The 1st Emperor God, Choa Chu Kang, Singapore.

In Chinese religion in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, the vast majority of people follow what has been called Chinese folk religion / popular religion or vernacular religion. These are based on traditions passed down through the generations rather than through religious texts. Containing deities from the Taoist, Buddhist, Imperial and Folk pantheons, it is a spirit medium centric tradition where devotees consult their deities through spirit mediums (tang-ki) who are in trance possession states.

Every year, on the ninth day of the ninth Lunar month, the Nine Emperor Gods are said to come to Earth to bless their followers. The festival is celebrated in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. This spirit medium is channeling the 1st and most senior of the Nine Emperor Gods in Singapore. The deity enters his body to bless devotees and to carry out his ritual duties multiple times during the nine day festival. The festival is one of the highlights of Singapore's religious calendar.