<\/p>\nthe Chingay 2026 parade on Feb 27 and 28,<\/p>\n
<\/a> the troupe has become a regular feature at the annual extravaganza in recent years.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mission is to keep the tradition, but evolve with the times,\u201d said Mr Goh, a sales specialist.<\/p>\n
Stilt-walking used to be commonly performed at funerals, where towering performers were believed to ward off evil and guide the departed. Today, it is also seen during Chinese New Year and other celebrations such as temple events.<\/p>\n
Entertaining on stilts gives Mr Goh a thrill as he inevitably becomes an instant crowd-puller.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople always rush to us to take photos, and everyone is always so happy to see us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Performing at Chingay in front of thousands of people is even more satisfying for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cStanding tall before (what seems like) the whole of Singapore, I always feel this great sense of pride.\u201d<\/p>\n
Youth participation has risen over the last three to four years, with half of Chingay 2026 performers under 35 years old, said Ms Tok Hui Lin, vice-chairperson of the Chingay 2026 executive committee.<\/p>\n\n\nPrime Minister Lawrence Wong greeting the crowd on Feb 27 at Chingay 2026. The event is being held at the F1 Pit Building.<\/p>\n
ST PHOTO: JASEL POH<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Ms Tok, who is also deputy director (arts and culture) at the People\u2019s Association (PA), noted that since Chingay 2023, PA has made concerted efforts to engage a broader spectrum of youth groups, including interest groups and informal groups. <\/p>\n
Through enhanced social media outreach and its National Education Programme, PA has raised awareness among young people about opportunities to showcase their talents and interests. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen more young people step forward as performers, volunteers and co-designers, it shows that Chingay continues to resonate with the next generation,\u201d Ms Tok said. \u201cBy engaging them early, we build a deeper sense of belonging and empower them to carry this uniquely Singaporean tradition forward.\u201d <\/p>\n
Despite a fear of heights, Mr Goh overcame his phobia to learn stilt-walking at the encouragement of his friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to give up many times at the beginning,\u201d he said. \u201cMy parents kept asking me to quit when they saw me going home with bruises and injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the guidance of stilt-walking master John Ng, he mastered the basics in just two to three sessions, walking on stilts ranging from around 0.75m to 3m high.<\/p>\n
More than a year and several falls later, he has perfected stunts such as flips and leaps over fire rings, tables and chairs.<\/p>\n
Falls are part and parcel of training, he said, but there is a correct way to fall to prevent injuries, such as by squatting low and falling forward. <\/p>\n
He estimates that there are about 100 stilt-walkers left in Singapore, as many have retired. <\/p>\n\n\nMr Goh Jun Siang (first stilt-walker from left) with members of his Art of Stilts Singapore troupe at a Chinese New Year event in 2025<\/p>\n
PHOTO: COURTESY OF GOH JUN SIANG<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Mr Goh said the troupe is driven by passion rather than profit. All earnings go towards rental of storage space in Defu Lane, as well as costumes, props, stilts and meals.<\/p>\n
He hopes to recruit more members, as not everyone is available for every performance. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn this era, not many young people are interested in this traditional art form. And once they enter the workforce, they may be busy with their careers or tied up with starting their family,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
They train once a week for about two hours.<\/p>\n
Troupe member Edwin Koo, 24, was introduced to the art form in 2023 by a friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause stilt-walking was something that I had never seen or heard of before, I thought, why not try something new?\u201d said the sales professional, who likes new challenges. <\/p>\n
The various stunts pique his interest and keep him going, he said.<\/p>\n
Ms Lyndy Koh, 23, first came across the troupe in 2024 when they were performing at a temple. The computer science undergraduate then asked to join them.<\/p>\n
While the training is physically demanding, she looks forward to entertaining others.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a unique joy in being up there, sharing this craft with an audience and seeing their reactions,\u201d she said. \u201cI hope more people would learn to appreciate this traditional art.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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