Every May, Singapore comes alive with candlelight processions, chants of peace, and acts of compassion as the country celebrates Vesak Day — a public holiday that honours the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

In 2025, Vesak Day falls on Friday, 16 May, marking a long weekend for many. But beyond the public holiday, Vesak Day offers important takeaways for both employers and workers in today’s fast-paced world: balance, mindfulness, compassion, and purpose.

Why Vesak Day Matters in Multicultural Singapore

Although Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world, its teachings remain profoundly relevant in modern working life. In Singapore, Buddhists make up about 31.1% of the resident population according to the 2020 Singapore Census, making Vesak Day one of the most widely observed cultural holidays here.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) includes Vesak Day as one of Singapore’s 11 public holidays, giving Singaporeans and residents a chance to reflect, rest, and reconnect.

What Happens on Vesak Day in Singapore?

Across the island, Buddhist temples and cultural centres hold events open to the public. Whether you’re a long-time practitioner or simply curious, here’s how it will likely be commemorated in 2025:

Many of these events are open to the public, and companies are encouraged to support employee participation or volunteer opportunities on this day.

Vesak Day and the Workplace: Lessons in Mindful Leadership

The rise of wellness-focused workplace cultures has made ancient teachings like mindfulness more relevant than ever. In fact:

• A 2024 study by LinkedIn found that 78% of employees in Singapore value mental health support and purpose-led cultures as top priorities
• Companies that promote work-life balance and psychological safety report up to 33% higher productivity (Deloitte SEA Human Capital Trends)

Vesak Day is a natural opportunity to encourage:

• Wellness check-ins and digital detoxes
• Compassionate leadership practices
• Team volunteer activities that align with ESG and CSR goals

For Employers: How to Honour Vesak Day at Work

Here are meaningful and culturally sensitive ways for companies to observe Vesak Day with their teams:

1. Promote awareness: Share a brief internal note or video about Vesak Day’s significance

2. Organise a team wellness session: Host a guided meditation or mindfulness workshop

3. Encourage giving: Match employee donations to charities or Buddhist temples

4. Celebrate diversity: Recognise employees observing Vesak Day with greetings or flexibility

5. Volunteer as a team: Join a community clean-up or food distribution on May 16

These actions foster inclusivity while aligning with broader DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) goals.

For Workers: How to Make Vesak Day Meaningful

Whether you're Buddhist or not, Vesak Day is a chance to pause and reflect. Here are a few ways to observe it meaningfully:

• Visit a temple like Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown
• Try a digital detox or journaling session
• Prepare a vegetarian meal with loved ones
• Take part in a community service activity
• Practice gratitude and intention-setting for your work and life

Final Word from Reeracoen

In the hustle of KPIs, career shifts, and recruitment cycles, Vesak Day reminds us of the power of stillness, purpose, and compassion — values that apply as much to boardrooms as they do to temples.

As a recruitment agency deeply rooted in Singapore and across APAC, Reeracoen believes in empowering people not just with jobs, but with meaningful career journeys. We hope this Vesak Day, both workers and employers will find time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Wishing all who observe a peaceful and purposeful Vesak Day 2025.

 

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References

1. Singapore Census of Population 2020 – Religion Data

2. Ministry of Manpower – List of Public Holidays

3. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery – Vesak Day Events

4 .Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

5. LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index 2024

6. Deloitte SEA Human Capital Trends Report 2024