SINGAPORE : The next time you are watching a lion dance, look closer. It may have distinctly Singaporean elements.
The new Singapore Lion was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
With a red and white mane - Singapore's national colours - the Singapore lion dances to the beat of not just Chinese drums, but also the Malay kompang and the moves of the Indian dance.
The new creature was born on Sunday after two years of hard work.
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong first mooted the idea of a lion incorporating Singapore's multi-ethnic character.
But it wasn't the only creature hogging the limelight.
A total of 318 traditional Northern and Southern lions got together to break the Guiness Record for the most number of lions dancing together. - CNA