Qiuyi Tan Channel NewsAsia 11 Sep 11;
President Tony Tan Keng Yam says Singapore needs to create more informal occasions for multi-racial and multi-generational family bonding.
President Tan said this to reporters at the Singapore Zoo on Sunday evening where he attended the "Moon Night" celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The festival is an occasion for family and friends to gather and admire the harvest moon.
With a host of educational activities about the moon's effect on animal behaviour, the event also raised awareness about biodiversity and nature conservation.
As part of the programme, President Tan released fireflies into the Zoo's mangroves, as part of ongoing efforts to reintroduce the insect into Singapore's mangroves.
He said: "I don't think wildlife is a charity but it's an attraction. I think it's something which is well worth supporting. And of course I'll be very happy to help the Wildlife Reserves in their effort to attract more corporate sponsorship from companies. Not only the Zoo of course, but the Night Safari, and of course the Bird Park. I think all of these are wonderful amenities for Singaporeans."
- CNA/fa
Singapore needs more informal occasions for bonding: Tony Tan
Qiuyi Tan Today Online 12 Sep 11;
SINGAPORE - President Tony Tan Keng Yam says Singapore needs to create more informal occasions for multi-racial and multi-generational family bonding. Dr Tan said this to reporters at the Singapore Zoo last night where he attended the inaugural "Moon Night" celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which was an occasion for family and friends to gather and admire the harvest moon.
It was the first time the zoo opened its doors to the public for the celebration which aimed to raise awareness for nature conservation and biodiversity, while promoting family togetherness.
Dr Tan released fireflies into the forested area at the zoo as part of ongoing efforts to reintroduce the insect into Singapore's mangroves. The firefly population here has dwindled due to urbanisation.
He said: "I don't think wildlife is a charity but it's an attraction. I think it's something which is well worth supporting. And of course I'll be very happy to help the Wildlife Reserves in their effort to attract more corporate sponsorship from companies. Not only the zoo of course, but the Night Safari and, of course the Bird Park. I think all of these are wonderful amenities for Singaporeans."
Dr Tan and Mr George Huang, president of Singapore Manufacturers' Federation, also placed floating lanterns in the waters of Upper Seletar Reservoir. Visitors to the park were encouraged to buy the lanterns, with all proceeds to be donated to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund, which was set up to help efforts to conserve Singapore's endangered native wildlife.
Other activities included the recounting of the legend of Chang Er and her companion, the jade rabbit, and an animal petting session with the rabbits at the zoo.
Visitors were also educated on the effects of the moon on animal behaviour through fun and interactive performances.
Moon phases have been said to shape the evolution and lives of the animal kingdom, promoting the migratory habits of many animals today.
Family and racial bonding at zoo's Mid-Autumn event
Straits Times 12 Sep 11;
PRESIDENT Tony Tan Keng Yam and his family celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival together with 5,000 people at the Singapore Zoo last night.
The President, who was accompanied by his daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren, told reporters that such occasions serve as an opportunity for families and people of all races to bond.
He said: 'I think we all had a very good time here. Such family bonding, I believe, is very important for Singapore because we need to create informal occasions where families, children can bond with their parents and grandparents. It is the best way of building a sense of unity and comfort within the family.
'The other point, of course, this is open to all races, so you see people, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Europeans all coming together. This reflects the diversity of Singapore that we all celebrate together.'
Dr Tan was attending an event called Moon Night 2011, organised by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the Singapore Environment Council and Singapore Manufacturers' Federation, to celebrate the festival - which is today. The event is also meant to raise awareness of nature conservation and biodiversity, and promote family togetherness.
The zoo opened its doors for free at 6pm as part of the event.
Dr Tan took part in several activities, including releasing fireflies at a forested area in the zoo and floating lanterns on Upper Seletar Reservoir.
He said the wish he made when he released his lantern was that Singaporeans would continue to 'celebrate together, enjoy themselves together, work together, cooperating, caring and looking out for each other'.
He added: 'This, I think, will strengthen the Singapore family and I think it would be something we should all work towards.'
