KUCHING: As Chinese New Year festivities fill homes across Malaysia, a quiet evolution is taking place.
From e-angpow transfers to social media greetings, technology has woven itself into this ancient festival. But has digitalisation enhanced the experience, or diluted its meaning?
We spoke to three local celebrants – Raymond Sii, 30, a technical consultant; Victoria Frances Teng, 22, a fresh graduate; and James Wong, 27, a journalist, to find out.
When it comes to choosing between physical and digital angpow, all three respondents were unanimous – there’s something irreplaceable about the traditional red packet.
“I prefer getting it physical, where I can express my gratitude physically,” Raymond shared.
For him, the respectful bow and face-to-face exchange carry cultural weight that a digital notification simply cannot replicate.
Victoria echoed this through childhood memories saying, “There is something special about holding angpows in your hands and feeling the excitement of opening them. No matter the amount received, it’s a simple joy closely tied to my childhood memories.”
James emphasised human connection, elaborating that “the tradition of personally receiving angpow carries warmth that digital transfer cannot replace. For me angpow is not just about the money but also the exchange of blessings, the handshake, and the face-to-face interaction”.
Beyond nostalgia and connection, Victoria shared a fascinating practice that e-angpow can’t accommodate: the “tek ni” tradition; keeping unopened angpows in certain spots around the house, which is a Teochew practice symbolising prosperity.
“It’s less about superstition and more about cultural continuity. After all, faith aside, I’m still Chinese at heart.”
But what about the digital aspect of celebration?
While physical red packets remain beloved, our respondents showed varying levels of engagement with online festive content.
Raymond admits he’s not particularly active on social media, yet he’s witnessed the shift.
“Virtual greetings among relatives and close friends are definitely the norm,” he noted.
For Victoria, being a digital native means social media has always been part of the package.
“The accessibility of various platforms allows us to send festive greetings near and far with photos, videos, GIFs and stickers,” she explained.
Yet she clarified, “However, we still maintain traditional practices like visiting family in our hometown. Digital practices have enhanced the celebration, but they haven’t replaced our traditions.”
James sees technology as mere extension than transformation.
“Social media hasn’t changed the way we celebrate as the core traditions remain the same. It has indeed made it easier to stay connected and extend blessings beyond physical distance.”
Despite their different relationships with technology, all three agreed on one thing— digital tools are additions, not replacements.
Ask about generational divides in Chinese New Year celebrations, and you’ll get three very different answers which tell an interesting story.
Raymond’s observation might surprise those expecting a stark digital divide.
“The way older and younger generations celebrate has reached parity with the house visits, angpow giving, playing games, gossiping and appreciating each other’s presence remain the same.”
Victoria, on the other hand, noticed something more nuanced – not so much a divide in traditions, but in how they’re expressed digitally. Her sister, a multimedia designer, creates custom motion graphics as festive greetings, while older family members prefer sharing photos they receive.
“My cousins give e-angpow, while the older generation prefers physical red packets. That said, angpow is always appreciated,” she added.
James identified yet another kind of generational shift – one less about technology and more about what aspects of the festival people prioritise.
“The older generation prioritise customs like gathering at home and hosting guests – togetherness within the family. Meanwhile the younger generation focuses more on celebrating with friends. Some families even travel overseas during the festive period.”
What’s clear from these differing perspectives is that generational changes in celebration aren’t one-dimensional as they vary from family to family, shaped by individual values as much as age.
So where does all this leave us? Are digital celebrations a step forward, a step backward, or something else entirely?
Our respondents each brought their own take and collectively, they painted a hopeful picture.
Raymond’s view is refreshingly pragmatic: “More convenient definitely, and meaningful still to the ones who appreciate. Companionship makes or breaks CNY celebrations. Virtual greetings are the second option to meeting physically.”
In other words, use the tools, but don’t mistake them for the real thing.
Victoria, perhaps naturally given her generation, took a more optimistic stance.
“Technology exists to make life easier. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it diminishes tradition. As long as technology is used ethically and responsibly, digital celebrations can complement and enrich the festive season.”
But she was also quick to raise a concern that often gets overlooked in discussions about digital culture: “I hope people continue to support real human artists who invest time, talent and energy into producing meaningful festive works, instead of soulless AI-generated content.”
James, drawing on his perspective as a journalist, focused on what he sees as the crucial factor: sincerity.
“Digital options make celebrations convenient without diminishing meaning, just as social media doesn’t make relationships less genuine. Going digital doesn’t automatically weaken tradition, it depends on the intention. If it’s sincere, the spirit of Chinese New Year remains intact whether delivered in person or not.”
It’s a point worth considering that perhaps the medium matters less than we think, as long as the heart behind it is genuine.
Step back from the individual perspectives, and what emerges is a remarkably consistent picture: digital tools can genuinely enhance our celebrations but only when we keep core values of companionship, gratitude, and cultural continuity at the centre.
Technology has undeniably made Chinese New Year more accessible. Families separated by borders can share moments in real-time.
E-angpow ensures the spirit of giving continues despite distance. Creative content, from custom motion graphics to video calls – it all adds new dimensions to festive expression.
Yet, the soul of the celebration remains decidedly analogue. It’s about companionship, shared meals, and the warmth of being physically together.
What’s happening isn’t abandonment of tradition – it’s augmentation. We’ve found a comfortable middle ground where old and new coexist naturally. Red packets might arrive as notifications, but the blessings they carry remain just as tangible.
And perhaps most importantly, we shouldn’t lose sight of the human element. The artists and creators who make festivals vibrant deserve our support. Real human touch matters, in how we celebrate and whose work we amplify.
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, here’s hoping the new year brings not just prosperity and joy, but renewed appreciation for how tradition and creativity gel seamlessly.
