Speech By President Halimah Yacob at the Chingay 2019

Mr Desmond Tan, Chief Executive Director of the People’s Association

Partners of Chingay Parade

Ladies and Gentlemen

A very good afternoon to all and let me begin by wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year. Xin Nian Kuai Le!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone here for making the Chingay Parade a success. This year’s parade was part of the Bicentennial commemorations, and I’m happy that many partners and organisations have come on board to be part of this important milestone. Your efforts have made Chingay 2019 a truly memorable one.

The contemporary version of Chingay started off in 1973 as a neighbourhood street parade, focusing mainly on aspects of Chinese culture such as dragon and lion dances, martial arts, and street opera. Today, it has evolved further to become a celebration of our rich and vibrant multicultural society – a national event which we are all proud of.

I visited the parade last Saturday and the enthusiasm was infectious, with everyone joining in during the energetic One Heartbeat segment. There are more diverse interest groups participating in this year’s parade. These include Harley Davidson bikers and KF1 Go-Karters who thrilled the audience with their exciting drifts.

At the parade, I also saw a 270-metre painting that depicted the past, present and future of Singapore. It was created by three Singaporean artists – Mr Ng Yak Hwee, Mr Rosihan Dahim and Mdm Vijaya Mohan. They invited people from different walks of life to share their aspirations for the nation, and mark their fingerprints on the artwork to pledge their commitment towards building an inclusive home for all. The final touches were added by the three artists together with a young girl, Sheri Elizabeth Nonis. Their combined effort symbolises the limitless possibilities for Singapore if we can move forward together as one people. It is also an affirmation of how the arts can bring people from diverse backgrounds together, to express a common vision for a better and brighter future.

Multiculturalism has, and will always be, an important part of our Singaporean DNA. When our forefathers started on the journey of building Singapore, people from different origins, cultures and traditions interacted with one another to create the rich cultural tapestry we hold dear today. Over time, we have created a Singaporean culture and identity – this comes from our shared memories, experiences, mixing with different communities that has led to a strong sense of belonging to this place we call home. This is also the spirit of the Chingay Parade, a celebration of different communities living harmoniously as one united people. Multi-culturalism is unique to Singapore and something which we hold dear to us. We must work hard to ensure we stay together, and the best way is to celebrate together.

Chingay parade may have started as part of the Chinese community tradition and culture, but it has also now become all-encompassing, making it a truly Singaporean Chingay parade.

In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the People’s Association, the Tote Board Group, Singapore Tourism Board, and all the community and corporate contributors for making this year’s Chingay possible. I look forward to your continued support for next year’s parade. Thank you and enjoy the reception!

*******