The Spark of Controversy: NTU's Lunar New Year Email Invite

In early February 2026, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), one of Singapore's premier public research universities, found itself at the center of a heated online debate. An official email invitation sent by the Director of Student Affairs to students promoted a 'Lunar New Year Celebration' event scheduled for February 9 and 10. Organized by the NTU Chinese Society, the event aimed to bring together the campus community for festivities. However, the choice of terminology quickly ignited backlash on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and Reddit, where users questioned why the university opted for 'Lunar New Year' instead of the more commonly used 'Chinese New Year' (CNY) in Singapore.

The email, featuring vibrant posters and details about cultural performances, games, and food stalls, was shared widely after a Xiaohongshu user @CRISPYC posted a screenshot on February 3, captioning it 'Lunar New Year, NTU, are you serious?' The post argued that the term was 'entirely inaccurate' since the festival isn't solely based on the lunar calendar. This sentiment echoed across forums like HardwareZone, where Singaporeans and international students alike weighed in on the cultural implications.

Netizen Reactions: A Divide on Cultural Specificity

Reactions poured in swiftly, highlighting a generational and cultural divide. Critics, many appearing to be overseas Chinese students, viewed the terminology as a dilution of Chinese heritage, insisting on 'Chinese New Year' to preserve its origins. Comments on Xiaohongshu expressed frustration, with some calling it a recurring issue at NTU and urging the university to respect 'our Spring Festival.' On Reddit's r/SingaporeRaw, users pointed to similar posts circulating, amplifying the outrage.

Conversely, defenders argued for inclusivity. Forum users on HardwareZone noted that 'Lunar New Year' encompasses celebrations like Korea's Seollal and Vietnam's Tết, aligning with Singapore's multicultural ethos. One commenter remarked, 'Strictly speaking, "Lunar New Year" is the internationally accepted term.' Others dismissed the backlash as 'over-sensitive,' emphasizing that terms are often interchangeable in casual Singaporean usage.

This split underscores broader tensions in Singapore's higher education landscape, where universities navigate diverse student bodies while honoring local traditions.

NTU's Rationale: Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

Addressing the uproar, an NTU spokesperson clarified the university's position. The term 'Lunar New Year' is deliberately used in official communications to 'reflect the range of diversity and inclusivity of the many cultures that celebrate this season.' This approach mirrors international standards, including the United Nations General Assembly's 2023 resolution designating Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) as a floating holiday, recognizing its observance across Asia.

NTU, home to over 35,000 students with approximately 31% international enrollment—many from China, India, and Southeast Asia—prioritizes such language to foster unity. The spokesperson noted that while student groups like the Chinese Society may use 'Chinese New Year' in their materials, university-wide messaging adopts the broader term for harmony.

A Pattern of Past Incidents at NTU

This isn't the first time NTU has faced scrutiny over terminology. In January 2023, a Lunar New Year events board was vandalized multiple times: 'Lunar' was crossed out and replaced with 'Chinese' in black ink. The defacement stemmed from a Student Affairs Office directive to use inclusive language, leading to tensions with the NTU Chinese Society, which had prepared 'Chinese New Year' decorations.

NTU responded then by explaining the policy's intent to include students from Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. The board required repeated fixes with tape and markers, eventually isolated. These recurring episodes highlight ongoing challenges in balancing cultural pride with institutional inclusivity policies.

Such incidents extend beyond NTU; similar debates have arisen at brands like bubble tea chain Chagee in 2025, which apologized for using 'Lunar New Year' on Instagram.

The Global Debate: Lunar New Year vs. Chinese New Year

The controversy taps into a worldwide discussion. 'Chinese New Year' emphasizes the festival's Han Chinese roots, marked by the lunisolar calendar's start, family reunions, and customs like lohei (yusheng tossing for prosperity). 'Lunar New Year,' however, is promoted for inclusivity, acknowledging parallel celebrations: Korea's Seollal with ancestral rites, Vietnam's Tết with peach blossoms and mut cakes.

In Western contexts, media often uses 'Lunar New Year' to avoid cultural appropriation accusations, as seen in U.S. coverage. Yet, some Chinese nationalists see it as erasure, fueling online campaigns. In Singapore, where ethnic Chinese form 74% of the population and CNY is a two-day public holiday, 'CNY' dominates daily parlance, but institutions lean inclusive.

• Pro-'Chinese New Year': Preserves heritage; accurate for Singapore's context.
• Pro-'Lunar New Year': Embraces multiculturalism; UN-endorsed.
• Hybrid approach: Use both contextually, as some Singapore media do.

Singapore's Multicultural Higher Education Landscape

Singapore's universities, including NTU and National University of Singapore (NUS), embody the nation's 'multiracialism' policy, enshrined in its constitution. With rising international intakes—NTU's foreign students hit record highs amid U.S.-China tensions—campuses host diverse voices. Chinese students now rank Singapore second among study-abroad destinations, boosting Mandarin programs.

Policies promote cultural sensitivity training, diversity workshops, and inclusive language guidelines. For instance, NTU's student life initiatives emphasize harmony. Yet, flashpoints like this reveal friction, especially among PRC (People's Republic of China) students sensitive to perceived slights.

Link to career resources: Aspiring academics can explore tips for academic CVs amid such evolving campus cultures.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Students, Faculty, and Administrators

International students, particularly from China, often lead backlash, viewing 'Lunar New Year' as politicized amid global Sinophobia debates. Local Singaporeans, per forums, find it trivial, accustomed to fluid terms. Faculty advocate balance; one NTU academic noted in past coverage that education involves 'navigating sensitivities step-by-step.'

Administrators face pressure: Overly specific terms risk alienating non-Chinese; broad ones invite ire. Solutions include dual naming, as in NTU Chinese Society posters alongside university emails.

Implications for Campus Harmony and Reputation

Such controversies test university reputations. NTU, ranked 12th globally in QS 2026, prides on international appeal. Mishandled sensitivities could deter talents, but proactive responses like counseling (seen in recent lohei food waste incident) build resilience.

Broader impacts: Heightened awareness of food security (yusheng waste backlash), urging sustainable festivities. Universities may enhance professor ratings on cultural competence.

Cultural Sensitivity Training: Lessons for Higher Ed

Singapore universities invest in modules: NTU's 'Diversity and Inclusion' workshops define terms, explain contexts. Step-by-step: 1) Recognize festivals' shared roots; 2) Contextualize language; 3) Promote dialogue.

Case studies: NUS handles similar via student councils. Actionable insights: Student leaders can mediate via town halls. For careers, check higher ed jobs emphasizing DEI skills.

Future Outlook: Evolving Policies in Singapore HE

As intakes grow—Singapore aims for education hub status—expect refined guidelines. Hybrid terms, AI-moderated comms, or student-voted phrasing possible. Positive: Fosters global citizens.

Optimistic note: Events proceeded joyfully, reinforcing bonds. Explore Singapore higher ed opportunities.

Photo by Kay Si Ying on Unsplash

Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Inclusivity

The NTU Lunar New Year email backlash reveals higher education's role in cultural navigation. By prioritizing dialogue, Singapore universities like NTU exemplify constructive solutions. Readers, share experiences on Rate My Professor, seek higher ed jobs, or get career advice. Stay informed for a harmonious academic future.