Ong Ye Kung learns Cantonese Opera at Active Ageing Centre, dressed in full costume with hand fan

Ong Ye Kung spotlights Cantonese Opera class at Active Ageing Centre, earns praise

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung swapped his usual work attire for something a little different when he visited an Active Ageing Centre (AAC) to learn Cantonese.

In an Instagram post on Sunday (1 Nov), Mr Ong was seen dressed in full costume as he eagerly participated in activities with the seniors.

Ong Ye Kung joins Cantonese Opera session as ‘new classmate’

The Instagram reel showed the Minister at an AAC, seemingly in Bukit Batok East.

“Today, we have a new classmate,” the opera tutor said, introducing him in a full outfit.

Mr Ong got into character, flicking a hand fan open as if he were a wuxia villain.

He joined the others in an operatic performance, giving it a good shot despite looking slightly nervous.

The audience gave all of the performers a round of applause.

Residents call opera fun

“What drew you to Cantonese Opera?” Mr Ong asked the group. One person replied that it was both fun and a beautiful cultural tradition.

“In the past, we could only listen, but now we can learn from teachers,” she continued.

The tutors gave the seniors various exercises to teach them the proper way to sing, and Mr Ong found they were quite particular about specific vocal techniques.

After a tutor demonstrated the correct way to sing a specific phrase, Mr Ong nervously replied: “Let’s not sing in such a high pitch.”

Netizens intrigued by Cantonese Opera

One of the teachers hoped more seniors would participate in activities at the AAC, which Mr Ong agreed with.

“Learning makes us feel younger,” he said. “Whether it’s learning a new language, a new song, or a new dance. Come to our Active Ageing Centres and see if you can learn something new.”

Mr Ong’s video gained over 3,200 likes at press time, with most netizens praising him.

“First time [seeing] Mr Ong performing opera,” one commenter wrote.

The reel also successfully intrigued several netizens, who wanted to enrol.

Also read: Pritam Singh attends Hungry Ghost Festival event at HDB block in Bedok, sings Hokkien song to widespread applause

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Featured image adapted from @ongyekung on Instagram.