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Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning 焚烧冥纸规范行动联盟

Established in 2022, the Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning successfully developed and promoted community norms for responsible joss paper burning, resulting in significant reductions in public feedback before concluding its work in 2025.

Last updated 26 May 2026

About the Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning

The Alliance for Action (AfA) on Norms for Joss Paper Burning was established in July 2022 to forge a consensus within the Chinese community on the desired norms for responsible joss paper burning, and to develop public education campaigns to promote these norms.

The AfA was led by representatives from the Singapore Buddhist Federation and Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, and included members such as a cultural expert, representatives from the leading Buddhist and Taoist organisations, selected temple leaders, Chinese media representatives, and the Singapore Religious Goods Merchants Association.

How the AfA Made a Difference

Between July 2022 and February 2025, the AfA developed and refined norms for responsible joss paper burning. These norms sought to correct misconceptions about syncretic practices and discourage irresponsible actions, which often cause public inconveniences such as smoke, smell, fly-ash, and pest issues for other residents. 

During this period, the AfA promoted these guidelines through six public education campaigns held during the 7th Lunar Month and Lunar New Year, peak periods for joss paper burning in residential areas. The campaigns used conventional and digital media, including:

  • Posters displayed around the housing estates;

  • Videos and digital posters broadcast on digital display panels at Housing & Development Board (HDB) lift lobbies and at key events for the Chinese community such as River Hongbao and Getai shows;

  • Wobblers featuring the AfA’s messages at supermarkets (displayed next to joss paper products) and religious goods shops;

  • Radio advertisements, Facebook livestreams and paid media platforms; and

  • A music video featuring Ms Liu Lingling in July 2024, to further expand outreach to the Chinese community.

The AfA also organised four public dialogue sessions (with livestreaming) over the 3 years to enhance public understanding of joss paper burning. These sessions explained the origins of joss paper burning and debunked common syncretic practices, particularly those that caused inconveniences to the public. 

The AfA’s efforts resulted in a significant decline in public feedback on joss paper burning.

  • For the Lunar New Year period, feedback volume dropped by 23% compared to the period before the AfA’s public education efforts.

  • For the 7th Lunar Month period, feedback fell by 31%, reaching an all-time low in 2024 following the AfA’s public education campaign in July 2024.

Conclusion of the AfA

Having established norms for responsible joss paper burning, the AfA concluded its work after the Lunar New Year 2025 campaign. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will build on the AfA's efforts and work closely with stakeholders and community partners to promote responsible joss paper burning practices through continued public education efforts.

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