Thousands usher in 2023

Flying lights: Drones forming a Merlion over the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2023. — The Straits Times/ANN

AS fireworks exploded at midnight over the Esplanade Bridge in the Marina Bay area, welcoming 2023, Leon Lai rose to his feet with his five-month-old daughter in his arms.

Starting a new family was the highlight of 2022 for Lai, 30, and he hopes the new year will be a more peaceful one, with the Covid-19 virus in retreat.