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Foreword
若
前 言
说新加坡河的发展是新加坡历史的写照，那么，上百年 前创立于新加坡河畔的中华总商会(简称总商会)，就是
新加坡历史长河的一面倒影。 1966年，建国总理李光耀曾说：“新加坡中华总商会的 历史，反映着新加坡的历史”。总商会作为华商的最高代表 机构，不仅维护国内华族商家的利益，也积极地协助推动新 加坡经济、社会、教育、文化等各方面的发展，尤其是1965 年独立建国后，总商会更是孜孜不倦地，持续在各领域上服 务全民，五十载与国家风雨同渡。
I
f the development of the Singapore River is the portrayal of the history of Singapore, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce that was established more than a hundred years ago in the environs of the Singapore River would undoubtedly be the reflection of Singapore’s history. As Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once said in 1966, “The history of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce is a reflection of the history of Singapore”. Besides promoting the interests of the Chinese business community as the apex Chinese business organisation in Singapore, the Chamber actively promoted the development of community, education and culture. Especially after Singapore gained independence in 1965, the Chamber continued to provide assistance and services to every citizen, braving turbulent times alongside the nation over these 50 years.
8
1900年代，新加坡是东南亚首 要贸易中心，也是东西方交通 往来的枢纽。 In the 1900s, Singapore was the main trading centre of Southeast Asia and was favourably positioned at the crossroads of the East-West trade routes.