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Chingay 2018: Dancing Robots, AR and Driverless cars
By: Nurin Bte Ismail & Shauna Lea Tupaz
Technology makes it appearance everywhere, even in dazzling celebrations like Chingay. PHOTO: NURIN ISMAIL
SINGAPORE - Chingay 2018, themed “Cultural Funtasy”, is stepping up its game with new technological features for the audience to marvel at. On the 23rd and 24th of February at the F1 Pit Building, it is the first time this parade will be featuring dancing robots and driverless cars, along with other new contingents amidst the usual cultural performances.
For over three decades since its first street parade on the 4th of February 1973, this annual festival has been celebrated by Singaporeans and foreigners of different cultures. What stands out this year is that the parade route is doubled - from 720m to 1.5km, with a stretch that is open free-of-charge to the public at River Hongbao.
Commencing this year’s Chingay parade is the School of Dance with one of the most imaginative contingents of fantasy involving more than 550 students in an item called “Chingay Wonderland”.
A special Smart Nation and IT contingent will be led by senior Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors. They are known as tech-savvy individuals who will be paving the way for the older generation to embrace new advancements in technology for lifelong learning.
Along with the seniors showcasing their technological devices on the parade, there will be mini dancing robots and driverless cars. Following Chingay parade chairman and director, Mr Nah Juay Hng’s aim for this year’s event to be a stronger street parade, GT Robot’s first-ever participation in Chingay is meant to further enhance the parade experience.
From trying out unique treats such as colourful marshmallows and rainbow bagels to watching circus acts, this year will be the first time a free carnival is set up as part of the festivities for spectators to immerse themselves in. This carnival will be set up at the free-standing area behind the Singapore Flyer.
Chingay 2018 is also welcoming DockSession Singapore - a hobby group participating for the first time to display their artistic tricks with longboards.
The fun continues even after the parade. It will be further enhanced with augmented reality (AR) to allow spectators to vote for their favourite floats and performing contingents by scanning their programme booklet which leads them to the voting webpage. Post photos that are taken at the parade with the hashtag #iamatChingay2018 to win exclusive Chingay Parade collectables.
This year’s parade begins at 8 PM on both days. Tickets are now available starting at $28.50 per person.
Visit https://www.chingay.org.sg/ for more information.
Youth Involvement in Chingay 2018
By: Nurin Bte Ismail & Shauna Lea Tupaz
Despite plenty of external commitments, youths still showcase utter dedication when it comes to putting on a dazzling performance for Chingay. PHOTO: DANISHAH ROSLI
The annual Chingay Parade performers include Singaporeans and foreigners of a diverse age range and background - primary school students, university undergraduates and even principals are involved. Youths who are still in education institutions have it rough, juggling their study sessions with rehearsals on top of most importantly - keeping up with their social life.
Held at the F1 Pit Building, Chingay 2018 kickstarts on the 23rd of February at the two-day parade which has doubled this year from 720m to 1.5km, allowing more for spectators to marvel at. The event will take place from 8 PM to 9.30 PM on both days.
Majority of Singaporeans may not be able to empathise with the challenges that exist during Chingay rehearsals, but 6500 of the local and international performers who have been practising their segment regularly certainly will. These individuals have been sacrificing precious time away from the comfort of their homes after a long day of lessons or working, even on weekends, just to make sure that they give their best for the performance on the big day.
Nurul Amirah is a 22-year-old NUS (National University of Singapore) student pursuing a double degree in Communications and New Media and Business Administration. She is a dancer in the Chinese contingent, and she can vouch that rehearsals are indeed draining.
“The challenging part, however, is battling with the afternoon sun on our Sunday practices. Rehearsals on weekends usually take place during the day, so you can imagine the sweltering heat that we have to endure,” said the 22-year-old.
However, as challenging as it is to juggle their personal life with Chingay practice, performers still appreciate the opportunity given to them to perform in this year’s parade. They look on the positive side of these tireless rehearsals, choosing to be upbeat and enthusiastic instead of down in the dumps.
“Everyone endures it together, and everyone pretty much complains about the sun so it was sort of a thing that we bonded over,” Nurul Amirah added.
Thaddeus John, a 21-year-old longboarder and an ambassador from DockSession Singapore could relate to this experience. He had displayed contagious enthusiasm when asked about his experience regarding rehearsals.
“It’s always the hard work you put in with your friends that makes it a more enjoyable time and makes it more fun. And it really forms the bonds between person to person,” said the 21-year-old.
If you know a friend, relative or neighbour involved in such performances, do support them. In the fast-paced society we live in today, people barely make time for anything other than themselves and their close circle of friends and family. The commitments of Chingay performers are well-deserving of our respect and admiration.
What we can learn from this year’s event is that Chingay is not just the spectacular displays that you see. It is way more; it is a celebration in which much blood, sweat and tears are shed behind the scenes for the audience to enjoy.