Chinese New Year Gathering 2016

The Malaysian society in unison with the Singaporean society gathered to make this joint event. This year, Chinese New year fell on the 8th and 9th of February. As such, we decided to make the event on the 12th of February. Members of the Malaysian society and Singaporean society were welcome to usher in the lunar new year. Non members were also welcomed! We started off the event by briefly thanking everyone for coming and then it was the start of the incredible food buffet done by the committee members of both societies.



Ingredients for the Yusheng

 

Spring rolls, dumplings and herbal eggs

Hainanese steamed chicken

A cheeky photo of the committee members helping out with serving the food

 

 

And then it was time to give out mandarin oranges to all our guests. During Chinese New Year, mandarin oranges  are considered traditional symbols of abundance and good fortune. We even had one of our committee members dress up as a mascot to give them out!

 

Finally it was time to do the prosperity toss also known as Yusheng. Yu sheng is a Teochew-style raw fish salad which usually consists of strips of raw fish, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Yusheng literally means "raw fish" but since "fish" is commonly conflated with its homophone "abundance", Yusheng is interpreted as a homophone for Yusheng meaning an increase in abundance. Therefore, Yusheng is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.

 



 

 

It was a great celebration in the end and everyone had fun. Chinese new year brings back many memories to me. Having hearing the Chinese New year songs being played during the event while consuming my local food made me really happy to be surrounded with my fellow Singaporeans to celebrate the occasion with.

Thank you all for the massive turnout! Till next time, Have a very happy

- Joanne Sursas (Singaporean Ambassador)