Welcoming the Lunar New Year with Jalan Besar Senior Residents - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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21 Mar 2025

2 mins

Welcoming the Lunar New Year with Jalan Besar Senior Residents

The spirit of joy and togetherness was in full swing as SMOU welcomed the Year of the Wood Snake with a heartwarming celebration alongside 100 senior residents from Jalan Besar. Held on 6 February 2025 at the Lighthouse Bistro, the event was a perfect blend of tradition, laughter, and festive cheer.

The festivities began with a dazzling Cai Qing (“picking the greens”) lion dance performance. The lively beats of the drums set the tone for the event, captivating the seniors and guests alike.

Following the spirited performance, YSMOU chairman Mr Dominic Yong delivered a warm welcome speech. The event was further graced by an inspiring opening address from Guest-of-Honour Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District and Adviser to Kampong Glam Grassroots Organisations, who shared heartfelt wishes for a prosperous year ahead.

The evening began with a heartwarming moment as Ms. Denise Phua, Mr Rahim Jaffar, and Ms Mary Liew, with other SMOU officials, personally presented hongbaos to each senior resident, spreading festive blessings and goodwill. The room was filled with smiles and gratitude as the generous gesture set the tone for the night.

The celebration continued with the traditional Lo Hei, where senior residents and guests, including Kampong Glam officials and SMOU leaders, tossed yu sheng together, chanting “Huat ah!” and inviting prosperity with laughter and joy.

The celebration was filled with more than just good food—guests were entertained with lively games and sing-alongs to familiar Lunar New Year tunes, adding to the cheerful ambience. A particularly touching moment came when the oldest attendees, 103-year-old Mdm Teo Ah Moi and 90-year-old Mdm Chen Yoke Eng, were honoured with special Lunar New Year goodie bags, bringing smiles to the gathering.

The event truly embodied the warmth and spirit of a family reunion. Each senior guest left with cherished memories and a thoughtfully packed goodie bag containing daily essentials and festive treats like mixed brown rice, low-sugar Milo, Nestum oats, pineapple tarts, mandarin oranges, a toothbrush, and a reusable bag.

As the celebration drew to a close, hearts were full and spirits were high.

Here’s wishing everyone an abundance of health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead. Gong Xi Fa Cai!