President of Singapore Halimah Yacob has extended warm greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of Chinese New Year which started today. She termed it as a special time for Chinese community to bond with family and strengthen ties.
In a special Facebook video greeting, President Halimah said, “It is a time when families bond together and strengthen their ties. A wonderful tradition passed from generation to generation helping to remind our young of the importance of family.”
“True to the Singaporean spirit, it is common for the Lunar new year celebration to also embrace the other races, who get to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of their Chinese neighbours and friends,” she said.
“As we enter the Lunar New Year, we have much to celebrate together and be proud of,’ she added.
Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong had also greeted people on the occasion of Chinese New Year, observing that Chinese Singaporeans have integrated into larger, multiracial Singapore.
President Halimah Yacob has also welcomed the people to attend the open house at the Presidential abode Istana from 8:30am to 6pm tomorrow.
During the open house, she will also launch the exclusive Istana 150 Souvenir Series in commemoration of the Istana’s 150th anniversary.
The special Istana 150 Souvenir Series will have different collector’s items and is a result of collaboration between Istana and Singapore Mint.
The silver medallions and FlashPay cards bear significant features of the Istana, as well as the architecture of buildings located within the Istana compound.