References & Recognition

Opening Remarks

I am delighted to be here this evening to celebrate the Singapore Sindhi Association’s centenary. The SSA is one of the oldest registered Indian associations in Singapore, and reaching 100 years is truly a major achievement to be proud of. It reflects the dedication and endurance of your pioneers, your members and your volunteers — and is also a timely celebration with just a few weeks before the start of the Sindhi new year.

On the SSA

Beginning with its founding in 1921 as the Sindhi Merchants Association — providing support to Sindhi businessmen coming to Singapore — the Association has continuously grown and expanded its roles, including organising social and religious activities for the community. It was renamed the Singapore Sindhi Association in 2003, to better reflect its mission to serve the needs of the entire Sindhi community in Singapore.

On the Sindhi Community in Singapore

The Sindhis in Singapore form part of the larger Sindhi diaspora, that have settled in different parts of the world. You originate from the land of Sindh in present-day Pakistan. Sindh has been a key trading hub in South Asia for thousands of years — located along critical land trade routes linking India to the Middle East, to Central Asia, and to Europe, and also along sea trade routes between the East and the West.

Given this strategic location, it is not surprising that many Sindhis became merchants and traders. From one generation to the next, they have built far-flung networks and honed their business acumen. They have also developed other traits — diligence, perseverance in the face of adversity, willingness to take calculated risks. These are critical ingredients behind the success of the Sindhi diaspora today.

It is a tightly knit diaspora, with a strong sense of identity. The Sindhis take great pride in their heritage and culture — with its distinct elements such as the Ajrak, the Sindhi topi, and the Dal Pakwan. Recently, the Sindhis worldwide have designated the first Sunday of December as Sindhi Culture Day — a day for all Sindhi communities across the world to come together and celebrate their rich traditions and customs.

“Whenever a Sindhi does business in unfamiliar territory, he can always find a fellow Sindhi to turn to for support — to open doors to new opportunities.”

— PM Lee Hsien Loong

On Sindhis in Singapore’s Development

While the community itself is quite small — around 7,000 people — the Sindhis have played a significant part in Singapore’s development. Many who came to Singapore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were merchants. Some of you may remember their shops along High Street selling textiles and trading — which was in those days the Orchard Road equivalent of our town. These traders took full advantage of Singapore’s role as an entrepôt. They built a niche trade in textiles, importing from Japan, Korea and China, and re-exporting to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and America. Later they ventured into new areas like electronics trade.

Nowadays, many Sindhis have gone beyond their merchant and trading roots. Whether they are in government, or in professions like medicine, law, or engineering, they have contributed to their respective fields and made their mark. Over the years, the Sindhi community has established deep and enduring roots here, growing with our nation from third world to first.

“The Sindhis have been exemplary citizens — embracing the Singaporean multi-racial, multi-religious identity, while sharing their own heritage and culture, and building shared experiences through living, working, and playing alongside fellow Singaporeans.”

— PM Lee Hsien Loong

On SSA’s Contributions

The SSA has played a valuable role, fostering integration between Sindhi and other groups — jointly celebrating each other’s cultural festivals, generously doing its part for the broader society: volunteering at and donating to nursing homes, orphanages, and religious places of worship; organising blood donation drives; setting up pro bono legal clinics open to all needy Singaporeans. Your efforts have enlarged our common spaces, built bridges, and brought Singaporeans closer together.

Conclusion

Singapore’s multi-racial society is founded on our many and diverse ethnic groups. Within the major ethnic groups, there are many subgroups — of whom the Sindhis are one. With time, over generations, these groups have all sunk roots here and become Singaporeans, while maintaining their distinct identities and cultures. Each group adds to our rich social tapestry.

“I would like to thank the Sindhi community and the SSA for your unremitting efforts and contributions to Singapore’s growth and prosperity, and for enriching and strengthening our social fabric. Congratulations on reaching your 100th birthday.”

— PM Lee Hsien Loong · 13 March 2022