Slithering into 2025 — CNY Celebration

Written by: Ma Qianhui (24S75)

Edited by: Megan Lim (24S6E)

Photos provided courtesy of Studio Ardent

28th January marked Hwa Chong Institution’s annual Chinese New Year celebration. Students donning traditional clothing, from both High School and College Sections, dotted the High School terraces as they gathered for a special morning assembly to celebrate the occasion.

Kicking off the day’s celebrations was a vibrant dragon dance showcase, symbolising good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Principal Mr Lee Peck Ping addressed the students on the significance of unity and cultural appreciation, while extending his heartfelt blessings for a joyful and prosperous 2025 for all.

The rest of the celebration took place in the respective halls, where J2 students attended a lively Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Hwa Chong Students Council. The event featured a variety of performances; a stunning ensemble by MAD Chinese, a rendition of classic CNY tunes by the Chinese Orchestra, a song written and composed by our in-house songwriters from WeYoung, the enthralling Wushu showcase and a lighthearted song and dance act by the Student Engagement and Culture Committee (SECCo). 

MAD Chinese’s elegant performance: Spring in Blossom

Of course, the celebration would not be the same without a few exciting game shows and a visit by Cai Shen (God of Wealth). The celebration concluded with a dragon dance performance by the Parents Support Group and gifts presented to the principals. The memories of this joyous occasion were captured in a mass photo taken after the celebration.

Cai Shen’s visit

PSG’s heartwarming Dragon Dance

Over at the High School, the celebrations began with a lively lion dance performance by our Scouts, setting a festive tone for the day! The crowd was thrilled by vibrant group performances, including a medley of joyous tunes by the Chinese Orchestra and School Band. Adding a unique twist, our talented teachers delivered a lively song performance, while students amazed the audience with breakdancing and wushu moves, creating a high-energy showcase that left everyone in awe.

School Band Performance

Dazzling Wushu skills

Lively Crosstalk Performance

The spotlight also shone on individual talents, such as an engaging crosstalk performance by Wang Haoyu, Lucas (1P2), and Wayne Du Yihui (1P2), which brought laughter and smiles all around. Fwa Shao Xuan Lyon (3O1) mesmerised the audience with his guzheng solo, while Mr Yeong Chan Kong from the MTL department captivated everyone with fun and fascinating insights about the Year of the Snake. The celebration continued with a dynamic wushu performance before ending on a heartwarming note with a whole-school singalong session led by the Chinese teachers.

The 2025 Chinese New Year celebration at Hwa Chong Institution went down as a commemoration of tradition and community, and a celebration of many more fruitful years for the school and its partners.