When Chinese migrant worker Hao Sing-an saw a video message of his relatives in China wishing him a Happy Chinese New Year, at a dinner event organised for foreign workers at the Huang Clan Association building, he was moved to tears.
Five similar videos featuring wishes from faraway relatives were played during the event, which brought together some 150 migrant workers last Sunday.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Manpower’s Assurance, Care, and Engagement (ACE) group, in collaboration with the Huang Cultural Heritage Association, River Valley High School and Salvation Army.
It aimed to bring joy to foreign workers who are away from their families during the festive period, and to foster a better understanding of different cultural traditions among them.
Workers who hailed from countries including China, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar, were joined by around 50 local volunteers from various organisations.
Although Mr Hao, 51, who has worked here for 20 years, misses Chinese New Year celebrations with his family and childhood friends, he said that events such as this uplift his spirits.
“Spending the New Year with my colleagues, who are like my family in Singapore, also brings me great joy,” he said.
Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon was the guest of honor at the event and participated in the activities, including a Chinese calligraphy segment and the “Lo Hei” ceremony, a key feature of Chinese New Year celebrations where families and friends come together to toss the “yusheng” (a mixture of sliced raw fish and shredded vegetables) and seek good fortune.
Migrant worker Ashok Loganathan said the best part of the event was the Lo Hei ceremony, which he first experienced at a similar event in 2023.
“It’s nice that (the organisers) include everyone in this celebration – even if we are not Chinese,” Mr Ashok, 35, said. “The last time I came here, I took home enough oranges to share with all my dormmates.”
Mr Stanley Ng, secretary-general of the Young Members’ Group at the Huang Cultural Heritage Association, told tabla!: “Our ancestors established cultural heritage associations to build supportive networks for immigrants.
“In that spirit and in recognition of their hard work, we have been organising such events for the foreign workers since 2017.”
The event also featured traditional lion dance performances, table games led by young volunteers, and a mini concert.
