Singapore Minister Apologizes for Handshake ‘Delay’
A video clip showing Gan Siow Huang seemingly delaying a handshake with a man in a red shirt has gone viral, prompting an apology from the Singaporean Minister of State. The incident sparked online debate about perceived disrespect.
Apology Issued After Viral Video
Gan siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry, has publicly apologized following an incident involving a perceived delay in shaking hands with a man. The incident occurred on May 17th during her visit to the Peck San Theng Cultural Festival in bishan.
The video, widely circulated online, shows Ms. gan exiting a car and being greeted by a group of eight men. After shaking hands with one man,she appears to delay shaking hands with a man in a red shirt who was holding the car door open for her.
Speaking to the press on June 8th, Ms. gan, who also serves as the MP for Marymount SMC, explained that she was trying to identify and greet the host of the event first. She acknowledged the situation may have appeared disrespectful.
Social Media Backlash
The video quickly gained traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where one post amassed over 185,000 views within a day of being posted on June 7th. Many online users expressed negative opinions, accusing Ms. Gan of arrogance and disrespect towards the man in the red shirt.
Minister’s Explanation and Remorse
Ms. gan stated that she was overwhelmed by the large group that greeted her upon arrival. She said:
“When I got out of the car, I was trying to identify the host of Peck San Theng and shake hands with the host first. I was also a little overwhelmed by the big group that received me when I got out of my car. I sincerely apologise to the man in the red shirt for the delay in shaking hands with him.”
–Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry
She further added that she was grateful for the invitation to the Peck San Theng Cultural Festival and the warm welcome she received. Currently overseas, Ms. Gan has requested the organizer to extend her apologies to the man in the red shirt.
Event Details: Peck San Theng Cultural Festival
The inaugural peck San Theng Cultural Festival, which Ms. Gan attended, celebrates Cantonese culture. It was organized by Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng,a 155-year-old cultural institution managed by 16 Cantonese clan associations. This marked Ms. Gan’s first visit to the institution.
