Celebrating the Year of the Dragon 2024: Discover the Celebration Plans of The Accela Team

The Accela team extends warm wishes for a joyful Chinese New Year! As we prepare for CNY, we've collected reflections from the team about their fondest memories from past holiday seasons and their upcoming celebration plans for this year.

Claire Leys - Communications Executive 
One of my favourite dishes is actually a Red Glutinous Rice Wine Chicken because my grandpa used to cook it every year for the entire family before he passed away. I miss his cooking! Other than that, I love Yusheng. I actually made my own last year and added mango (picture above) – it was good, highly recommend trying to make your own - at least once!

Being born in the year of the Rooster, I want to take better care of myself, as health & wellness are always a priority. According to the predictions, I’m also looking forward to feeling empowered, motivated and ready to take on whatever is presented to me! 

Gathering with family and friends, and eating lots of CNY snacks!

Vicky Jones - Finance & Administration Coordinator
Even though I am now based remotely we still celebrate Chinese New Year as a household. We tend to buy takeout on CNY as my dumplings just aren’t as good!

I’ll be taking note of my Chinese zodiac this year and not becoming complacent which I find I can be easily, I am also extremely stubborn, so I will make sure that I am patient and do not make decisions lightly. It sounds like this year could be a good year for all goats!

 We now go to the local Asian supermarket to buy Xiao Long Bao and pineapple tarts to enjoy at home with an order of other dishes from Din Tai Fung. We decorate with the fake peach blossoms and hanging pineapple & other decorations we bought in Chinatown many years ago. Last year they had a celebration/parade at the Expo so if they have that again this year we will take the boys along to watch.

Sreekutty Kottoor - Finance & Administration Coordinator
I don't really celebrate much for the CNY usually. Since asked I thought of celebrating at a small scale. I am not familiar with cuisines, so I will try to make some dishes that suit this CNY.

I am a rooster and it's the best friend of the dragon and it seems the zodiac prediction is nice for me. Since the wind is favourable I will work hard to achieve my dreams.

Planning to celebrate with friends and I will get a Cheongsam this time for me..

Jean Ho - Talent & Operations Executive
I don't have a go-to dish or anything. Back in the day, me and my mom used to bake pineapple tarts for CNY, but now we just grab them from the store for convenience’s sake. My top pick for a CNY snack is those butter cookies from Mdm Ling Bakery. 

As per my Chinese zodiac readings, I might meet new and motivating people who could bring in future opportunities. Overall, it seems like a good year for the Oxs.

For CNY, I'm all about family/friends hangouts, and feasting. I'll be hitting up my relatives, snagging those red packets, and diving into some mahjong and card games. And as always, I’ll clean up the house before New Year's Eve to kick out the bad vibes and make room for good luck. 

Ranjini Padattil - Senior Finance Associate 
I love the taste of Chinese Herbal Soup and rice. This time I want to try Buddha over the Wall because of its super interesting name!

As a Rat:  To rest, recharge, and then gnaw on problems and challenges.

Spend time relaxing with family and get them to try Buddha Over The Wall with me.

Tatyana Kromli - Senior Communications Executive
I love pineapple tarts and usually will have a night with my cousins where we make them at home.

According to my zodiac predictions, the rat will have a very prosperous year in terms of wealth and time management.  More money in the bank is always good, but learning to use my time more efficiently and wisely with people I care about is something that I hope to achieve for this year.

I haven’t made any specific plans to celebrate CNY this year, but will likely do a lot of Lohei’s and hotpot nights with family and friends. Gong Xi Fa Cai! 

Deeksha Bhatnagar - Finance Manager 
My go-to dishes for this festive occasion are spring rolls and dumplings. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy indulging in the exquisite flavours of lo mein during these joyous celebrations.

I aspire to prioritize personal growth and continuous learning and my hope is for a healthy and prosperous year, with a harmonious balance between professional and family life.

This year, I've been invited by my Korean friends to join in the Lunar New Year celebrations. I am looking forward to savouring the delicious Korean dishes during the festivities.
Also this time, my son will be performing during the Lunar New Year celebrations at school. I'm thrilled to watch him on stage at his school's arts festival 😊.

Lou Yilin - Finance Associate 
My favourite CNY dish is definitely Yu Sheng as I really enjoy the moment when everyone gathers around and starts tossing it together while reciting the auspicious saying for the New Year.

Nothing much, just hope that everything will go smoothly and be able to overcome all the challenges that I will face in 2024.

Multiple house-visitings! Going to different relatives' houses to "Bai Nian", receiving red packets and getting some updates from them as we don't get to see each other that often.

Erin Padilla - CEO & Founder
For me, it’s all about the sweets! Pineapple tarts are at the top of my list, followed by Love Letters/Kuih Kapit, then the cashew cookies… actually I love them all! 😊

I am a Goat, and we're meant to have a good year under the Dragon with a period of dynamic energy and transformation. The Dragon's influence brings opportunities for personal growth and ambitious endeavours after a mediocre year of the Rabbit. I plan to embrace the spirit of the Dragon, stay adaptable, and harness the Dragon's powerful energy to make professional and personal strides.

This Chinese New Year, I'll be heading to Western Australia to hike half of the Cape to Cape trail. I'm looking forward to seeing some stunning landscapes and spending time outdoors. Post-hike, the plan is to switch gears and put our WSET Level 3 knowledge to good use by exploring some local vineyards. It's the ideal mix of wholesome activities and laid-back wine exploration, promising a well-rounded experience.