Chinese New Year Message 2023 from PM Lee Hsien Loong

Please scroll down to read the Message in Mandarin.

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Chinese New Year arrives early this year. We just welcomed 2023, and will be gathering with our loved ones tonight to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.

After nearly three years battling the pandemic, I am glad that we can fully resume our Chinese New Year celebrations. I am sure this year’s festivities will be especially meaningful for many. The lohei will be tossed extra high, cheers of “Huat ah” will be extra loud, and family gatherings extra joyous.

Tossing of lohei. (MCI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

Meanwhile, let us not forget the hard work and sacrifices of those fighting at the frontline against COVID-19, and keeping Singapore going. We have thus far maintained our COVID-19 posture, while watching external pandemic trends warily. Thankfully, our own situation remains stable. But new variants may yet emerge somewhere that bring unexpected challenges. Let us stay vigilant even as we celebrate.

Health is the greatest wealth. We must continue to look out for one another and exercise social responsibility. Do ART self-tests when needed, especially before visiting elderly relatives. If you test positive or feel unwell, stay at home. Most importantly, keep your vaccinations up-to-date, including with the latest bivalent vaccines. This is still the best protection against COVID-19. I encourage everyone to play their part through these simple but effective actions.

Handed out hongbaos and goodie bags to residents at the Teck Ghee Hongbao Presentation Ceremony this month. (MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

Our shared COVID-19 experience has made us appreciate our families and loved ones better. Families are at the core of our social compact, and strong families are central to a stable, resilient society. We had dedicated 2022 as the Year of Celebrating SG families, with a series of engaging and meaningful events and initiatives throughout the year. At the National Family Week, I was glad to see many warm and happy faces taking part in the fun-filled carnival activities. Organised by Families for Life, this will be held annually every June holidays, to encourage family bonding and support couples in their parenting journey.

National Family Week 2022. (MCI Photo by Fyrol)

We also introduced plans for “A Singapore Made for Families 2025”, with programmes and initiatives to catalyse the whole of society to support families through all phases of life. We can all do our part to build a society where every family is valued and supported. Companies can institute flexible work arrangements and cultivate a more encouraging workplace culture. Community partners can pool resources to celebrate and uplift families. Individuals, too, should cherish family time and make it a greater priority.

Even though our TFR dipped last year, I am heartened that many young people still see marriage and parenthood as important life goals. The Government will continue to help parents manage the pressures of raising children and give each child a good start. It is stepping up measures to support parents. We lowered fees at government supported pre-schools from this January. Further changes will be announced in the coming months. So to all our couples, do your best in this Year of the Rabbit!

I wish all Singaporeans good health, and a very happy Chinese New Year.

Year of the Rabbit decorations at Gardens by the Bay. (MCI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

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2023 年李显龙总理新春献词

今年的农历新年来得特别早。我们才刚迎来2023年，转眼间今天就是大年除夕了。今晚，家家户户将齐聚一堂，辞旧迎新，共同迎接癸卯兔年的到来。

在同冠病疫情对抗了将近三年之后，我很高兴我们今年总算能够像以往一样，热热闹闹地过年。相信对许多人来说，今年的节庆活动别具意义。大家在高高地捞起鱼生时，想必也会以更洪亮的声音喊出各种吉祥话，全家大小聚在一起时也会有更多欢笑。

在欢庆佳节之余，我们也不应忘记前线抗疫人员所付出的努力和牺牲，让新加坡在疫情期间能继续有效运作。目前，我国的防疫策略维持不变，我们也会继续密切留意国外的疫情发展趋势。所幸的是，本地的情况至今保持稳定。不过，新的变种毒株仍有可能在世界某个角落出现，为我们带来意想不到的挑战。因此，大家在欢庆佳节时也不要掉以轻心，应继续保持警惕。

人生最大的财富，莫过于身体健康。因此，我们要继续互相照顾，并负起社会责任。在必要时，尤其是在给长辈拜年之前，请记得自行做抗原快速检测。万一检测结果呈阳性或是身体感到不适，那就留在家中，不要外出。最重要的是，请及时接种冠病疫苗和疫苗追加剂，包括最新的二价疫苗。目前，接种疫苗仍是保护自己的最佳措施。我鼓励大家通过这些简单而有效的举措，为防止病毒传播尽一份力。

这一段共同对抗冠病的经历，也让我们学会更加珍惜自己至亲至爱的人。家庭是我国社会契约的核心，而和谐的家庭关系，对构建一个稳定坚韧的社会非常关键。因此，我们把2022年定为 “欢庆新加坡家庭年” ，并在全年推出了一系列深具意义、老少咸宜的活动和项目。我在全国家庭周的嘉年华上，看到了很多家庭踊跃参与了各种有趣好玩的活动，纷纷沉浸在欢乐的气氛当中。凝聚家庭理事将在每年六月的学校假期举办这些活动，以促进家庭凝聚力，在国人养儿育女的道路上支持他们。

我们也推行了“为家庭而设2025”计划，并通过各种项目和措施，动员整个社会，帮助本地家庭度过人生的各个阶段。大家都能尽一份力，共同打造一个让每个家庭都受到重视并获得支持的社会。企业可以制定灵活的工作安排，并建立更亲家庭的职场文化。社区伙伴也可以集中资源，提倡和宣传家庭的价值，以及为有需要的家庭提供援助。另外，我们个人也应该更加重视和珍惜与家人共处的时间。

虽然我国的总体生育率在去年有所下降，但让我感到欣慰的是，许多年轻国人仍然视结婚生子为重要的人生目标。政府将继续协助家长应付养儿育女的开销，减轻他们的负担，并确保每个孩子都能够从良好的人生起跑点出发。政府也正在加强有关措施，为家长提供援助。例如，政府资助的学前教育中心，收费已从今年起下调，未来几个月还会有更多措施出台。所以，我呼吁所有年轻夫妇，在新的一年里请继续努力，生多几个活泼可爱的兔宝宝！

在此，我祝全体国人阖家安康，万事如意，新年快乐！

Year of the Rabbit decorations at Chinatown. (PMO Photo)

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