Taoist Mission (Singapore) Taoist Mission (Singapore) was founded on 16 February 1996 with the aim of promoting Taoism and preserving Chinese traditions and values in Singapore. It states that its objectives are to promote Taoism and the Taoist spirit; to undertake research related to traditional Taoist culture; and to preserve Chinese values, traditions and heritage.

Since its inception, the Taoist Mission has realized the importance of communication and exchanges between different religious faiths, and has extended its educational and cultural programmes not only to devotees but also to the larger community. Themed exhibitions, such as ‘Knowing Taoism’, ‘Taoist Identity’ and ‘Living in Harmony with Chinese Festivals and Celebrations’, have been held annually together with Taoist Day, which falls on the fifteen day of the second lunar month and marks the birth of Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism (see box). The group has also conducted talks and seminars for government ministries and public organizations.

In 1996, the Taoist Mission was the first Taoist body admitted into the Inter- religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO). The president of the Taoist Mission Master

Lee Zhiwang, was elected president of the IRO in 1999. Earlier this year, the Taoist Mission announced the establishment of the Tao Theology and Culture Centre to promote educational programmes and to conduct Taoist classes and related activities for the general public.