Speech by President Halimah Yacob at Chingay Appreciation Function 2022

Mr Lim Hock Yu, Chief Executive Director of the People’s Association

Partners and Sponsors of Chingay50

Ladies and Gentlemen

A very good morning to all. Let me begin by wishing everyone Xin Nian Kuai Le!

I am pleased to host today’s Appreciation Function to thank everyone here – sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers, for your continuous support and for making Chingay50 a success. This year is a special milestone for Chingay as we commemorate its 50th anniversary. Over the years, the Chingay Parade has become Singapore’s signature multicultural event that brings people from diverse cultures, ethnicity and backgrounds together to celebrate our rich heritage and local talents. I am heartened that the support from our community and corporate stakeholders has made 50 years of Chingay possible.

My husband and I were happy to attend the Chingay50 Showcase at Jewel Changi Airport last Saturday.  We especially enjoyed the utilisation of special digital projection and effects. Even though not many people could experience the physical showcase like past Chingay Parades, Singaporeans and friends around the world were able to feel the dynamic experience through the live webcast. This year’s showcase brought the best of Singapore’s multiculturalism and community talents to local audiences and beyond. I am heartened to note that Chingay50 had reached new heights in dazzling both local and global audiences with a visually spectacular showcase, leveraging technology and working with new partners to make the milestone celebration a success.

Chingay50 has brought together more than 1,000 performers to present a hybrid show where some of the performing items were pre-recorded and others performed live at the showcase. The opening was especially memorable for me. Those images from past Chingay Parades since 1973 brought back fond memories and a sense of nostalgia. 

In commemoration of Chingay50, a series of community engagement programmes were also organised to bring the Chingay experience closer to the residents in fun and creative ways, such as the Community Co-creation of PAssionArts - Chingay50 Mini Floats. While we were not able to bring back the life-size Chingay floats this year, the community and local artists got together since October 2021 to conceptualise and co-create 17 colourful Mini Floats, beautifully presented at the Chingay50 special showcase at Jewel Changi last Saturday.

Other than the mini floats, Chingay introduced #HeyChingay50Bus where public buses were transformed as reimagined Chingay floats with designs inspired from past Chingay floats and elements of Chingay Parade. These buses are now on the roads, bringing cheer to everyone.

The search for hidden talents within the community, through the ‘We’ve Got Talent!’ campaign, continued for the second year. Joshua, who is also present here today, has been crowned Chingay50 “Community Star of the Year” among the many talents.  His performance has touched me and I hope that he continues to inspire others in the community with his music and passion. I wish him all the best. 

The theme “Ignite Our Dreams” calls on Singaporeans to rekindle the passion for our dreams, both big and small, and reminds us to remain forward-looking and resilient, even as we overcome challenging times together as a nation. 

In closing, I would like to thank the People’s Association, the Tote Board Group, Singapore Tourism Board, and all the community and corporate contributors for commemorating 50 years of Chingay together. I look forward to your continued support for next year’s Chingay.

Thank you.