Stronger Together: Advocates for Cultural Education (ACE-AG) and People’s Association (PA) Growing Partnership in Community Building

Play Well, Grow Well 

On 17 May 2025, Advocates for Cultural Education (ACE-AG)'s first collaboration with People's Association (PA) brought families, neighbours, and children together through the simple joy of traditional games. With booths featuring nostalgic favourites like Snap cards, Country Erasers, Spin Tops, Chapteh, Bamboo Dance, and Ddakji, the event was a vibrant celebration of shared memories and intergenerational bonding.

ACE-AG partnered with PA to introduce traditional games for residents to bond and play together.

In line with ACE-AG's mission to promote intergenerational and cultural understanding, the group collaborated with the People's Association to create a meaningful experience where families and neighbours could connect through shared play rooted in local heritage. The event also marked a valuable opportunity to bring this mission beyond the campus and into the heart of the community.

A familiar game of Snap brought back fond memories for the parent, who enjoyed playing it with her child, guided by an ACE-AG member.

Beyond the games, the event included a magic show and fun booths that encouraged bonding. One adult resident reflected: "I only came here because my son was interested in what I used to play when I was young, but when I saw the Chapteh and Spin Top, memories just came flooding back. I couldn't help but try it out with my son for old time's sake." Their son shared their experience, saying, "I had fun playing the Spin Top! I didn't know these things could be so much fun! I had fun playing it with Daddy as well!

This event successfully fostered a closer sense of community. The residents not only had fun reminiscing, but this event also proved to be a valuable opportunity for the ACE-SG members to gain a deeper understanding of the past and present generations, and how they differ yet share similarities.

Fabian Koh, SUSS Year 2 Marketing student and ACE-AG student leader, reflected, "It was eye-opening to see how engaged the children were with the traditional games. I initially thought these games might not appeal to them, but they were incredibly enthusiastic, and some even encouraged their parents to join in. It was heartening to witness how these simple activities could spark such genuine joy and connection across generations."

It is an eye-opener showing how, at the centre of it all, the bonds between people will always be important in this ever-changing society.

Racial Harmony Day Celebration

Building on the success of the May event, ACE-AG was proud to continue its partnership with PA for a Racial Harmony Day celebration on 12 July 2025 as a co-organiser, which championed diversity, inclusion, and the kampung spirit. Designed to promote racial and ethnic harmony, the event centred around food, fun, and cultural understanding.

Residents took part in an engaging Cultural Game Show that tested their knowledge of various customs and shared their heritage through the Homecooked Challenge, a showcase of homemade dishes from a diverse range of cultures, including Muslim, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese cuisines.

Let the game show begin with SUSS ACE's emcee introducing the Cultural Game Show segment.

Two of the ACE Student Leaders are preparing for the potluck competition for the residents there.

One participant, by his first name, Leong, shared, "It was so heartening to see neighbours proudly serving dishes from their culture. It felt like we were all learning something new and celebrating what we already share." Aside from the feast, local games and photo-taking corners provided residents with opportunities to interact and take home mementoes of the day.

Happy smiles all around as residents struck their best poses for our free-roaming photographers, to receive a Polaroid photo to take home

Although both events had different themes, they ultimately shared the same goal: bringing people together through meaningful, inclusive, and joyful experiences. Whether kicking a chapteh or sharing a home-cooked dish, these simple moments sparked conversations, bridged generational and cultural gaps. They reminded us of the kampung spirit that keeps our community together.

A group photo with the participants and our SUSS ACE members at the Racial Harmony Day event

ACE-AG is deeply grateful for the continued support of the People's Association and looks forward to future collaborations that continue to empower communities and celebrate the diversity that brings us all together.