of the Chinese language can be attributed how youths often view Chinese as inferior. According to Professor Chew Cheng Hai, a consultant to Nanyang Technological University's Centre for Chinese Language and Culture, "Singaporean society views Mandarin as the language of those who are not successful." Unable to effectively reach out to the youth, due to language and generation barriers, Chinese clan associations face an aging membership and a problem of finding successors to clan leadership positions. This is a pertinent problem pointed by Tan Koh Tiang. Reaching out and moving ahead In light of the decline and challenges faced by the Chinese clan associations, it is imperative for Chinese clans to adopt steps to ensure their survival. The emphasis for change and adaptation are highlighted by top Singapore government officials. BG Lee Hsien Loong said "whether the clans are able to remain vibrant and relevant to the new generation, rejuvenate themselves and attract younger members will depend to a large extent, on how successfully they adapt their role to changing social conditions." In order to strive for change, Tan Koh Tiang admits while the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan had served its traditional purpose in the past, it is looking towards a focus on promoting Teochew culture, tradition and values today. The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan which presently engages actively in a wide range of cultural activities such as workshop on Chinese dance, Chinese martial arts, Chinese painting, Chinese calligraphy competitions and Chinese essay-writing competition. In 1983, it formed a cultural and education section and set up an education and cultural centre in the Teochew Building and in 1985 the cultural and education section was enlarged to become a cultural committee, responsible for promoting educational, cultural and recreational activities. Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan continues to promote links with the Teochew hometown (Chaoshan) in China as a means to promote Teochew tradition and culture. Speaking at the 12th Teochew International Convention, the then-Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong concurred with such activities and also suggested that clans could help youths discover their cultural route in order to counter the weakening sense of heritage and tradition among the young. The Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan also reflected a sense of adaptability with changing times through its ability to accept and harness on technology. In 1987, it established a computer centre and was the first clan association to conduct computer courses.