S’pore funeral company director poses in hearse during birthday party, criticised for alleged disrespect

Singapore funeral company director’s birthday party features hearse, defends it as harmless

While themed parties are not uncommon, a local funeral company director recently sparked controversy by holding a birthday celebration featuring a hearse.

According to Shin Min Daily News, a video of the event quickly spread across Facebook and other social media platforms, drawing widespread attention.

In the video, the celebrant’s photo was displayed on the front of the hearse, resembling a funeral procession.

Balloons and birthday decorations adorned the vehicle, while attendees walked around it, singing birthday songs in a style reminiscent of Buddhist chants.

An individual guided the guests through the experience as if it were a funeral, instructing them to bow three times in front of the hearse.

The birthday celebrant, Chen Weisong (transliterated from Mandarin), even lay inside the hearse, where a coffin would normally be, holding a framed photo of himself.

The unusual celebration sparked criticism online, with many netizens accusing it of disrespecting the funeral industry.

Company director surprised by arrival of hearse

Mr Chen, 36, is the director of Xin An Funeral Services.

He said the birthday party, held on 6 Nov at his company, was organised by his employees and business partners.

According to 8world News, the party featured getai singers, a Chinese opera ‘face-changing’ performance, and a buffet.

Near the end of the meal, Mr Chen was surprised by the unexpected arrival of the funeral hearse, which he had not been informed about beforehand.

Despite his shock, he said he wasn’t angry, as his role as a funeral director had given him a clear understanding of life and death, and he holds no taboos on the subject.

Mr Chen explained that funeral professionals often deal with situations or objects that may make others uncomfortable.

However, he emphasised that these things represent respect for the deceased and the solemn responsibility to support grieving families.

Despite the surprise, Mr Chen said everyone at the party enjoyed the experience and went along with the unexpected addition.

Funeral hearse birthday not intended to offend

In response to the backlash, Mr Chen clarified that he had no intention of disrespecting his colleagues, the deceased, or anyone’s religious beliefs.

He expressed regret if any aspect of the celebration had been offensive.

Shin Min Daily News also spoke to the heads of two other Singaporean funeral companies, both of whom found nothing inappropriate about the hearse-themed birthday celebration.

One of them remarked that most people in the funeral industry would not see the event as an issue, describing it as harmless.

He added that their business holds no taboos regarding life and death, aligning with Mr Chen’s perspective.

Also read: ‘Depressed people in particular should come’: Funeral company in Japan opens café where customers can lay inside coffins

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