新加坡凤山寺在南安社群里的社会功能演变与影响力之探讨 = THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL FUNCTION AND INFLUENCE OF SINGAPORE HONG SAN SEE TEMPLE IN LAM ANN COMMUNITY

Abstract

Hong San See Temple, located at Mohamed Sultan Road in the River Valley Planning Area has won the highest UNESCO award for excellence in heritage conservation in the year 2010. It was first built in 1836 at Tanjong Pagar, and then was moved to its current location in 1908. Before Lam Ann Association was formed in 1926, Hong San See Temple acted as the leader of the Lam Ann community in Singapore. Subsequently, its position was replaced by Lam Ann Association and was taken over in 1973. The establishment of Lam Ann Association has transferred most of the social functions of Hong San See Temple to itself. However, Hong San See Temple still has its influences among the Lam Ann community through religious and cultural functions. Along the years, Hong San See Temple has improved its adaptability and managed to influence the Lam Ann community in Singapore. The objective of this thesis is to examine the development of social functions and influences of Hong San See Temple in the Lam Ann community. This study would be based on primary and secondary sources which have been collected. Primary sources involve interviews and field work on Hong San See Temple. Journals and Lam Ann Association's memorial publications contribute to the secondary resources. Chapter One introduces the purpose, method and synopsis of the research of my study. Chapter Two presents the development of Hong San See Temple as well as its social status and influences among the Lam Ann community over the years. Chapter Three focuses on two important events held in Hong San See Temple to analyze the implications and influences it made on the Lam Ann community and even the society in Singapore. Chapter Four, the final chapter concludes the significances of Hong San See Temples followed by its future prospects after winning the awards of excellence of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards. In this study, by choosing Hong San See Temple as my case study, I hope to review the temples that once had strong influence among dialect groups in the Chinese society of Singapore. These temples are changing over time. Their transition indicates the development of the Singapore society. Ultimately, they play an important role as they enrich the history and culture of Singapore.