Colourful floats light up streets of Ang Mo Kio as SM Lee launches heartland Chingay celebration

SINGAPORE – “Showers of blessings” followed Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and 11 Chingay floats from Teck Ghee to Jubilee Square at the launch of the Chingay@Heartlands celebration in Ang Mo Kio on Feb 15.

The skies had opened soon after SM Lee, who is an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, inserted an acrylic cut-out of the words “Teck Ghee” into a pot of other words and icons depicting his ward’s hopes for SG60. This was part of the kick-off of Chingay 2025 at Ang Mo Kio GRC, Kebun Baru SMC and Yio Chu Kang SMC that evening.

The sudden downpour did not dampen the spirits of residents, many of whom waved balloons, glow sticks and clappers as they lined the streets to cheer SM Lee on.

Speaking in Mandarin at Ang Mo Kio Central Stage, SM Lee highlighted that Singapore’s economy exceeded expectations to grow by

4.4 per cent in 2024.

To help everyone cope with the cost of living, the Government gave some assistance such as the CDC vouchers, he said.

Asking the crowd if they had received and spent their

$300 worth of CDC vouchers,

he received a roaring “Yes!” in reply.

“Any more left?” he asked.

“No more!” people called out in jest.

“No more? There should be some left,” SM Lee replied with a chuckle. “But the Government will continue to try our best to help everyone.”

Urging everyone to tune in to the

Budget statement by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 18,

he announced: “There should be good news.”

SM Lee also noted that Singapore has overcome obstacles and come a long way as it marks its diamond jubilee in 2025. While the road ahead is very long and there are global uncertainties, the Republic can achieve much if it continues to move ahead steadily and stay united, he said.

With the theme “Tastes of Togetherness”, Chingay at Ang Mo Kio rolled out a slew of activities, including a procession of community-built floats, community food art installations, a mini street parade and resident performances.

Getai and multicultural performances took place at Our Park@618 and Mayflower Market, while Cheng San Market’s stage featured live band performances.

Over at Ci Yuan Community Club, a street parade showcased performances by school students and interest groups. Buangkok Square Mall hosted a vivid 1.25m-by-1.25m work of art – a bowl of curry fish created with bricks. Over in Fernvale, residents were treated to four static Chingay community floats.

Retiree Gary Giam, 66, was at Teck Ghee Square with his wife for the celebration.

The Cheng San resident said: “We were caught in the rain but we enjoyed the presence of SM Lee, the floats and the activities.”

The event is part of Chingay@Heartlands 2025, which is taking place in eight heartland locations across Singapore over four weekends in February and March. Each location offers its own unique programme.

Singapore and Malaysia will be

jointly nominating the Chingay parade

to be inscribed on Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list. The result of the nomination is expected in end-2026 at the earliest.

Mr Giam said: “Chingay should be recognised by Unesco, and we are confident we will succeed with the strong collaboration with Malaysia.”