As Chinese New Year approaches amid ongoing pandemic considerations, expats like Zhang Yinggang are redefining tradition in Singapore's multicultural landscape. The Chinese mainland native chose to celebrate locally this year, blending customs from his homeland with Singaporean flavors at Chinatown markets.
\"I wanted both nostalgic touches and new local traditions,\" said Zhang, showing bak kwa (barbecued meat) alongside traditional red lanterns in his office decorations. His approach mirrors Singapore's status as a global crossroads – 74% of its workforce comprises international residents according to 2023 estimates.
The city-state's Lunar New Year preparations showcase unique cultural synthesis:
- Hybrid menus mixing Cantonese dishes with Peranakan spices
- Digital red packets gaining traction alongside physical hongbao
- Public decorations blending futuristic LED displays with paper cutouts
Local businesses report 40% increased demand for fusion decor items this season. \"Young professionals want tradition that travels well,\" noted Chinatown shop owner Mei Ling Tan.
For global citizens, Singapore's pandemic-adapted celebrations offer a model for maintaining cultural roots while embracing new contexts. As Zhang concludes: \"It's not where you celebrate, but how you reinvent traditions that matters.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
