Chingay Parade: An Analysis of Planning and Public Policy

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Chingay Parade in Singapore, a major cultural event. It examines the event's objectives, stakeholders (primary and secondary), targeted audience, and its impact on the local economy, including GDP and multiplier effects. The report explores the role of public policy and planning in the parade's development, aligning it with governmental priorities and initiatives. Furthermore, it offers a sustainability comparison between the 2017 and 2018 parades, highlighting the integration of social, environmental, and economic considerations. The analysis also delves into the origins of the event, its evolution, and its significance in showcasing Singapore's multicultural diversity. The report utilizes relevant theories and planning models to evaluate the event's development, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and the implementation of green initiatives to manage environmental impacts. Finally, the report underscores the parade's role in promoting tourism, fostering cultural awareness, and contributing to the overall economic growth of Singapore.

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Chingay parade
Planning and Public policy

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Contents
Synopsis................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................3
Objectives of Chingay parade.............................................................................................................4
Stakeholders.........................................................................................................................................5
Primary and Secondary Stakeholders in Chingay parade...........................................................6
Targeted Audience in Chingay parade:.........................................................................................7
Plan:..................................................................................................................................................7
Initiatives:........................................................................................................................................7
Effect on GDP..................................................................................................................................8
Sustainability Comparison..................................................................................................................8
Sustainability Chingay 2017...........................................................................................................9
Sustainability Chingay 2018.........................................................................................................10
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................11
References..........................................................................................................................................13

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Synopsis
Festivals and cultural events play a key role in promoting tourism and enhance the
development in economy. In regional areas, events and festivals are becoming popular and
considered as a source to revitalise the local economy. The Chingay parade is one such prime
example, which becomes increasingly popular among large number of tourists. This is one of
the biggest street parade and event in Asia. The parade highlights the multicultural diversity
of Singapore and features the possible performers from different countries (Chingay, Chingay
Parade Singapore, 2020).
Sustainable development of festivals became an important matter of concern for host
organizations. The significant factor is to develop the involvement of people and enjoy the
benefits. Public sector is engaging to work as a host and enhance the growth of the festivals
which are supported by governmental policies (ADI, 2018).
By taking the values from public policies, stakeholders play a significant role. Stakeholders
refers to individuals who are being involved in the matter of organization and can be affected
by the issues of public policy. Stakeholders attitude in relevance to the policy can be
multidimensional, this is due to, the background of space and time which have a certain
impact on the public policy development. Pubic sector has an influential role in promoting,
executing, and hosting the festival activities, which encourages tourism (Chingay, Chingay ,
2020).
Wide range of event organizers and tourism organizations examines the economic impact of
their events by analysing primary and secondary benefits. These economic impacts which can
be evaluated by measuring the business sales and surveying the participants. Also, by
recognizing the interdependence of various sectors within the region. Multipliers measure
these amounts by calculating the leakages of expenditure in the given area. The sources of

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leakages include investment, savings, taxation, spending on goods and service, and foreign
ownership (CLC, A City of Culture: Planning for the Arts, 2020).
The report focusses on a biggest cultural event of Singapore, i.e. Chingay parade. An
analysis has been done in order to find the relevant information about the public policy which
can propose the development of the event. This is in line with the priorities of government,
their initiatives, and the objectives of public sector policy. Stakeholders are influential in any
cultural event. Here, report will focus on identifying the stakeholders of Chingay parade, their
role in the event and how they analyse their targeted audience. Also, the evaluation has been
done with the basis of some relevant theories and planning models which contrasts the idea of
development in regional and local areas. In order, to track down the employment level, GDP
and multiplier effect has been evaluated. Furthermore, there will be a sustainability
comparison of Chingay 2017 and Chingay 2018.
Introduction
Festivals marked as a social phenomenon which encounters in a virtual state of all human
cultures. The events during this festive time demonstrates the colourful variety and the
dramatic intensity with aesthetic aspects. Festive events attract wide variety of tourists and
builds a rapid development in the industry of tourism. There are many elements through
which tourists are attracting for a certain cultural event. Cultural festivals and events
contribute to build better relationships with other countries. As such, these festivals support
to develop the regional and local identity and try to enhance the cultural awareness (Chingay,
Chingay , 2020).
An event that has the potential to capture all the elements of Singapore and its unique
multicultural background is the Chingay Parade. This event act as an annual festival of
dancing dragons, dazzling floats, stunt performers, and the volunteer performers which comes

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from diverse culture and ethnic backgrounds (Amsyar, 2018). The origin of this event started
in 1973, then it used to be a street show which held during the period of the lunar new year
(Getz, 2012). Since then, this event has evolved and considered to be one of the iconic annual
events in Singapore.
Chingay Parade is an event which highlights the rich cultural background of Singapore and
its unique cosmopolitan and multi- ethnic culture. The multi-cultural trademark brings out the
international flavour from all the ethnicities in Singapore such as, Malays. Chinese,
Eurasians, Indians, and many others (SCP, 2020).
An attempt has made, to analyse the potential development of Chingay parade in Singapore
by proposing an idea that is line with the government priorities. There is an evaluation of
Stakeholder, their key roles, and the identity towards leading an event. This will include the
number of targeted audiences, Resources which are used for Chingay, and employment factor
which will track the GDP, the multiplier effect and evaluates the reason by which GDP
affects the economy (Archivist pick, 2020).
Furthermore, there is a comparison on sustainability of 2018 and 2019, which will highlight
the process through which an event is organized with a concern for social, environmental, and
economic issues. Through evaluating and monitoring the green initiatives during the event
planning, it helps in managing the environmental impacts on communities, their natural
environment in regional and global economy.
Objectives of Chingay parade
Chingay describes the art of costumes and masquerade in Hokkien dialect, which represents
the biggest float parade and street performances in Asia. “Colours in Harmony” is the new
theme of Chingay parade in 2020. This will highlight the colourful and vibrant aspect of
different communities which resides in Singapore. Different communities will come and

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display their cultural values through arts and performance, this will allow to enhance the
cultural values and celebrate their differences in harmony. For the time, the theme features
the different races and celebrates their diversity in harmony through their performance as one.
Also, by sharing their cultural values through art, costumes, dance, and music, still retaining
each other distinct ethnic identities (Goh, 2011).
In 2020, Chingay parade marked the milestone of 60 years of building community through
People’s Association (Iau, 2020). The bridge of harmony symbolises the hard work and
efforts of Public association in bridging and building various communities of Singapore to
work live and play as on in harmony. People’s association had worked towards developing
the community spirit through care, innovation, inclusiveness, courage, and excellence (Foley,
2011).
The event highlights the multi-ethnic cultural arts and performances by encouraging the local
talents and portraying international acts. Additionally, there will be stunning lights display,
electrifying opening by releasing 200-m long firecrackers, displaying of World’s largest
flying dragon, visual effects of laser and the competition of contemporary displays vs
traditional art which is known as Sky Runners vs Stilt walkers (Lyck, Long, & Grige, 2012).
Also, in finale part, there will be 250m parade route that will be transform in the sea of
bamboo. These bamboos are in six colours which represents the values of different
communities. Bamboos symbolises the strength and when there are multiple sticks of
bamboo, it signifies the combined power as one and their strength (Lai, 2017).
Stakeholders
In a cultural event, stakeholders are basically, an influential group of individuals,
organization which have access to certain claims, interests, and rights in the corporation. The
fundamentals of stakeholder approach are based upon principles of unity, freedom, solidarity,

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and solidarity. The approach signifies the stakeholding concept and this marks as an
achievement towards economic and social connection by involvement and participation of all
the influential and interested groups. In cultural background, according to the nature of
stakeholders there are two groups, primary and secondary. Primary stakeholders are those
who are linked in contractual basis with the event and organization. This includes the
suppliers, customers, employees, creditors, and shareholders. The activities during events can
also affect the secondary stakeholders which consists of government, social community,
competitors, and the environment (Niekerk & Getz, 2020).
Also, the sustainability of any cultural event or festival is based on the government and
tangible support by their key stakeholders. The role of secondary stakeholders is basically
providing the essential support which is required for fulfilling the event’s cultural and social
role at the community level (CLC, Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, 2020). According to
Clarkson model, in a cultural event the primary stakeholders are individuals such as,
employees, sponsors, volunteers, suppliers, attendees, participants, and the spectators, while
among secondary stakeholders there are individuals who connected with host community,
media, tourist organizations and government (Ping , Salim, & Shan, 2020).
Primary and Secondary Stakeholders in Chingay parade
To organize the biggest event in Asia, such as Chingay parade, apart from regional
performers and overseas artists, there is a much-needed requirement of several stakeholders
which have a significant role in organizing, managing, planning, and closing of an event.
From the recent findings, the stakeholders of Chingay parade includes, the organizing
committee, Contractors/Sub-Contractors, Public, Visitors, Guests, Volunteers and Service
support staff (Johor Kaki, 2020).

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Organizing Committee interacts with the Government authorities, ministers, and project
managers. Their role is to evaluate the status and progress and work according to the
requirements of event. The committee make sure to address ever risk and issues and provide
the monthly status report. Basically, they outsource the information to authorities and provide
the feedback to the status and progress of an event. Also, they provide the legal documents
which includes performance outcome guide and contracts in relevance to the cultural event
(Chingay, Privacy Policy, 2020).
The Contractors and subcontractors are the individuals who provide the operation guide and
contractual discussions about Chingay Parade. They directly interact with the events project
manager and human resource management. Also provides the training material and signed
operation guides (Goh, 2011).
Public, Guests and Visitors are the individuals who helps in the marketing and
communication of the event. They directly or indirectly outsource the information about the
event, venue. Media conferences are also essential for the marketing and advertising of the
event which increase the publicity content and highlights the major performances. Service
support staff and volunteers are required in large number in stations during the parade, booth
services and information counters. They provide the help in case of emergency, general
enquiries, and contingency. Additionally, to build a great event there is requirement of
several services such as Cleaners, Security guards and paramedic specialists. They are
required in order to provide their management in respective roles (CLC, A City of Culture:
Planning for the Arts, 2020).
Targeted Audience in Chingay parade:
Plan: To aim these cultural events as a significant part of strategy through diversification of
brand by attracting the attention from global audience.

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Initiatives: The Singapore Board of Tourism is trying to implement this strategy to attract
global visitors and for this they trying to spend in the process of rebranding. Through this
process, Singapore through their art and culture can become more than a destination for
business travel. This plan can also, benefits the policy makers to shift their vision from secure
economic stability and expansion of public education towards cultural development. In recent
years, Chingay parade becomes the significant tourist attractions and also fulfil its importance
in social, economic, political, and cultural aspects internally (Getz, 2012).
Effect on GDP
Since 2011, the cultural and arts scene of Singapore has become drastic and vibrant which
includes the large number of performances and arts exhibitions (Ping , Salim, & Shan, 2020).
There is a significant increase in number from 1,700 in 1989 to 4,600 in 2001 (Iau, 2020).
The ticketed attendance for performance in arts is increased from about 562,000 in 1989 to
around 940,000 in 2001 (Lai, 2017). This signifies the average ticketed patrons i.e. 2,575
each day (MFA, 2018). Tourism industry, also considered as a major contributor for the
economy of Singapore. This attract for around 17.4 million tourists from all around the globe,
which is significantly more than three times the total population of Singapore (Lai, 2017).
Chingay parade is one such cultural event which is promoted by Singapore tourism Board. In
recent findings, it has been seen that there is a 30% increase in arrivals of visitors (Ping ,
Salim, & Shan, 2020). Also, in 2017, the economic Development Board changes their
marketing strategy to unify the brand and market Singapore globally for business and tourism
purpose (CLC, A City of Culture: Planning for the Arts, 2020). This aim of Passion Made
Possible, signifies the platform and opportunities for Singaporeans to display their preserving
and enterprising spirit in global market.

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Sustainability Comparison
Technically, Chingay parade is a cultural event to embrace the Chinese New Year. So, the
large number of visitors will be Chinese. It considered to be a successful festival in Johor
Bahru, due to which there many Chinese and foreign people who are interested to join the
event every year. The Johor people who are working in Singapore and other places are a big
supporter and take part in every event of the festival. It demonstrates a reunion phase and
reaffirms the ties of old friendship (Holmes, Hughes, Mair, & Carlsen, 2015). The first
Chingay parade, jointly organized by People’s Association and association of Singapore
National Pugilistic. The motive of event was to enhance the festive mood of people which
ruined because of firecracker ban in 1972 (MFA, 2018).
Initially, the event conducted on account for celebrating the Chinese New Year. So mostly,
the Chinese and Malays attracted for the Chingay parade. But now, the Chingay parade
transforming itself to enhance the diversity in multiracial arts and to attract more cultural
group such as, Indians, Japanese, Singaporean, and Malays (Shee, 2016).
Sustainability Chingay 2017
Sustainability describes the careful consideration of environmental, social, and economic
factors of our actions. This involves recognizing these factors and connecting them to protect
and preserve natural habitats and biodiversity. It develops a balanced approach and promotes
an engaged and healthy society. According to the standards of International Event
Sustainability, the development of event industry marks as the reason behind carbon
emissions. Increased number of events and businesses measure their production of carbon
emissions and then tries for offsetting the amount of carbon di-oxide (Singapore tourism
Board, 2020).

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In 2007, an agreement of Singapore packaging is signed in order to make improvements and
changes in packaging design. This develops to improve the packaging design and usage of
materials to reduce the packaging amount in products. These products are cooking oil,
powder detergent and chilled juice. During festivals and events these products are being used
in a large number, and the processing of material leads to wastage.
Sustainability Chingay 2018
Singapore aims in transforming itself as Zero-Waste nation. This signifies in reducing their
consumption of material and reuse and recycle them. This is an initiative to create a cleaner
and healthier environment and conserves the precious natural resources. Also, Singapore is
trying to take efficient steps to recycle the wastage from electronics, food, and other
materials. This is a prime way to reduce wastage by removal of waste material from wastage
stream.
Green venues are chosen to enjoys savings in the operational costs from water and energy
efficiencies. Through saving the energy from these venues, organization can pass on to other
activities during an event.
Planning a sustainable event and reduce carbon footprint are the major concerns of an event
organizers. After all, implementation of sustainable practices in event will minimise the cost,
reduce the wastage and conserve energy. A green event initiative enhances the reputation of
brand and highlights their commitment in relevant to sustainability (SG, 2020). The
organizing committee of Chingay parade are starting to take the green initiative seriously and
through applying these methods they try increase their consciousness about their
surroundings. Some of these methods are:
Start planning the event process early: Sustainable planning process in events and cultural
festivals requires the overall analysis in which the suppliers are also engaged. There are

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guidelines by Bureau of Singapore Exhibition and Convention. These guidelines provide an
excellent layout for planning the event, from hotel to all the journey and transport actions
(Day, 2018).
Choosing a sustainable venue to organize the event: By choosing a venue which can
corelate with the commitment of sustainability and shares the passion of the organization,
regarding environmental protection and supports the local communities (CLC, Sustainable
Singapore Blueprint, 2020).
Designing the efficient and intelligent ways to reduce wastage: Usage of new technology
and sustainability which are considered as a catalyst that can design the cultural events
intelligently. By using the paperless technology which includes digital signs and mobile
applications and by evaluating the products, their material. These are just methods which
develops the efficient way in reduction of wastage and often helps in saving the money which
can later help in investing more costly resources such as entertainment and organic food.
Travel sustainably: The transportation system in Singapore is considered as the best in
world. It is efficient, reliable, cheap, and handles the large number of commuters every day.
Since, the city is compact any tourists can also have an easy access to public transport.
Leaving a legacy for communities: Organization should consider the carbon footprint of
their significant event. And, also establish a positive legacy by developing in Corporate
Social Responsibility in organization.
Conclusion
The previous segments are an attempt to analyse the cultural festival of Singapore i.e.
Chingay parade. Chingay Parade is an event which highlights the rich cultural background of
Singapore and its unique cosmopolitan and multi- ethnic culture. The multi-cultural

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trademark brings out the international flavour from all the ethnicities in Singapore such as,
Malays. Chinese, Eurasians, Indians, and many others
Through the report, an evaluation is provided to find the core potential and development of
the event. The objective behind the formation of policy by government is to aim these
cultural events as a significant part of strategy through diversification of brand by attracting
the attention from global audience. This allows the expansion of marketed and enhancement
of global visitors/audience. The organizers of Chingay parade are starting to initiate green
methods and policies which will provide the better usage of new technology and
sustainability, this is considered as a catalyst that can design the cultural events intelligently.

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