About Friendship Force of Nanyang
Established in November 2002 by eight like-minded and enthusiastic young Singaporeans, the FFN's vision is to overcome the language, cultural and geographical barriers that separate the human race, to promote understanding and build friendship with different nations in the world.
In today's day and age where technology has made communication so easy and convenient, it has, in a way, reduces the opportunities for face-to-face interaction. It is this most primitive form of communication that touches the heart and makes relationships special and meaningful.
Technology has also made travel possible. Lots of people travel around the world to see what the world has to offer. We can visit a hundred sites and know nothing about the place. But we can make a friend and learn their way of life. Landscape changes but not the people. What make these places special are the very people who make up the place.
Making friends, establishing special and meaningful relationships, understanding differences - these are just a few of the many things that the Club hopes to achieve through its various programs, which not only focus on international relations but also the local community ties.
What is an exchange program?
Club members will travel as Ambassadors to visit members from the affiliated clubs in different parts of the world. Lasting usually for about a week to two, the Ambassadors will stay in the homes of members from the hosting club to learn about each other’s country and way of life. The hosting club will also organize activities such as short tour of the place, gatherings, etc. The type of activities organized is up to the hosting club and the individual hosts.
While others open their doors to us, the same is expected of the Club’s members. We welcome members from the affiliated clubs and shower them with the same kind of hospitality that we had received. Introducing them to Singapore, our people and our way of life, this is by far the best travel guide one can ever find.
How you can be a part?
Join us and experience the joy of sharing and learning as Ambassadors, as Hosts, or just to participate in our regular activities. Contact us at for more information.
Why the name Nanyang?
Can’t find the word in the dictionary or on the map? Worry not. For the word “Nanyang” originated from a Chinese word -南洋. What it means basically is the name of Singapore, used by the Chinese immigrants in the early days. To make a direct translation, the word means “South Ocean”.
The name - Friendship Force of Nanyang, holds a very special meaning. The idea of setting up the Club started brewing after our return from a homestay program organized by the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Through the program, we also got to know like-minded friends from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Thus, spearheaded by the Club's President, the eight of us, though from different backgrounds, had come together with a common goal: to offer more opportunities for Singaporeans to participate in homestay programs so that they, too, will be able to benefit from it like we did.
Thus, there is no other word more apt than Nanyang.