The History of the Belgian and Luxembourg Association of Singapore
Origins: The Belgian Community in Singapore (Late 1970s)
The roots of the Belgian and Luxembourg Association of Singapore (BLAS) can be traced back to the late 1970s, a period when Singapore was rapidly emerging as a regional hub for international trade, aviation, and industry. At that time, the Belgian expatriate community in Singapore was relatively small but growing, largely driven by business, aviation, and regional management roles.
Belgian businessmen and professionals began meeting informally under the chairmanship of Mr. Guy Robbe, who was then the Regional General Manager of SABENA in Singapore. These gatherings were not structured events, but social occasions held at his residence, where Belgians in Singapore could meet, exchange news, and maintain a sense of community far from home. These early meetings laid the foundation for what would later become a formal association.
From Informal Gatherings to an Organized Club (1984)
By 1984, the Belgian community in Singapore had grown sufficiently to justify a more structured organization. A small group of motivated Belgians took the initiative to formally establish a Belgian club, with the goal of expanding beyond informal social gatherings.
During this formative period, several working groups were created and presented to the wider Belgian community. These groups reflected the diverse interests of the members and included:
- Economy & Business
- Social & Recreational activities
- Cultural initiatives
- Scientific & Academic exchanges
This structure marked a turning point, transforming a loose network of acquaintances into an emerging community organization with a clear purpose and long‑term vision. ]
Official Foundation of BLAS (1985)
The association was officially founded on 4 July 1985, under the name Belgian and Luxembourg Association of Singapore (BLAS). From its inception, BLAS was conceived as a joint Belgian‑Luxembourg association, reflecting the close historical, cultural, and economic ties between Belgium and Luxembourg and the shared identity of their expatriate communities abroad.
The official formation of BLAS was formally recognized by the Singapore authorities, with a notice published in the Singapore Government Gazette in July 1985 (Notification No. 2373). This recognition established BLAS as a legitimate non‑profit association within Singapore’s regulatory framework. ]
Growth and Community Life (Late 1980s–1990s)
Following its official foundation, BLAS quickly became the social heart of the Belgian and Luxembourg communities in Singapore. Regular activities were organized for:
- Adults
- Families
- Children
Events ranged from social gatherings and cultural celebrations to recreational and family‑oriented activities. BLAS also played an important role in helping newly arrived families settle into life in Singapore, providing guidance, social contacts, and a familiar cultural environment.
During these years, BLAS established its identity as a volunteer‑driven association, run by committed committee members who dedicated their time to organizing activities and supporting the community. This volunteer spirit remains a defining characteristic of BLAS to this day.
Maintaining Ties Beyond Singapore: “Singapore Old Timers”
An interesting chapter in BLAS history emerged when long‑standing members began returning to Belgium and Luxembourg. Rather than letting the community bonds fade, former BLAS President Georges Castermans initiated the creation of the “Singapore Old Timers” group.
This group brought together former BLAS members who had repatriated, meeting annually—alternating between Belgium and Luxembourg. Even after returning home, members continued to cherish their Singapore experience and maintain traditions formed during their time abroad, including social habits such as playing Mahjong together.
Formal Registration and Continuity (2000s)
As Singapore’s regulatory framework for societies evolved, BLAS continued to adapt. The association is registered with Singapore’s Registry of Societies and operates as a non‑profit society, reinforcing its long‑term stability and continuity as a community organization
Throughout the 2000s, BLAS remained focused on its core mission:
- Bringing Belgians and Luxembourgers together
- Promoting cultural and social exchanges
- Creating a “home away from home” for its members
BLAS Today
Today, BLAS stands as the official social association of Belgians and Luxembourgers in Singapore, distinct from business‑focused organizations such as the Belgian‑Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. It continues to organize dozens of events each year, entirely through the dedication of volunteers
BLAS welcomes:
- New arrivals and long‑term residents
- Singles, couples, and families
- Belgians, Luxembourgers, and friends of the community
More than four decades after its informal beginnings, BLAS remains faithful to its founding spirit: connection, friendship, cultural exchange, and community support.
A Living Legacy
From informal living‑room gatherings in the late 1970s to a well‑established community association today, the history of BLAS reflects the evolving story of the Belgian and Luxembourg communities in Singapore. Built by volunteers and sustained by shared values, BLAS continues to play a vital role in strengthening bonds between people, cultures, and generations—both in Singapore and beyond.
