A huge white tent with red auspicious lanterns was erected on the field beside Elias CC. This year on the 7th day of the 1st Lunar month, commonly known among Chinese as “the Birthday of Man” or “Everyman’s Birthday”, Pasir Ris West GRC treated more than 2000 residents to its Lunar New Year Dinner. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean going around the tables to give away ang paos (a monetary gift given during Lunar New Year to bless the receiver).

The team’s earnest performance managed to capture the audience’s attention where a father was spotted mimicking and teaching his child the hand signs.

Sister Seow Beng Lan having a conversation with grassroot leader Mdm Justina Lee.

The dinner’s Guest-of-Honour was Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, MP For Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Advisor to Pasir Ris-Punggol GROs. Due to Mr Teo’s appreciation of Tzu Chi’s sign language performance and under his request, the organizing committee invited Tzu Chi to perform during the dinner.

DPM Teo first encountered Tzu Chi’s sign language during the opening ceremony of the Foundation’s branch office at Elias Road on 31 Oct 2005, and grew to enjoy this graceful art after viewing it several times in community activities which Tzu Chi performed.

The sign language team, comprising of volunteers from the North- and South- East districts, got together thrice before and after the Lunar New Year holiday for practices and rehearsals. Although the performance was their maiden show for a few of the members, everybody put in their hearts in picking up the hand signs and formation.

The time has just passed 9pm. Preceding the sign language performance was a street dance by a team of youthful girls. Standing along the stage with eyes on their vibrant moves, the members could not help worrying whether their relatively static piece will bore the audience.

Surprisingly, the concern was unfound! When the prelude begins, the crowd was seen putting down their chopsticks gradually and setting their eyes on the performance. A father was mimicking the hand signs to his child; another gentleman was taking shots of the performance with his digital camera; and a member of the Pasir Ris Elias CC Youth Executive Committee (YEC) presented his name card, expressing interest in learning the sign language.

It was one serene and peaceful scene at the dinner throughout the team’s performance. At its end, the members received warm applause from the audience and smiles of relief and happiness can be seen all over their faces.

Before taking her leave, Sister Seow Beng Lan, deputy leader of the Northeast district who came to give her support to the performing team, cordially inquired grassroot leader Mdm Justina Lee whether there is any chance, in partnership with Tzu Chi, to schedule a free health screening to service community residents who are “affected by the economic depression and may have not recovered fully”.

Mdm Justina replied that all activities beneficial to residents are earnestly welcomed. Hopefully we will get to hear the good news soon.