To a certain extent, Mr Han is correct to say that 'persuasion and enforcement were beyond (the volunteers') scope'.

With so many floats and performers parading down the street, the volunteers' main priority was to make sure the crowd did not spill into the street, thus ensuring their safety and preventing any mishap.

Our 1,500 volunteers from 35 schools were trained by the Heartware Network, and briefed by the People's Association before the event.

Each volunteer must complete 27 hours of service learning, scenario planning and role-plays over eight weeks to qualify to volunteer at Chingay. Those who missed the training sessions without proper reasons were replaced.

At the end of the parade, volunteers were also given feedback forms and encouraged to share their views, so that our youth planning exco for Chingay can improve.

We will continue to work with all partners to ensure an enjoyable experience for the public at future Chingay parades.

Raymond Huang
Founding chairman
Heartware Network