Speeches
Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2022 Official Opening and Street Light-Up Ceremony
7 January 2022
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Good evening to everyone.
Traditionally, Chinese New Year signifies the spirit of togetherness, as families and friends gather for joyous reunions.
I am delighted to note that this year’s Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2022 Opening Ceremony and Street Light-Up is in its 20th year. Over the years, the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations and Street Light-Up has provided a platform for Singaporeans, their families and friends of all races to come together to understand and better appreciate the Chinese culture.
Before COVID-19 hit, the Chinatown Festivals Organising Committee had been working hard every year to ensure that visitors to Chinatown, and everyone joining in the festivities, would be treated to a lively and interesting line-up of activities that will allow each and every one present to bask in the spirit of Chinese New Year. Notwithstanding the pandemic, I am heartened that the Committee has once again put in much effort and dedicated their time to prepare for this year’s festivities.
I commend the Committee and their volunteers as they continue to uphold tradition and celebrate Chinese culture despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges and restrictions. By adapting to the situation through online celebrations since last year, they continue to spread the festive cheer to everyone.
This year, we are ushering in the Year of the Tiger. The tiger represents strength and courage. These are traits I hope we will continue to draw from, as we emerge from the pandemic stronger than before!
Finally, I wish everyone good health and abundant happiness for the Chinese New Year. Xin Nian Kuai Le! Wan Shi Ru Yi!