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According to Lianhe Zaobao, Mr Jackie Chan's investment representative in Singapore met the media yesterday and confirmed that the Hong Kong actor had decided to donate his collection of antique Chinese houses, at least 200 years old, to Singapore's new university on East Coast.
Although Mr Guan Weiqiang, Mr Chan's representative, was not able to confirm the value of the donation, estimates put the figure in the millions.
Mr Chan had started his collection some 20 years ago. His collection currently comprises seven houses and an opera performing stage, dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Minister for Foreign Affairs on the proposed donation
In response to the article in Lianhe Zaobao today on the proposed donation of old Chinese houses to Singapore's New University, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo said:
"Mr Jackie Chan has offered to donate some old Chinese houses from the Ming and Qing period to Singapore. I know Mr Chan through my wife because he has been helping her on children's cancer as a Goodwill Ambassador of VIVA Foundation. I am very excited about the offer as it comes at a time when we are actively exploring a tie-up between our New University and a leading Chinese university. This collaboration initiative was agreed to between Premier Wen Jiabao and PM Lee Hsien Loong during their meeting in Beijing last October.
"The Chinese houses would be a wonderful symbol of this proposed partnership. These houses can be nicely incorporated in the master plan of our New University. Mr Chan has discussed this offer with our Education Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, who responded enthusiastically. He has also been shown the proposed site of the New University in the East Coast by Mr Philip Ng, Chairman of the New University Steering Committee. Mr Chan liked the location and thought that an educational institution was a fitting place where these Chinese houses could be enjoyed by generations of students and members of the public. We are aware that approval from the Chinese authorities is required for the transfer of the houses and have raised this matter with them."
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
12 FEBRUARY 2009
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