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Counting Down to 2012 as One

05 January 2012 2 comments

Moments before the stroke of midnight on 31 December 2011, more than 100,000 residents came together with their friends, family and neighbours to countdown to the New Year, at more than 50 locations around the island.

It was a spectacular moment as fireworks displays were launched at many parts of Singapore. Residents wished one another and shared their wishes and aspirations for the New Year. The sharing of the New Year wishes was part of the Community Countdown Parties, themed “Celebrating Happiness and Wellness”, organised by the People’s Association (PA) Grassroots Organisations.

This year, a wide range of heartland parties were organised to provide residents with the opportunity to take some time off from their busy schedules to come together with their family, neighbours and friends to welcome 2012 and have fun.

Some of the large scale parties held included the Tanjong Pagar GRC & Radin Mas SMC Countdown Party – “Hello 2012” and Countdown @ Boon Lay – “Hours to Remember”, which featured exciting activities for residents of all ages, races and walks of life.

At Hello 2012, more than 5,000 residents comprising youths, new immigrant friends and members from the expatriate community came together to say “Hello!” to 2012. Residents got to groove to ‘live’ music by DJ Andrew T, resident DJ at the Butter Factory and local youth indie bands, Eleventh Hour and Juz Members and were treated to performances by MediaCorp artiste Rui En and Singapore Idol Hady Mirza.  

Said Mdm Zuridah, 26, a resident at Henderson Road, “It was great to join my neighbours, friends and family members in this Countdown Party. The location was very convenient as it was just opposite my block. I had enjoyed the youthful programme line-up and the spectacular fireworks display!”

Over at the Countdown @ Boon Lay, some 40,000 residents experienced a unique magical night of time travel. They got the chance to revisit the past, revel in the present and even look into the future while celebrating the arrival of 2012, through various games and performances. The countdown showcased the Kampong era, the Retro era, 21st century as well as ‘the New World’. Taiwanese actresses and singers Ye Jia Yu （葉家妤 ）, Ye Quan Zhen （葉全真）and Yang Xiao Ping (楊小萍 ）also performed at the Countdown, much to the glee of residents.

“I am very glad we had this opportunity to help organise the Countdown@Boon Lay 2012 party, an event by residents for residents and also by youth for the elderly” said Mr Joshua Yak, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Countdown@Boon Lay. “The residents got to know Boon Lay and their neighbours better through the countdown. Some of the youth and student volunteers were really sad when it was over as we had built strong bonds and friendships from the many late nights spent together organising the countdown party. I am certain this positive experience will spur them on contribute more actively towards our community in future.”

Check out photos and highlights from the various Community Countdown Parties at the Community Countdown Parties Facebook page.

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