Blogger questions why Wang Quancheng isn’t labeled a ‘Politically Significant Person’ like Philip Chan

SINGAPORE: In a recent article, Singaporean blogger Vernon Chan highlighted concerns about Wang Quancheng, a Fujian-born naturalized Singapore citizen and President of the Hua Yuan Association, who attended the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in 2018.

The blogger draws comparisons with Philip Chan Man Ping, a 59-year-old Hong Kong-born Singaporean businessman, who was officially identified as a “politically significant person” (PSP) under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) on February 26.

“Why was Philip Chan proscribed and outed by Singapore’s authorities as a politically significant person, and not Wang Quancheng?” the blogger questions, also pointing out Wang’s various positions in Chinese and international organizations.

In a blog post published on Monday (5 Aug), Vernon sarcastically called out the state media, The Straits Times, for “painting a bullseye” on Wang by encouraging readers to scrutinize his background and loyalties.

The Straits Times, in a recent report, interviewed Wang, a participant at a Qixi Fest 2024 launching ceremony, highlighting how the Hua Yuan Association, which consists of new immigrants from various backgrounds, represents a “family of integration.”

The 56-year-old businessman referenced the Han Dynasty as the first major cultural integration in Chinese history and recommended using hazelnuts, a popular offering during that period, to symbolize this integration.

The Blogger cites a 2023 Straits Times report noting that Wang has visited China almost every month since December 2022, when he attended Xiamen’s Two Sessions parliamentary meetings.

Meanwhile, Philip Chan, managing director of various real estate investment firms, was identified as an overseas representative at the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

Similar traits between Wang and Philip Chan raise concerns

Vernon lists several concerning traits about Wang that might be similar to those of Philip Chan.

Referring to an oral history interview conducted with Wang by the National Archives on December 31, 2015, Vernon delves into his background.

Born in Fujian Anxi, Wang came to Singapore at age 19 in 1987 and received his citizenship in 2009.

The interview reveals his rise from a manual worker in the building and construction industry to owning multiple companies.

In the interview, Wang mentioned his beginnings in the building and construction industry, rising rapidly from a manual worker to owning multiple companies.

He became a citizen only two years after starting his business, which had cashflow problems.

Four years after naturalization, he founded an organization for PRC immigrants in Singapore, despite not working with existing clan associations and having no other ties to the PRC.

By 2015, his organization had developed close ties with the People’s Association (PA).

Notably, in a 2018 interview with Chinese state media Xinhua Net, Wang mentioned that the Hua Yuan Association collaborates with the PA every three months.

He also noted that Hua Yuan organizes community work for students during public holidays to help them integrate into the local community.

The Hua Yuan Association’s official website introduces Wang as the Overseas Specially Invited Committee member of the 13th National Committee of CPPCC.

Additionally, Wang has also attended the CPPCC meetings in Xiamen four times, Sichuan four times, and Fujian twice.

Separately, a CV of Wang published at the American Centre for Education, introduced his other roles:

• President of Singapore Quanying Investment Group.
• Investment Consultant of Xiamen Modern Agriculture.
• Overseas Consultant for the Chongqing Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Committee.
• Director of the China Overseas Exchange Association.
• Honorary Advisor of the European Fujian Development Union.

“Mr Wang has already donated more than 20 million dollars to both Singapore and China, and is being grateful for the spirit of giving back to society, ” the CV wrote.

Invitation letter from the Secretary of China’s CPPCC, inviting Wang Quancheng to attend the country’s premier political event in 2018.

Blogger Vernon pointed out that Wang attended the same or a similar PRC parliamentary session as Philip Chan, holding a position as an overseas representative.

“Yet over and beyond this, Wang holds multiple lobbyist or even agent of influence positions for China in other countries. Such a CV might suggest he holds a great loyalty for China and its interests, ” the blogger argued.

Philip Chan became the first PSP declared under FICA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) first announced its intention to designate Philip Chan as a PSP in a statement on February 2.

The decision was based on the Registrar’s assessment, which indicated Chan’s susceptibility to foreign influence and a demonstrated willingness to advance foreign interests, though specific foreign actors were not disclosed.

A review of the official website of the charity group SPD reveals that Chan is a member of the group’s Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Committee.

According to the introduction, Chan boasts over 20 years of experience in the property-related industry.

Chan immigrated from Hong Kong in 1990 and is actively involved in various leadership roles. He leads the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and has been the president of the Kowloon Club since 2011. Numerous articles in the publication highlight the association’s charitable fundraising efforts, often featuring Chan.

In a March 2023 interview with the Chinese news website 52hrtt (华人头条), Chan stated, “It is our duty as overseas Chinese to tell China’s story well, and to both spread and pass on the marvelous traditional Chinese culture while we are abroad.”

“As a member of the Chinese Singaporean community, I have had my articles published in Lianhe Zaobao, a mainstream Chinese media in Singapore. However, my influence is limited. Since we can only do little alone, we therefore need to be more united.”

Chan has expressed his aspiration for overseas representatives of the CPPCC to unite and organize an annual event, facilitated by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Offices.

This envisioned gathering aims to promote exchanges and sharing among overseas Chinese, allowing them to actively contribute to effectively narrating China’s story.

Following his designation as PSP by MHA, Chan has resigned from all grassroots appointments, including his roles as patron of the Kampong Chai Chee Citizens’ Consultative Committee and the Bukit Timah Community Club management committee. He reportedly had held these positions since 2014

Under FICA, a person who is designated as PSP will be prohibited from accepting voluntary labour or professional services from non-Singaporean citizens.

Additionally, they are required to disclose any affiliations with a “foreign principal,” which includes foreign governments, government-related individuals, foreign political organizations, foreign public enterprises, or foreign businesses.

Furthermore, they are barred from receiving anonymous donations exceeding S$5,000 within a calendar year and must report donations of S$10,000 or more from permissible donors.