Community Feedback Regarding Festival Naming Conventions and Cultural 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.

Mr David Neo: 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.