Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre launches online Chinese New Year guide

Celebrate Chinese New Year by digging deep into the roots of Chinese culture.

Nicki Chan

Probably that one person singing in the shower at 2am.

Published: 14 January 2022, 1:05 PM

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has launched an interactive Chinese New Year online guide ahead of the festive period.

The guide, Festive Fever, serves as a one-stop portal to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

Suitable for all ages, the all-in-one microsite covers everything related to the festival from conversational traditions to taboos.

Aside from explanatory guides such as Yusheng 101: Toss Like A Boss, it also contains a Lepak Itinerary with suggestions for activities to engage in at home. Music choices are also abundant as the site recommends a variety of Chinese New Year playlists.

sccc-festive-fever-interactive-calendar — Festive Fever also features an interactive calendar with fun facts about all the days of Chinese New Year. IMAGE CREDIT: SCCC

The site also features origin stories that take readers back in Chinese cultural history, as well as interactive quizzes and surveys for users to participate in.

Festive Fever kickstarts a series of programmes and exhibitions that the SCCC has planned for 2022 to commemorate its fifth anniversary.

1. Life is Sweet: Ang Ku Kueh Girl

This cute cartoon character, who was inspired by the popular Asian pastry ang ku kueh, goes on adventures to discover the true source of happiness and beauty in everyday life. She symbolises blessings for good luck and longevity just like the traditional snack.

ang-ku-kueh-girl-comic — The character, along with others inspired by local goodies, was created by artist Wang Shijia. PHOTO CREDIT: ANG KU KUEH GIRL AND FRIENDS

A collaboration between the SCCC and Ang Ku Kueh Girl and Friends, this exhibition features a series of unique illustrations by Wang Shijia.

It is located at the SCCC Level 9 and 10 Foyer from now until Jun 30, and admission is free.

Ang Ku Kueh Girl and Friends has also released a special Chinese New Year sticker pack in collaboration with the SCCC. It is available for free at the Google Play Store, Apple app store and Telegram.

2. SCCC CNY Red Packet 2022: Roar into the new year with 5 blessings

In honour of the Year of the Tiger, the SCCC’s 2022 red packet design features digitally stencilled tigers interacting with the Chinese character fu.

There are five distinct designs with the fu written in different calligraphic scripts. The designs show how Chinese characters have evolved over time.

The designs were created by 76-year old calligraphy master Yong Cheong Thye and 26-year-old illustrator Toby Tan, also known as Tobyato.

sccc-chinese-new-year-tiger-red-packet-2022 — The collaboration brings about a unique fusion of traditional and modern art forms. PHOTO CREDIT: SCCC

Visitors to the SCCC may redeem a free set of the red packets from the reception area at Level 1, available until Feb 15 while stocks last. Each limited edition set contains all five designs.

3. One of Us, All of Us

Based on the popular One of Us video series, this exhibition features people who promote and develop Chinese dialect culture in unique and impactful ways.

one-of-us-all-of-us-sccc-exhibition — The exhibition draws upon the One of Us video series, providing a closer look at its subjects. PHOTO CREDIT: SCCC

Comprising stories, videos and artefacts, the exhibition provides an up close and personal showcase of over 20 people featured on the video series. Through this, visitors can discover new perspectives on local Chinese dialect cultures.

The free exhibition is held at the SCCC’s Ho Bee Concourse from now till Mar 31.

Ways of Being video series

This video series highlights ten values that many Chinese Singaporeans hold dear. It reflects on these values and how they are present in Chinese Singaporeans’ daily lives.

A total of five episodes will be released monthly from February to November.

This year, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre hopes to showcase local creativity through its collaboration with arts and cultural groups and community partners.

While doing so, it hopes to develop Singaporeans’ appreciation of Chinese culture and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

“Chinese New Year is a common experience shared by all Chinese Singaporeans. Through CNY programmes, we hope to show that our distinctive local Chinese culture is both vibrant and ever-evolving,” said SCCC CEO Low Sze Wee.