Our community at SJH is a microcosm of Singapore’s multiracial society. Like other Singaporeans, our residents enjoy the important festivals of Singapore’s diverse ethnic communities together, no matter what their own race is. Our residents, Chinese and non-Chinese, were certainly looking forward to their first big celebration of 2026 - Chinese New Year (CNY)!

The community at Sennett Estate, led by volunteers from Tuesday Café, united to put on a fun and food-filled CNY tea party for them on 7 Feb 26. To the delight of our residents, they were allowed to feast on indulgent CNY goodies.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presence of Mr. Alex Yeo, Advisor for Potong Pasir, who graciously presented mandarins and angpows to our residents. SJH is grateful to Mr Yeo for his interest and steadfast support for SJH. In particular, SJH appreciates that Mr Yeo has taken the time to celebrate CNY 2026 with our residents.

A sing-along performance by our faithful volunteers rounded off an enjoyable CNY party for our residents.

REACHING ACROSS CULTURAL BOUNDARIES  

On 27 Feb 26, SJH residents were waiting expectantly in the home’s dining hall before 12 noon. Who and what were they expecting?

They were waiting eagerly for a top-flight Malay lion dance troupe to perform for them. Kuo Chuan’s Malay lion dancers have competed in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and on cruises. Every year, Bobby, the founder of Kuo Chuan, chooses a home for elders to give a free performance.

Adam, the head of the team performing at SJH, and his deputy, Qai, spoke enthusiastically about how much they love performing for elders. Adam said that seeing the elders enjoying themselves and becoming excited by the lion dancing, energises his dancers to perform even better. Qai shared that he looks forward to performing for the elders at CNY. He finds these performances “destressing”. Adam explained that the vibe when performing for elders is different from competing. They can just have fun when performing for elders compared to performing at competitions.

Indeed, Adam and his team of lion dancers, which includes a school boy who received special permission from his school to perform at SJH, did not disappoint. First to thrill the assembled elders was the team’s friendly horse mascot. It ambled around the room bowing to and greeting the elders. Elders and staff rushed to take selfies with the horse.

Rousing drum beats and resounding cymbals announced the arrival of the lions, which pranced their way through the audience. Not once, but a few times, to make sure that all the elders had a chance to enjoy close encounters with them. Getting close to the lions warmed up our elders for their main act.

The lion dancers put up a long, electrifying and heart-thumping dance worthy of their reputation as a top lion dance troupe. They tossed lettuce, mandarins and gold coins with great gusto. Excitement in the room grew with each leap and whirl by the lion dancers. Pulsating drum beats, rhythmic cymbals and lusty shouts of “huat” from the musicians added to the festive atmosphere. The lion danced ended with the lions revealing CNY wishes composed of mandarin segments and unfurling a scroll of good wishes for SJH.

Adam and his lion dancers have faced religiously motivated criticism for pursuing this cultural tradition. Adam confirmed that there have been calls for them to stop lion dancing. Fortunately, such criticism has not yet caused any organisation to cancel their performances. Adam hopes that this will remain the case. Qai added that he will be very disappointed if these criticisms lead to cancellations of their CNY performances, as he really looks forward to doing them.

Adam stressed that he and his fellow lion dancers are clear that they have never crossed any religious boundaries while performing the lion dance. To them, performing the lion dance for elders is showing respect for them and respecting their cultural traditions. In Adam’s view, Singapore is a multicultural country and his participation in lion dancing is being part of this multicultural society. What is most important for Adam and his team is their families’ acceptance of their being lion dancers. If their families accept this, the rest of their community should follow suit.

Want to enrich others and yourself? Want to reach across cultural lines? Want to share your cultural heritage and traditions? Want to share in the traditions of others?

Get in Touch:
Email: giving@stjohneldershome.org.sg
Contact Number: 6285 4446