Debated in Parliament on 6 Mar 2026.
He Ting Ru asked about community feedback concerning the naming of various festivals and greetings used in Singapore. David Neo acknowledged that such feedback is received occasionally and emphasized that the names of public holidays are well-established. He noted that some community members prefer different terms based on context and audience. The Ministry encourages respectful and inclusive use of greetings.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether agencies under the Ministry have received feedback or questions from the community about the naming of festivals and use of greetings such as (i) Chinese New Year vs Lunar New Year (ii) the use of "Seasons' Greetings" (iii) Hari Raya vs Eid and (iv) Deepavali vs Diwali; and (b) if so, what is the approach to such feedback.
We receive such feedback occasionally. The names of our public holidays are well-established and understood.
Nonetheless, some in the community do choose to use different terms, depending on the purpose, context and audience. We encourage all to make such greetings in the spirit of respect and inclusivity.