NTU’s first year as an independent contingent

Standing proud and tall: Kwan Han Yang holds the banner feeling a sense of satisfaction knowing his team’s hard work paid off while entering the parade with the NTU banner. (Photo: Bebe Nurfiqah

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) performed as an independent contingent at the Chingay national education (NE) show, Saturday, January 21, 2017. The parade was held at the F1 Pit Building to celebrate Chingay’s 45th Anniversary.

Since 2005, NTU has been actively involved in Chingay under the People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) organization. This year with a team of 120 students - NTU’s largest since they began - consisted of organising committee and performers.

Kwan Han Yang, 24, leader of NTU’s Chingay team, has been a part of the NTU Chingay committee for three years.

“We were happy and excited when the school had given the permission to our request. The students were also very passionate and dedicated in wanting to participate in this year’s Chingay” he said.

NTU choreographed their own dance to the song, Rasa Sayang. Student performer, Chen Lei, 23, a third year in Social Psychology, who has been participating for two years said, “I enjoy the performing arts. Since it is also my final year, I decided to contribute to the NTU contingent once again.”

NTU also designed their own costume according to the theme, “sustainability”, by portraying Singapore as a Maritime Hub.

Costume designer, Li Shuang Cheng, 23, a second year in Maritime Studies mentioned, “We decided to add natural elements by using water since Singapore is surrounded by water. Hence, we made the colour of the costume blue while incorporating LED lights and fur as well.”

After all their efforts in courageously pursuing independence with the school, Han Yang tells us, “We are hoping to build on what we have for this year and see if we can build a float for future chingay parades if this year’s performance is successful.”

The actual parade will held from February 10, 2017 to February 11, 2017 at the F1 Pit Building. Performance will commence at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at any Sistic outlet or through their hotline at 6348 5555. You can also get tickets online at chingay.org.sg.