It has been reported that the Federation of Hokkien Asssociations in Malaysia, the largest clan association in Malaysia, is now setting up a chamber of commerce to inject new lease of life into the federation. It is known that many clans are on the decline due to dwindling membership.

By adding commercial activities to these cultural-leaning groups, it may attract participation from the younger and highly educated generation – which was done in the past but with disappointing results.

Clans of various surnames and functions were formed by Chinese immigrants, brought into then Malaya by the British to open up tin mines and jungles for rubber planting. Their mission then was to help fellow countrymen who were fleeing famine and civil wars to find jobs and shelter and send hard-earned money to their impoverished families in China.

Community leaders would also officiate marriages, set up schools, hospitals and temples for the welfare of their clansmen.

But with time, and as many Chinese opted to settle down in Malaysia, their objectives became less relevant. As a result, many clans now focus on cultural activities.

Promoting language and culture, however, do not appeal to youth, particularly those who have studied abroad.

The prospect of of obtaining Belt and Road business ventures is making the new chambers more appealing to young entrepreneurs and professionals.

“Out of the 500 members that we have, 60% of them are young people,” says Tan Sri Lim Soon Peng, founding president of the Malaysia Lin Chamber of Commerce.

Soon Peng and Datuk Lim Jia Ngee, who is the Malaysia Lin Chamber of Commerce president, believe these new chambers may eventually become bigger and more influential federations.

“This could mean another new force, representing smaller businesses and young entrepreneurs,” he says, refuting that it will cause confusion.

They are different entities with varied objectives, he stresses: while clan associations take care of cultural activities, the chambers will focus on business ventures and networking.

But Chinese culture expert Tang Ah Chai sees “more cons than pros” in these recent developments, which he says will weaken the influence of existing associations and waste resources. Tang, who specialises in Malaysian Chinese history and culture, points out there could be competing interests among the existing clans and spin-offs.

“It is alright to set up new guilds. But if they are linked to existing associations, this will bring more cons than pros. They could be tapping on the same pool of people. There will be competition. This may create conflict.”