefit Association to render monetary support and condolences to bereaved members. In 1967, the “Scholarship for Members’ Children in Primary and Secondary Schools” was established. Outstanding academic achievers among the members’ children are eligible to apply. The scholarship is awarded once a year to encourage the younger generation to study diligently and strive for good results.

In the 1980s, connections were established with Soh Clan Association’s relatives in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and other regions. Exchange visits were organized to strengthen family ties, understand the activities of relatives in different regions, learn from each other, and strive for progress together throughout the 80s, 90s and 00s.

2019

Soh Clan Association 90th Anniversary Celebration

In 2019, Soh Clan Association celebrated its 90th anniversary. This momentous milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those who have been part of our journey. To commemorate our 90th anniversary, a grand reception was held at Marina Bay Sands. Members from around the world joined in the celebration of this joyous occasion. Soh Clan Association looks forward to our 100th anniversary where we will not only honour our rich history but also forge a path towards unity and connectedness amongst our members.

Join us on this incredible journey of discovery, connection and celebration.

Together, we will honour our past, embrace our present, and create a future filled with love, support, and a strong sense of belonging.

Join as Member
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Soh Clan Association is a non-profit organization that operates independently, providing support to our members who are all descendants of the Soh family clan

Address
No.14 Veerasamy Road
Singapore 207322
Tel: 6293 2529
Email: sohclan_sg@126.com