Nudging the fringe to the centre

• Winfred Khoo, man of diverse passions and extraordinary vision, aims to nudge many groundbreaking, erstwhile “fringe”, ideas to the centre.
• He is the pivotal force behind the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) and its media platform, New Asia Currents. They will play a major role in the organisation and dissemination of the ideas he supports.
• There are currently at least eight projects under the purview of the CWC and the list is growing.

By Anansa Jacob

WINFRED KHOO, Managing Director of Clinical Bionomics (SLiM.Sciences) in Singapore, has always been a man of diverse passions and extraordinary vision. A permanent resident in the city state with deep ties to both Penang and the broader Southeast Asian region, Khoo’s career spans integrative medicine, cultural advocacy, and initiatives aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding. A core belief of his is to help bring groundbreaking, erstwhile “fringe”, ideas to the centre.

One of his latest endeavours is New Asia Currents (NAC, read here), a media platform to capture and communicate the projects under Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC, read here).

The Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) is a platform inspired by the histories of Chinatowns in Penang and Singapore. It explores the multicultural contexts of these two cities and their historical connections to China, Asia and the wider world. The project emphasises the exchange of knowledge, languages, science and the arts, highlighting the relationship between modernity and post colonial transitions. Its goal is to develop initiatives through a global network of Chinatowns and beyond, fostering multiethnic and intercultural learning while expanding the frontiers of human knowledge.

To produce New Asia Currents, Khoo is assisted by editor Sebastian Lim and honorary advisers, Lim Siang Jin and Woon Tai Ho.

Deeper bonds are crucial

Khoo’s journey to co-founding the CWC began with a deep-seated desire to strengthen ties, especially between Singaporeans and Malaysians. “The idea came from wanting to forge closer friendships through shared culture and history,” he explains. A pivotal moment occurred during a discussion initiated by Professor Tay Kheng Soon, a prominent Singaporean architect and intellectual. At one such gathering, the plight of P. Ramlee’s son – a descendant of Malaysia’s legendary entertainer – was raised.

The group pooled funds to assist the family, an act that resonated deeply with Khoo. “That night, I realised we needed a larger platform to reconnect Singaporeans and Malaysians, especially the younger generation, with their shared heritage.”

Khoo understands how much Singapore and Penang share in terms of heritage. “One in five Singaporean families likely has roots in Penang due to the historical Straits Settlements,” he notes. Yet, modern ties often seem superficial, limited to brief visits for shopping or family reunions.

Khoo feels these connections should not be allowed to languish at that level. “Singapore is geographically and historically bound to Malaysia, and fostering deeper bonds is crucial for both.”

Solidification of a Concept

The idea of the CWC was further solidified during a serendipitous meeting in Penang. Khoo was introduced to a proposal for a global Chinatown headquarters – a visionary project encompassing university, theme parks, museums, and residential developments.

While property development wasn’t his forte, the concept of celebrating Chinatowns as cultural and historical hubs intrigued him. Khoo believes that Chinatowns are more than tourist attractions; they’re vibrant communities that have shaped urban landscapes worldwide.

As Khoo refined the concept, he drew inspiration from George Yeo, Singapore’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs. Yeo’s ideas about a Chinese Commonwealth, though initially focused on China and Taiwan, inspired Khoo to think broader.

“I suggested expanding the vision to include places like Penang and Singapore, which are neutral and welcoming to diverse perspectives,” Khoo shares. From these discussions, the initial idea Commonwealth of World Chinatowns was born.

While the name initially sparked some concerns about racial undertones, Khoo clarifies its metaphorical intent. “The term is not about exclusivity – it’s about inclusivity and creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration,” he says.

The CWC’s inaugural planning forum in July 2024 marked a significant milestone. “We expected 30 attendees but ended up with 60,” Khoo recalls. The event brought together diverse voices, including George Yeo and Tay Kheng Soon, two people who played pivotal roles, to brainstorm the platform’s future.

In order to reach out to a global audience, he established a media platform for the CWC named New Asia Currents (NAC, read here). Looking ahead, Khoo envisions NAC as a dynamic communication media, a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.

The CWC’s ongoing mission revolves around art, culture, history, and science, all areas close to Khoo’s heart. For example, the upcoming musical Emily of Emerald Hill exemplifies his approach. “This production blends performing arts, culinary experiences, and intellectual discussions to celebrate Southeast Asia’s rich heritage,” Khoo explains.

Scheduled to premiere in Singapore on July 27, 2025, the musical will then travel to Penang and Jakarta, accompanied by forums on topics ranging from archaeology to integrative medicine.

Personal interests

Khoo’s personal interests strongly influence his initiatives surrounding the CWC. His advocacy for integrative medicine stems from his professional background and a belief in holistic health approaches.

“Mainstream medicine often overlooks the potential of therapies like wellness integrative medicine,” he says. Collaborating with institutions like Universiti Sains Malaysia, Khoo is spearheading programmes to train doctors in integrative practices.

His passion also extends to frontier sciences, including parapsychology and archaeology. “From exploring Southeast Asia’s ancient pyramids to connecting with Russian cosmonauts interested in UFO research, I’ve always been drawn to the relatively unexplored,” he adds.

Art, too, plays a central role in the CWC vision. Khoo highlights collaborations with Southeast Asian artists aiming to redefine Asian art. “There’s a growing need to shift away from Westernised perspectives and embrace our unique heritage,” he observes.

He emphasises its openness to all communities, regardless of ethnicity or background. “From the start, this was about fostering friendships and exploring frontier knowledge across cultures,” he says.

Whether through archaeology, integrative medicine, or performing arts, Khoo hopes CWC will inspire others to take ownership of projects and expand its reach.

Reflecting on his journey, Khoo remains optimistic of the organisation’s potential to reach a wider audience. As CWC and NAC evolve, they will stand as testaments to Khoo’s vision of a world where culture, science, and collaboration come together to create a brighter future for all.