Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined about 10,000 residents in Yishun on Wednesday night to usher in the new year at a four-hour countdown party.

The party was organised by Nee Soon South grassroots organisations and saw thousands throng an open field opposite Khatib MRT station to watch local and regional artists perform.

As the last few minutes of 2008 ticked by, PM Lee joined singers on stage in bidding farewell to 2008 by singing the traditional Auld Lang Syne before he wished all Singaporeans a Happy New Year.

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