This year’s Cultural Night saw once again the celebration of the various distinctives of the many people groups present in the TTC Community, but also the beauty of unity in diversity. After a short speech and grace by the Principal, the feasting commenced! Some countries, like Vietnam and Myanmar, came together to present a dish that reflected a part of their shared heritage, while others showed off their one of a kind cuisine, such as the Indian ‘Munthiri Pakoda (crispy and sweet cashew nut snack)’, the Singaporean ‘Braised Intestines with Yam Rice’, and Dr. Truscott’s ‘Spinach Lasagne’. Other edible highlights also include the iconic Singaporean ‘Ice Cream with Rainbow Bread’, Malaysian ‘Lok Lok (peanut sauce steamboat) and the Chinese ‘Jiu Niang Wan Zi (rice dumplings in fermented rice wine)’.

As the sun began to set, the performances began, starting with a community dance, led by Rev Dr Edmund Fong, featuring humorous moves with names such as the Selfie Snap and the MRT Squeeze. Following that were songs by Malaysia, dances by India and Indonesia, a heart-warming tribute to the evolution of the dialect-speaking churches by the Singaporean students in the Chinese department, an enchanting Jasmine flower dance from the Chinese students, and ending off with a rousing and patriotic medley of familiar National Day songs by the first year Singaporean students.

The night drew to a close, but hopefully the sense of cooperation and collaboration will not, as was evident from the efforts put in to make the event a success, and also in everyone working together to get the Plaza back to its original condition.

Through cultural night, we have had a foretaste of that heavenly banquet where all tribes and tongues will be gathered together in joyful worship of God. To God be the glory!

By Kjelti Koh (MDiv 2)