Fun With Kids: Free picture book that celebrates Chingay; grandparents’ stories of nation-building

SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities.

Mesmerised by the multicultural performances and colourful floats of the Chingay Parade, young Meena dreams of taking part in the street pageant.

She builds her own float, only to realise that it is tiny compared to the grander displays. Undeterred, she collaborates with her friends to transform it into something special.

Written and illustrated by Josef Lee, the book My Little Chingay Float is a People’s Association (PA) project. It aims to educate children about the history and significance of Chingay, while instilling values such as teamwork, neighbourliness and cultural appreciation.

The book launch on Aug 14 comes as Singapore and Malaysia pursue a joint nomination of Chingay for Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Submitted on March 27, the nomination highlights Chingay as a shared tradition uniting multicultural communities in both countries.

Borrow the book at most public libraries or download a free digital copy at

to read with your kids.

A book project by People’s Association, My Little Chingay Float aims to educate kids about the history and significance of Chingay.

PHOTO: JOSEF LEE

Mr Kia Siang Wei, Chingay 2026 executive committee chairperson and group director of Partnership Group at PA, says of the book: “We hope to spark wonder in children’s hearts and cultivate appreciation for Singapore’s living heritage – the Chingay Parade. The Chingay spirit thrives not only in the parade itself, but in the friendships and dreams our children nurture.”

Eli and Eva Lim, siblings and pupils at Henry Park Primary School, interviewed their paternal grandfather Lim Seow Beng (far left) and maternal grandmother Maureen Pang (far right), about their lives during Singapore’s early nation-building years. They are seen here with other family members.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANGELA ANTHONY

How was life during Singapore’s early nation-building years? Read with your kids true accounts of courage and resilience as shared by some seniors. They were interviewed by their grandchildren who are pupils at Henry Park Primary School and these stories are now accessible online at

Among the seniors is Mr Lim Seow Beng, 75, who told his nine-year-old paternal grandson Eli Lim about his 31 years of army service. He fought for Singapore during Konfrontasi, a conflict between Indonesia and the then Federation of Malaysia, which took place between 1963 and 1966.

Mr Lim Seow Beng in his younger days when he was serving the army.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LIM SEOW BENG

Eli’s seven-year-old sister Eva interviewed their maternal grandmother Maureen Pang. The 71-year-old recounted how her family, when racial riots broke out in 1964, risked their safety to hide an Indian man pursued by Chinese rioters. Despite their fear, they believed in doing the right thing and sheltered him in their home.

This initiative by Henry Park Primary aligns with the SG60’s theme Building Our Singapore Together and complements the school’s social studies lessons.

Mrs Angela Loy, Henry Park’s subject head for character and citizenship education and social studies, explains that the programme encourages its pupils to speak with the older generations, exploring the question: “What does it mean to be bold and resilient, and how have our grandparents demonstrated these in their lives?”

Madam Pang reflected on her sharing: “It was such a meaningful experience – specially knowing how young they are – and yet they listened so openly to stories they couldn’t fully picture.”

Mr Lim added: “I hope my grandchildren carry with them the reminder that each of us, in our own way, can help make life better.”

Besides being available online, the stories were showcased in a school exhibition, which will also be displayed at the Ulu Pandan Community Club on August 16 and 17. You can also watch the interview videos at

Taking a cue from this programme, encourage your kids to chat with their grandparents about their life stories.

Mrs Loy says: “As we commemorate SG60, this learning experience invites children to connect the past with the present and consider how these shared values continue to guide us into the future.”

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