The significance of Lunar New Year: Insights from Jaron Soh

Jaron Soh, co-founder and CEO of Voda and a proud myGwork member, reflects on the personal significance of Lunar New Year and shares why it’s a meaningful time to express gratitude.

What does Lunar New Year mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?

Jaron: Lunar New Year is bit like our Christmas. It’s a time to reconnect with loved ones and a huge family affair, often with extended family. I usually head back to Singapore, which also means escaping the cold in London for a few weeks. My mum and dad both have many siblings – so we have massive gatherings with cousins, uncles and aunties. It’s always a fun, lively (and sometimes dramatic) affair, as it always it with family, but it’s something I cherish deeply (and I enjoy a bit of drama).

How do the values of Lunar New Year – renewal, family, and prosperity – influence your life or work?

Jaron: For me, Lunar New Year is about gratitude. I get quite reflective this time of year as I head back to Singapore – where for most of my life I had to hide my identity. So while I’m grateful for the time I get to spend with family and loved ones, it’s also a chance to be grateful for the life I’ve managed to build through my work with Voda. As a young gay kid living in Singapore back then, I wouldn’t think I’d have the chance to run a LGBTQIA+ mental health startup – as for most of my life I had to hide my sexuality from family. Being able to celebrate Lunar New Year as my full, authentic self means a lot. To share that joy with both my family and my chosen family makes it even more special.

How do you celebrate Lunar New Year as part of or an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

Jaron: Lunar New Year is mostly spent with my family, but I also celebrate with my chosen family. Kind of like a ‘Friendmas'. Lunar New Year spans several days, so there’s always time to gather with friends.

You can find out more about Jaron's new app Voda here, and connect with him on myGwork here.