In the Early Days
Founded in 1858 by early Dabu immigrants, the Char Yong (Dabu) Association, Singapore had two main purposes: to provide welfare for the Hakka community that migrated from Dabu County in China’s Guangdong province and engage the younger generation.
Historically, the Dabu people journeyed from Northern to Southern China seeking refuge from poverty and social unrest. They valued education deeply as a means of uplifting themselves from their challenging circumstances.
The association continues to honour the Dabu people’s belief in education, and has been supporting students through scholarships and bursaries. In 1906, it set up Khee Fatt Study Institution, which was later renamed as Qifa Primary School. Although the association transferred the administration of the school to the Ministry of Education in 1985, it remains actively involved in the school’s advisory committee.
Mission with a Vision
To further its cause, the association set up the Char Yong (Dabu) Foundation Limited in 1995 with the primary objective of promoting education, as well as the Dabu and Chinese culture, and improving the welfare of their Dabu Hakka clansmen, especially the poorer and lower-income group.
For the first time in SUSS, the Char Yong (Dabu) Association Singapore Study Grant was established with a $50,000 gift from the association to lend a helping hand to our students.
About the Grant
The Char Yong (Dabu) Association Singapore Study Grant helps to support up to five financially disadvantaged SUSS students a year, regardless of race or dialect. It is made possible by the Char Yong (Dabu) Association.
