The Incident Unfolds: A Combined Hall CNY Celebration Turns Chaotic

On February 11, 2026, students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Halls 3, 12, 13, and 16 gathered for a joint Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration in a residential hall. What began as an enthusiastic Lo Hei session—a popular CNY tradition involving the communal tossing of yusheng salad—quickly escalated into rowdy antics captured in a now-viral TikTok video. Posted by user @living4love.sg, the clip shows approximately 100 students flinging handfuls of yusheng, complete with salmon, abalone, and crisp vegetables, not just upward but directly at each other. Plastic cups soared through the air amid shouts of "huat ah," the Hokkien exclamation for prosperity, leaving floors, tables, and participants covered in salad remnants.

The video amassed over 344,000 views within days, igniting widespread debate across social media platforms in Singapore. While some viewed it as harmless youthful exuberance during festivities, the majority criticized the blatant food wastage and deviation from tradition, questioning the conduct of future leaders in a resource-scarce nation like Singapore.

Lo Hei Explained: Cultural Roots and Evolving Practices in Singapore

Lo Hei, translating to "toss up good fortune" in Cantonese, is a hallmark of CNY celebrations particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. Participants gather around a large platter of yusheng—a symbolic raw fish salad where ingredients like raw fish (for abundance), pomelo (for luck), and carrots (for good fortune) represent prosperity. Using chopsticks, diners toss the mixture high while reciting auspicious phrases like "da sai" (strike it big) or "huat ah." The height of the toss signifies rising fortunes for the year ahead.

Originating in the 1980s as a marketing innovation by Singapore restaurateurs, Lo Hei has embedded itself in multicultural Singapore's festive fabric. However, as seen in the NTU video, contemporary interpretations sometimes morph into food fights, straying from the ritual's intent. This shift prompts reflection on balancing cultural preservation with modern excess amid Singapore's push for sustainability.

NTU's Official Response: Counselling and Reminders for Organizers

Nanyang Technological University, one of Singapore's top autonomous universities, responded promptly on February 13. An NTU spokesperson stated: "As a university with a diverse community, we observe various festive traditions that are to be conducted appropriately and with consideration for others. We also take concerns about food waste seriously." The institution confirmed that several students involved would receive counselling on appropriate behaviour and avoiding food wastage at future events. Organizers were reminded to stay vigilant and intervene swiftly against rowdy subgroups.

This measured approach aligns with NTU's emphasis on holistic student development, where residential hall life fosters community but also accountability. No disciplinary actions beyond counselling were announced, focusing instead on education—a common strategy in Singapore's higher education landscape.

Social Media Storm: Voices of Criticism and Defense

The TikTok comments section became a battleground of opinions. Critics like user Chocolatemilkbetta lamented, "Playing with food is the only thing I saw. What a waste... You are supposed to toss up high as a meaning of prosperity." Val.koh added, "This is so disrespectful to the meaning of lo hei." Others pitied cleaners facing the mess and linked it to generational entitlement.

A minority defended the fun, arguing Lo Hei inherently involves mess. Reddit discussions on r/singapore echoed this divide, with some noting Lo Hei has devolved into "disguised food fights" over the past decade. This polarization highlights broader tensions between youth culture and societal expectations in Singapore's competitive academic environment.

Singapore's Food Waste Crisis: Stats and National Imperatives

Singapore grapples with significant food waste challenges. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), food waste comprised 12% of total waste in 2024, totaling over 800,000 tonnes annually, with only 18% recycled. Imported food dependency (90%+) amplifies the issue, as landfill scarcity looms under the Zero Waste Masterplan.

In universities like NTU, canteen and event waste contributes notably. The NTU incident underscores how festive exuberance can exacerbate this, prompting calls for portion control and compost initiatives. NEA's campaigns like "Love Your Food" target such behaviors, especially among youth.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

• 2024 food waste: ~12% of total waste (NEA).
• Recycling rate: 18%, up from 13% in 2014.
• Per capita domestic waste: Down to 0.85kg/day.

Hall Life at NTU: Fostering Community Amid Expectations

NTU's 24 residential halls, including the involved Halls 3, 12, 13, and 16, are vibrant hubs for over 18,000 students. CNY events like this combined celebration promote intercultural bonds in Singapore's diverse higher education scene. However, they also test boundaries of fun versus responsibility.

Prospective students eyeing NTU should note this balance: halls offer leadership opportunities via student committees, but incidents like this spotlight the need for professionalism. For career aspirants, such experiences build soft skills essential for academic CVs.

Implications for Student Conduct in Singapore Universities

This backlash reverberates across Singapore's higher education institutions, where universities like National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Management University (SMU) emphasize conduct codes. Viral missteps can tarnish reputations, affecting scholarships or internships.

Stakeholders—parents, alumni, employers—demand alignment with values like sustainability. A 2025 survey by Singapore's Ministry of Education highlighted 70% of students prioritizing ethical leadership, making such events teachable moments.

Sustainability Initiatives in Singapore Higher Education

NTU leads in green efforts, researching food waste valorization and zero-waste tech. Campus-wide composting and food recovery programs exist, yet events reveal gaps. Peers like NUS's Sustainable Campus Initiative mirror this, targeting 30% waste reduction by 2030.

Broader solutions include:

• Mindful portioning at events.
• Pre-event sustainability briefings.
• Post-event cleanups as community service.

Stakeholder Perspectives: From Students to Policymakers

Student leaders advocate moderated fun, while alumni decry waste amid economic pressures. Policymakers reference Resource Sustainability Act (2019), mandating waste reduction. Experts from NTU's sustainability labs suggest gamified apps for waste tracking at events.

Cultural guardians worry Lo Hei's commodification erodes meaning, urging education on origins.

Future Outlook: Responsible Festivities and Career Readiness

Post-incident, NTU halls plan enhanced guidelines for 2027 CNY. Singapore higher ed eyes digital monitoring and peer-led workshops. For students, this reinforces professionalism vital for higher ed jobs in Singapore's academia.

Explore Singapore university opportunities or rate your professors on AcademicJobs.com.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Actionable Insights: Hosting Sustainable University Events

To prevent repeats:

• Appoint waste monitors.
• Opt for plant-based yusheng alternatives.
• Incorporate cultural talks pre-event.
• Partner with food rescue NGOs.

Check higher ed career advice for building responsible profiles. Full Straits Times coverage.