Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai met up with Singapore’s Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong during the recent Singapore Chingay Parade showcase.
This remarkable cultural performance brought Penang’s distinctive Chingay Flag tradition to international audiences, allowing Singaporean and international visitors to experience the grandeur and exceptional flair of Penang’s high-pole flag-waving culture.
More than 20 performers from Penang took part in the event.
“The Penang Chingay team took center stage at the 2025 Singapore Chingay Parade on February 7th and 8th marking the opening of the event with the iconic Penang Chingay Flag performance. Tall and majestic, the flags billowed in the wind, shaking the night sky of Singapore with their electrifying display. The performance opened the parade held at the Singapore F1 Pit Building over the two nights.”
“At this pivotal moment, as Malaysia and Singapore work together to nominate ‘Chingay’ – which includes Penang’s Chingay Parade, Johor Chingay Parade and Singapore’s Chingay Parade – into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the exchanges between the two countries’ Chingay advocates have become increasingly significant”, said Wong.
The oldest member in the Penang team was Ong Ee Sen, who is 76 years old and has been involved in Chingay for over 50 years and the youngest performers were Kayden Ang and Hafiz, both are 30 years old.
Other than Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Cabinet Ministers, distinguished guests, more than 15,000 spectators had gathered.
Delegation members also shared meaningful discussions with the event organizers, the Singapore People’s Association, and representatives from the Johor Chingay too.
Meanwhile, a special seminar will be held during the Johor event (Feb 18 to 20) involving UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Facilitator, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, the National Heritage Department of Malaysia, the Singapore National Heritage Board, the Singapore People’s Association, and Chingay communities from both countries.
The seminar will explore ways to jointly promote and advance the Chingay nomination, ensuring its place in the global cultural heritage community.”