The Chinese Embassy in Singapore hosted a Spring Festival reception on Wednesday, screening the promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s Spring Festival Gala to celebrate the upcoming festival, which falls on February 17 this year.
Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming delivered a speech at the reception, elaborating on the auspicious symbolism of the Year of the Horse and the cultural allure of the Spring Festival, while extending festive greetings to the guests.
He noted that over the past year, China and Singapore have seized the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people bonds. He said that China stands ready to work with Singapore to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and promote the sustained and in-depth development of bilateral relations.
"On the occasion of the upcoming Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, I wish to extend an early New Year greeting to all the guests and friends on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore," said Cao.
In an interview with CMG, Singapore's former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat spoke positively about the deepening ties between Singapore and China and the sustained development of the Chinese economy.
He said that the bilateral relations between China and Singapore are growing closer and expressed hope for further advancement in the years ahead, with continued deepening of cooperation across various sectors.
"I think Chinese leaders have made great efforts in addressing population aging, improving people's livelihoods, and driving economic growth. I hope China achieves even greater success in the future, and that Singapore-China relations can deepen further. I wish our Chinese friends a happy New Year, good health, all the best, and may all your wishes come true," he said.
The reception featured a dazzling array of performances. Robots welcomed guests with synchronized dances, and children's choirs filled the venue with melodious voices that radiated youthful vitality.
An art troupe from southwest China's Yunnan Province showcased the richness of Chinese culture and the elegance of the Spring Festival through traditional performances, including face-changing, dance and acrobatics.
The promotional video for CMG's Spring Festival Gala took center stage at the reception, evoking fond memories of the gala among many Singaporean attendees.
Sia Eng Tek, president of the Singapore China Association, said he has watched the Gala for many years and deeply appreciates its programs, praising their richness and variety.
"I watch the Spring Festival Gala regularly. The content is very rich -- performances from all over China, songs, dances, skits -- I enjoy them all. I especially love the Chinese dances. I think Chinese dancers are truly world-class," he said.
Tan Siah Kwee, president of the Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore, said he has been watching CMG's Spring Festival Gala for decades, describing it as a program warmly received in Singapore. He noted that the Gala now holds strong appeal for global audiences, particularly Chinese-speaking viewers.
"I've been watching the Gala for over 40 years. Back in the 1980s, it was already very popular among Singaporeans. I think the key to its success is that it connects with ordinary people. I wish it even greater success in the future, and I will remain its loyal audience forever," Tan said.
Chinese Embassy in Singapore hosts Spring Festival reception
