Celebrating the Year of the Horse 2026: Discover the Celebration Plans of The Accela Team

The Accela team extends warm wishes for a joyful Chinese New Year! As we prepare for CNY, we've collected reflections from the team about their fondest memories from past holiday seasons and their upcoming celebration plans for this year.

Rocco Ahuja - Corporate Services Manager

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year? I am planning a road trip to Ipoh to soak in the CNY celebrations & take the opportunity to rejuvenate.
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions? My hopes and aspirations for the coming year are focused around health and career - blending personal well-being with professional growth.
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year? Prioritising mental well-being and strengthening bonds with family & work colleagues.

Lydia Lee - HR Manager 

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year? - The usual reunion dinner, and (stressfully) bouncing around relatives' places for two days. I'm looking forward to the yushengs, and it'll be a challenge to stay away from the snacks :(
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions? It looks like it'll be a productive year for me, with lots of opportunities for growth in various aspects of life. Exciting times ahead!
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year? A healthier lifestyle (called out in the zodiac predictions), and expanding my responsibilities at Accela. Here's hoping for a stable year ahead amidst all the global events.


Erin Padilla - CEO & Founder

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year?
I’m travelling to the US to be with family! Although it’s not a holiday they all traditionally observe, the "reunion" aspect of Chinese New Year is what matters most to me. 
Plus, since my husband is a Horse, we’re excited to celebrate our "Zodiac Bestie" status together this year!
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions?
As a Goat I’m really excited to be entering the Year of the Fire Horse. In the zodiac, our signs are "Secret Friends," which typically signals a year of harmony and strong support.
With some big things afoot at Accela, I plan to lean into that momentum. I'm looking forward to a year of growth, shedding the year of the snake, and seeing our hard work pay off in some really tangible and exciting ways.
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year?
My focus is on consistency. I’m resolving to stay active and keep my energy up so I can stay on top of a busy schedule. Beyond the work goals, my hope is for a smooth year of good health and making more "intentional time" to just enjoy being with my friends and family.

Tatyana Kromli - Senior Communications Executive

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year?
This year will be a quieter one for me. I’m not really celebrating in the traditional sense with extended family, but I’m planning a few self-love days by the beach during the break, and finally catching up on books I’ve been meaning to read but haven’t had the time for.
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions?
As a Rat in the Year of the Horse, I’m hoping to be more intentional with my energy, focusing on projects and relationships that feel aligned rather than rushing from one thing to the next. It feels like a year to trust my instincts, stay adaptable, and build momentum.
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year?
I’d like to be more intentional with my time this year, prioritising rest, balance, and doing things at a pace that feels sustainable.

Vicky Jones - Finance and Administration Coordinator

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year?
This year we are going to go and try Haidilao Hot Pot for the first time with the boys
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions?
My hope is to have a year of good health and lots of new experiences
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year?
Based on the above, this year I will be prioritising my self-care and spending more quality time with my family, making memories.

Lou Yi Lin - Finance Associate

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year? This Chinese New Year, I’m planning to celebrate with family and close friends, enjoying traditional foods like dumplings and nian gao, and soaking in the festive atmosphere with red decorations and lanterns. It’s always a special time to reconnect and reflect.
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions? As a Rabbit, I hope to embrace the bold energy of the Year of the Dragon with confidence and courage, while staying true to my gentle and thoughtful nature. I aspire to pursue opportunities for growth, strengthen meaningful relationships, and bring harmony and positivity to both my personal and professional life. This year, I aim to balance caution with courage, taking steps toward my dreams while staying grounded and mindful.
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year? My resolutions for the new year are to stay curious and open-minded, strengthen relationships with family and friends, and make space for small joys and meaningful experiences throughout the year.

Shamili Periasamy - Senior Finance Associate

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year?
This year, I’m celebrating Chinese New Year by spending quality time with family and continuing our yearly tradition of doing a loh hei together. Alongside traditional home-cooked meals, I’ll also be indulging in pineapple tarts and love letters generously shared by neighbours. It’s a joyful time to reconnect, soak in the festive atmosphere, and welcome the new year with warmth and positivity.
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions?
My zodiac being a Pig, this year is all about enjoying life’s abundance and making steady progress. I’m hoping for a year filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and a little bit of luck sprinkled in! Professionally, I aim to grow and learn, while also making time to celebrate the little joys along the way!
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year?
My CNY resolution is to stay active, carve out time for self-care, and embrace a peaceful, happy rhythm in daily life. So here's to a year full of laughter, good health, and loving moments!

Ain Rani - Senior Corporate Secretary Associate

This Chinese New Year, I will be celebrating with family, enjoying reunion dinners, home-cooked favourites, and simply catching up with each other. As a Snake, I hope to bring my wisdom and patience into the Year of the Horse. I am hoping I stay grounded, making thoughtful decisions, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. For the new year, my resolution is to be more intentional with my time. I want to focus on personal and professional development, while also cherishing the small joys and meaningful moments along the way.

Jen Stewart - Director of Communications

I’m keeping CNY very low key this year and really looking forward to being in Singapore after a busy period of travel. I’ll be doing long walks, beach time with our dog, and working through our hit list of bars and restaurants. I’m also excited to visit Film House.
With it being my year of the Horse, I’m feeling positive and excited about the year ahead and the energy it brings. My focus for the new year is a good routine, good energy and enjoying what the year brings 🐴

Medea Roesti - Director of Finance and Corporate Services

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year?
I’m keeping things simple and meaningful this year — spending quality time with family, enjoying good food, and taking the opportunity to rest and recharge. 
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions?
This year’s outlook encourages steady growth, resilience, and making thoughtful decisions. 
I’m taking that as a reminder to stay disciplined, continue improving my skills, and build stronger relationships both professionally and personally.
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year?
My hope for the new year is progress — better systems, better health, and better balance. 
I want to keep delivering value to clients while also making time for family, friends, and of course, a few tournaments along the way.

Jean Ho - Talent & Operations Executive

1. How are you celebrating CNY this year?
I’ll be celebrating CNY much the same way as in previous years. I’ll be visiting my relatives on the first day of CNY. I’m especially excited because I bought my dog, Elly, new CNY outfits for her to wear on both days. She’ll be joining us for house visits, which will be incredibly cute!
2. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year based on your Chinese zodiac predictions?
According to Chinese astrology predictions for 2026, those born in the Year of the Ox are expected to have a fairly positive year - the outlook points to steady progress, which is great to hear. My goal for the year is to stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and keep growing both personally and professionally while making the most of any opportunities that come along.
3. Any CNY resolutions or hopes for the new year?
For the new year, I hope to be more consistent with my exercise routine and prioritise my health. I also want to spend more time with people who are important to me and focus on activities that I find meaningful and enjoyable.

Katie Boon - Communications Director

The CNY weekend coincides with both my 9th wedding anniversary and Valentine’s Day, so I am kickstarting the festivities with a romantic dinner with my husband. On Sunday, it’s an early reunion dinner with the family, followed by visiting my sister’s home on CNY where all my relatives will gather to feast and play cards!