On the afternoon of July 17, 2026, led by Mr. Fan Ziping of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association, a delegation from the association accepted the warm invitation of Mr. Chen Kaihe—Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross, Chairman of the Agency for the Development of Advanced Skills, and President of Accuron Technologies Group—to visit the Singapore Red Cross headquarters, the Red Cross Building, for an exchange. Held under the theme “Walking Together in Humanity, Spreading Kindness Far and Wide,” the event aimed to promote the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross, rally the compassionate forces from all sectors of society, and jointly advance charitable causes.
The Red Cross Building is not only the headquarters of the Singapore Red Cross, but also a testament to the city’s humanitarian history. Construction of the building began in 1959; it was designed by local architect Ho Kok Hoe and officially opened in 1961 by then-Head of State Yusof Ishak. After more than 60 years, it was designated a building for preservation in 2014. This visit to a building that embodies the goodwill of several generations also represents a practical initiative by Centaline Singapore to expand social connections and deepen cooperation with local charitable organizations.
A Commitment to Humanitarianism Spanning More Than Seventy Years
Founded in 1949 as a branch of the British Red Cross, the Singapore Red Cross is one of the earliest organizations in Singapore’s history to provide first aid, social welfare, and relief services. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Red Cross actively participated in relief efforts following several major local disasters, demonstrating through its actions the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
For more than 70 years, the Red Cross has continuously expanded the scope of its services—from blood donation campaigns, senior citizen assistance, and centers for people with disabilities to transportation assistance, food aid, and community first-aid training. The Red Cross has consistently been dedicated to protecting lives, upholding dignity, alleviating suffering, and responding to emergencies, becoming an indispensable part of Singapore’s social safety net.
From Military Officer to Humanitarian Leader
Mr. Chen Kaihe, who hosted the delegation from the Central Plains Association on this occasion, embodies a humanitarian story that has been intertwined with the Red Cross for over 45 years. As early as 1979, while still in high school, he began his journey in humanitarian service as a member of the Red Cross Youth. Since then, he has served as a Council Member of the Singapore Red Cross (2011–2014 and 2016–present) and Vice Chair (since 2017), and in December 2020, he officially assumed the position of Chair of the Singapore Red Cross.
Mr. Chen Kaihe also has an impressive professional background: He served as a career officer in the Singapore Navy, holding key positions such as Fleet Commander and Chief of Naval Staff; from 2013 to 2015, he served as Chief Executive Officer of SPRING Singapore, driving corporate development and innovation; Since August 2015, he has served as President and CEO of the Accuron Technologies Group, leading this Singapore-based multinational conglomerate specializing in precision engineering and technology manufacturing, with operations spanning high-end manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor equipment, aerospace manufacturing, and additive manufacturing. In October 2023, he was further appointed Chairman of SkillsFuture Singapore, taking on the important responsibility of promoting nationwide skills development in Singapore. From a naval officer in uniform to a business leader deeply rooted in industry, and now a pioneer in humanitarian service, Mr. Chen Kaihe has demonstrated, through his professionalism and passion, the multifaceted nature of his commitment to serving society.
Step into the Red Cross Building and Experience the Warmth of Humanitarian Service
On the day of the visit, the delegation from the Zhongyuan Association, hosted by Mr. Chen Kaihe, toured the various service facilities at the Red Cross headquarters. They gained an in-depth understanding of the operational models behind core services such as blood donation mobilization, senior citizen assistance, support for people with disabilities, disaster response, and community first aid training. They also gained further insight into how the Red Cross, guided by the spirit of humanity, brings together the efforts of the government, businesses, and the community to form a vital safety net within Singapore’s social security system. Also present to host the delegation were Ms. Terene Seow, a member of the Singapore Red Cross Fundraising Committee; Deputy Secretary-General Eileen Cher; Johnny Tang, Director of Resource Development; and Yvonne Loo, a member of the Singapore Red Cross Board of Directors and Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
Roundtable Discussion: Exploring Humanitarianism and Philanthropy
During the roundtable discussion, drawing on his dual experience in corporate management and public service, Mr. Chen Kaihe shared with members of the Zhongyuan Association the Red Cross’s practical insights on responding to emergencies, mobilizing volunteer efforts, and promoting community mutual aid. In his remarks, Chairman Chen Kaihe extended a warm welcome to the delegation from the Singapore Zhongyuan Association. He outlined the development history, core mission, and key service programs of the Singapore Red Cross, emphasizing that philanthropic endeavors require the joint participation of all sectors of society. He expressed hope that both sides would use this exchange as an opportunity to strengthen resource sharing, communication, and cooperation, rally more compassionate forces, and work together to advance philanthropic and charitable causes and convey humanitarian care. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as corporate participation in public welfare and charitable causes, mobilizing members to support community services, and exploring long-term cooperation mechanisms, in a warm and pragmatic atmosphere. During the symposium, Wang Jiancheng, Advisor to the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Chairman of Ronghua Group, took the stage on behalf of the association to deliver a speech. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Singapore Red Cross and highly commended the Red Cross’s long-standing contributions to humanitarian relief, community service, and public welfare. He also stated that the Zhongyuan Association is willing to use this exchange as a starting point to further strengthen communication and cooperation, jointly serve the community, give back to society, and advance the development of public welfare initiatives.
Mr. Fan Ziping expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Chen Kaihe and the Singapore Red Cross for their warm hospitality. He noted that the Singapore Zhongyuan Association has long been committed to giving back to society and serving the community. This visit to the Red Cross was not only a learning experience but also a promising start to exploring opportunities for collaboration and jointly upholding the spirit of humanity. During the exchange, the Singapore Zhongyuan Association donated 100 boxes of “Haoxiangni” red date and sesame balls to contribute to this charitable initiative. This was followed by a ceremony for the exchange of commemorative gifts. Ms. Zhou Shuzhen—Honorary President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association, eighth-generation inheritor of the Jingdezhen Fengyao·Yunzhiwei intangible cultural heritage, and founder of the Singapore-based tea house chain [Incloud Xiang Yunduan]—presented a commemorative gift to Mr. Chen Kaihe, President of the Singapore Red Cross, on behalf of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association. In return, President Chen Kaihe presented a commemorative gift on behalf of the Singapore Red Cross, which was accepted by Ms. Shen Huifang, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Chairwoman of Alfar Fund Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd, on behalf of the Zhongyuan Association. This exchange symbolized the enduring friendship between the two organizations and expressed high hopes for continued future exchanges and charitable cooperation.
A Dinner Together, Friendship That Endures
Following the successful conclusion of the visit, guests from both sides proceeded to the flagship location of Putien Restaurant on Kitchener Road for a dinner banquet, where they continued the day’s discussions in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere, further strengthening their bonds. During the meal, everyone raised their glasses and engaged in a more candid and in-depth exchange regarding future directions for cooperation in humanitarian causes and social services. The dinner was accompanied by Guojiao 1573, sponsored by Mr. Zhang Lifeng, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of Ruilong Development Pte. Ltd. and Fuhua Pte. Ltd. (distributor of 1573 and Maotai aged liquor), which added an elegant touch to the evening as guests and hosts enjoyed themselves and deepened their bonds. Both sides continued their in-depth discussions on philanthropic cooperation, community service, and future exchange initiatives, laying a more solid foundation for future collaboration.
Reaching Out, Building Unity
This visit to the Singapore Red Cross gave the delegation from the Zhongyuan Association a more direct and profound understanding of local humanitarian and charitable causes. An organization that has spanned more than 70 years and has consistently remained true to its founding mission of “protecting life and upholding dignity” left a deep impression on every member present with the humanitarian spirit and social responsibility it embodies.
The Singapore Centaline Association remains committed to pooling resources, fostering exchange, and actively giving back to society and serving the community. Under the leadership of Mr. Fan Ziping, the Association will continue to adopt an open and pragmatic approach, partnering with more charitable organizations to organize visits and exchange activities across diverse fields. These efforts aim to help members broaden their horizons, strengthen connections, and explore opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that every gathering becomes a new starting point for fostering goodwill and spreading warmth.
The visit concluded successfully in a warm and sincere atmosphere. We would like to thank Mr. Chen Kaihe, President of the Singapore Red Cross, and the Red Cross team for their warm hospitality, and we thank every member of the Zhongyuan Association for their active participation.
One visit helps us understand the true significance of humanity; one journey together sows the seeds of kindness.
Visitors
Mr. Chen Kaihe, President of the Singapore Red Cross, Chairman of the Agency for the Development of Advanced Skills, and President of Accuron Technologies Group
Yvonne Loo, Board Member and Chair of the Fundraising Committee of the Singapore Red Cross
Ms. Terene Seow, Member of the Fundraising Committee of the Singapore Red Cross
Eileen Cher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Singapore Red Cross
Johnny Tang, Director of Resource Development at the Singapore Red Cross
Fan Ziping, Singapore Zhongyuan Association
Wang Jiancheng, Advisor to the Singapore Centaline Association and Chairman of Ronghua Group
Han Xiao, Permanent Honorary President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Chairman of New Horizon Cultural Tourism Media Co., Ltd.
Li Hong, Honorary President of the Singapore Centaline Association and CEO of VANSHIGLOBAL
Zhou Shuzhen, Honorary President of the Singapore Centaline Association; 8th-generation inheritor of the Jingdezhen Fengyao·Pan Zhiwei intangible cultural heritage; and founder of the Singapore-based tea house chain [Incloud]
Wang Xiaopei, Founding President and Permanent Honorary President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association, and Chairman of Xinyu Culture Pte. Ltd.
Wang Yanbin, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Centaline Association and Managing Director of Xingma Zai Film Pte. Ltd.
Liu Hongling, Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Managing Director of IMI Lifestyle Products Pte Ltd
Zhang Bo, Vice President of the Singapore Centaline Association and Managing Director of Cheng Production Pte. Ltd.
Duan Shuaijun, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Vice President of IPP Capital
Zhang Lifeng, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Centaline Association; Managing Director of Ruilong Development Pte. Ltd. and Fuhua Pte. Ltd. (Agent for 1573, Maotai Aged Liquor)
Shen Huifang, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Centaline Association and Chairperson of Alfar Fund Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Liu Wei, Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association and Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank
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Produced by | Singapore Zhongyuan Association
Written by | Zhao Xiaodan, Guo Lijun, Hou Jingyu
Photography | Cheng • Production Pte. Ltd.