“Chinese New Year is usually when my kitchen is busiest. This year, on day three, it will be closed until nighttime.
That’s when Ramadhan, the first day of fasting, begins.
I’m a Malay Muslim, married into a Chinese family. We’ve been navigating two cultures, two faiths, and two festive celebrations together for more than 25 years now.
I still remember the first time my husband tried fasting – by midday, he began groaning, checking the time and acting like he hadn’t eaten for years. When he finally managed to fast for a full day, he was genuinely proud of himself!
I was proud of him too, because he made an effort to understand my faith even before we got married.
So when my first Chinese New Year celebration came around, I made sure to extend the same care. I read up on Chinese customs – no wearing black (even though it’s my favourite colour) because that colour was reserved for funerals, and no sweeping as it’s believed to sweep away good luck.
I spent the day in the kitchen with my mother-in-law, who kindly ensured all meats were halal-sourced. Cooking during festive seasons was already second nature to me, having done the same with my mum during Hari Raya since I was young. So I followed along, helping where I could.
The two celebrations are actually quite similar. We gather as family. We eat together. We give out money packets (Ang Bao for Chinese New Year, and duit raya for Hari Raya).
During Covid-19, we started using DBS PayLah! and QR Ang Baos. At first, the elders expressed their preference for cash, but eventually, they appreciated the convenience. A win-win for us too, since we no longer have to physically exchange cash.
I am so thankful for my family. There’s no feeling that compares to being understood – and that is something I strive to extend to the customers I work with at the bank. I joined DBS in 2002 as a customer service officer. Today, I’m with the Institutional Banking Group, assisting clients through the hotline.
Over the years, I’ve moved across different banking segments, but the heart of the work has stayed the same. Being present, listening carefully, and doing the right thing for our customers. I strive to anticipate each of their unique needs, respecting their perspectives to build genuine trust and rapport.
This year, for our festive celebrations, there will be small accommodations, like having dinner earlier on the second day so everyone can rest to be able to prepare for sahur, the pre-dawn meal before fasting the next day.
It’s a simple adjustment to ensure we continue to show up for one another, just as we always have.”
- Bisharah Sairasi, Institutional Banking Group
