• The Mandarin term “座办” originated from the Hokkien term tso pan.
• As the manager of a clan association, a “座办” is called upon to not only manage administrative matters, but also manage human relations judiciously and courteously. Drawing on their knowledge and experience of clan associations, they maintain harmonious relationships with the board of directors and members.
• By the end of the 20th century, the position of manager in clan associations had evolved into something more akin to an executive secretary or organising secretary. They were put in charge of additional duties and more complex matters.
• Today, besides handling members’ affairs, the manager must also participate in the development of their clan association to ensure that cultural heritage is passed on to the next generation.

In the past, the manager was responsible for matters both large and small within a clan association, taking care of everything from collecting membership fees to managing mahjong tables and refreshments. (Lianhe Zaobao, 3/2/1994)