Opening Remarks by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Reception for Chingay 2016 Key Representatives, Major Donors, Partners And Sponsors

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon

First of all, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year –

新(xīn)   年(nián)   快(kuài)   乐(lè)      万(wàn)   事(shì)   如(rú)   意(yì)

It is my pleasure to host this reception to congratulate and thank each and every one of you for making this year’s Chingay Parade a huge success.

The Chingay parade started in 1970s as a neighbourhood parade. Since then, it has grown from year to year into a national celebration of our multi-ethnic cultures and the Singapore Spirit.  My wife and I have never failed to be amazed every year by the innovation of the production team in the People’s Association.  We were heartened to see performers of different races and ages coming together to celebrate Singapore’s cultural diversity and heritage, and friends from abroad contributing to this vibrant parade.  

We were also touched by the passion and enthusiasm of parade volunteers, ushers and crowd motivators.

The People’s Association adopted the theme “Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore” for this year’s parade to showcase the core values of Perseverance, Resilience, Integrity and Harmony which were upheld by our Founding Fathers and continue to reflect who we are as a people. Given that we have just celebrated 50 years of nation building last year, the parade was a most appropriate reminder that these values must remain a cornerstone of our society so that together as one people, we can continue to secure a brighter future for Singapore. 

This year’s Chingay is made possible through the strong support of many participants and the organisations they represent.  I would like to commend and thank you for your commitment towards staging a wonderful celebration of our nation, our people and our values.

I would also like to thank the People’s Association and your major partners, including the Singapore Totalisator Board and Singapore Tourism Board, and all donors and sponsors for your valuable contributions towards this year’s Chingay parade. 

Next year will mark the 45^th anniversary of the Chingay parade. I hope that all of you will continue to support Chingay 2017 to make this street party an even better, grander and more meaningful parade.  

Thank you once again, and have a wonderful afternoon.