Ushering in the year of the tiger with a blast

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CHINESE New Year will be celebrated by all ethnic groups in the spirit of 1Malaysia at a festive carnival to be organised by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC).

The event is scheduled from Jan 28 to Feb 1, from 10am to 10pm, at Stadium Negara to usher in the year of the Golden Tiger with a bang by bringing together 184 booths selling a wide range of festive paraphernalia.

The organising committee is confident that the event will also attract non-Chinese groups with interesting cultural performances not commonly seen in the country.

“The event, also organised in conjunction with the organisation’s 20th anniversary, aims to popularise the spirit of Chinese New Year among the younger generation as well as all ethnic groups,” MCCC first vice-president Datuk Bong Hon Liong said at a press conference at the MCCC office in Fraser Business Park, Pudu.

He added that the organisation wished to hold the event annually and expand it to other states.

Ushering in the New Year: Bong (centre), Ting (left) and Liew at the press conference.

Organising committee chairman Ting Young Kang said the event reflected a new concept that brought all available Chinese New Year paraphernalia under one roof to intensify the festive atmosphere.

“Also expect the air to be filled with a sense of romanticism as it will be a precursor to a doubly auspicious celebration as the first day of Chinese New Year will coincide with Valentine’s Day.

“In addition to that, there will be a host of cultural performances and activities rarely seen in Malaysia to attract friends from other ethnic groups,” he added.

He said non-Chinese traders were also encouraged to take up the booths as the event would see participation by representatives from China.

Co-organiser Sin Chew Daily’s public communications general manager Liew Lian Seng said the company was honoured to be part of the event as it was in line with the company’s principles of upholding cultural heritage.

The MCCC is a non-governmental, non-profitable, multi-ethnic business organisation aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation and development between Malaysia and China. Set up in 1990, the chamber now has more than 1,000 members.

The exhibition booths (3m x 2m) are priced at RM3,000 each for MCCC members and RM5,000 for non-members.

For details, contact MCCC vice- executive secretary Tan or project executive Tham at 03-9223 1188, fax 03-9222 0280 or visit www.malaysia-china.com.my, or contact Global Events Management Eliza or Soo 03-7842 7141, fax 03-7842 7142 or visit www.globalevents.com.my.