Chinese New Year with Michael Yang

Michael Yang, 27 is the chief editor for Chinese Media (Fiji) Limited and is from North East Liauning, China. He came to Fiji in 2006 with his family to attend the University of the South Pacific.

What is your Chinese New Year wish?

I hope Chinese New Year can be a public holiday in Fiji.

What does Chinese New Year mean to you?

It is a new beginning, so we can make time to think what target we should reach in the next year and how we can organise our time in the New Year.

What are your goals for the Year of the Fire Monkey?

I want to promote Fiji to more Chinese people through my media company, and let more Fijians know about China.

What’s the most interesting thing about you and your culture?

When Chinese people eat dumplings it should be with vinegar but when I cannot find any then I use a bottle of noni juice which is quite healthy but it is the last time I did it.

How did you celebrate the festival as a child?

We have a big party with families, eat traditional food, and yes the fireworks is the best part.

What traditions do you still keep, and how do you celebrate Chinese New Year today?

We give the “Red Envelope” to kids even today.

How will you be celebrating Chinese New Year?

Host a party with family and friends.

What animal zodiac sign were you born under, and do you think there are similarities between you and your animal sign?

I was born in the year of the Dragon. The image of the Chinese dragon is not the same as the dragon in the European knight novel. The Chinese Dragon represents tenacity, courage and justice. These are the qualities I want to learn and own.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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