As the New Year dawns, bringing with it a renewal of all things, the charm of martial arts traditional culture was showcased to immerse children in the understanding and participation of traditional cultural activities, ensuring their New Year was filled with joy, a sense of involvement, and profound meaning.
On February 18, 2024, the Singapore Youth Culture and Arts Centre, in collaboration with the Singapore International Wushu Culture Centre and the New Hope Community Service, hosted a grand New Year celebration at the Centre. Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong Chun Fai of the Singapore Cultural Community graced the event with his presence and delivered an address. In his speech, Minister Tong expressed gratitude to all the organizations for their active engagement and extended special thanks to the Singapore International Wushu Culture Centre for their exhilarating martial arts performances, which exuded youthful vigor and impressive grace. The Centre's voluntary courses not only fostered communication among the neighboring residents but also enriched the community's cultural activities, making them worthy of support and promotion. Minister Tong also congratulated the Singapore Youth Culture and Arts Centre on the successful hosting of the "Belt and Road" cultural exchange study tour among the countries along the route, as well as the Sixth Singapore International Culture Festival in 2024.
During the exhibition and performance, the students of the International Wushu Culture Centre not only displayed their exceptional skills but also conveyed the spiritual essence of martial arts culture. Their movements were a harmonious blend of strength and grace, demonstrating both formidable power and a fluid, aesthetic flexibility. This won them rounds of enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience below.
Rejoice in the atmosphere of the Dragon, and delightfully usher in the New Year. The minister engaged in warm conversations with the children, presenting them with New Year gifts and blessing them with a bright future of diligent learning and joyful growth.
The children, upon receipt of the gifts, beamed with joy, shyly saying, "Thank you, uncle."
As the event concluded, the students joined the minister in the traditional activity of "Lo Hei" (combo fish plate), a special New Year's dish in the local lunar calendar celebration. "Lo Hei" is about creating an atmosphere, with each ingredient in the dish holding a special meaning, and every step carrying its unique significance. It's a way to "toss up" prosperity and well-being, hoping for a better year ahead!
The hosting of this event not only provided a platform for the students of the International Wushu Culture Centre to showcase themselves and exchange learning experiences but also deepened people's understanding and appreciation of traditional culture, boosted cultural confidence, and enriched community-based cultural activities. In the end, amidst songs and laughter, the Spring Festival celebration was brought to a perfect conclusion.
