Advertisers and supporters show their cool dance moves at The Star’s 40th anniversary bash

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IT was an uncommon blend, but strangely perfect.

They came dressed in elegant traditional garb from all over the world, and proved that they had ‘Moves Like Jagger’ when they broke out in dance steps imitating the legendary The Rolling Stones singer.

And just when the crowd thought they had busted their last move, they switched genres from rock to pop and paid tribute to Michael Jackson’s famous Thriller music video.

Let's dance: The Star northern region advertising department staff performing in a flash mob during The Star's 40th anniversary dinner at E&O Hotel, Penang

The flash mob, involving 32 members from The Star’s northern hub advertising department, was one of the highlights of the newspaper’s 40th anniversary dinner at E&O Hotel in George Town, Penang, held last Friday.

The dinner, which was also held to honour the newspaper’s northern region clients and agencies, was attended by the top brass of Star Publications (M) Bhd who were dressed to the nines.

Good company: The Star advertisement manager (north) Simone Liong posing with ACMS Resources Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Dr Zainuddin Md Wazir (seated left)

Executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee arrived in a shiny, golden Chinese top while executive director Tan Sri Kamal Hashim donned a traditional Middle-Eastern robe.

International flavour: (from left) Nestle Products Sdn Bhd sports marketing manager Ng Ping Loong, The Star group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, StarMetro senior editor Brian Martin, Photo President administration manager Loh Choon Teik, The Star regional editor (north) Choi Tuck Wo and IT manager (north) Khoo Boo Taik posing for a group photo

Group managing director and chief executive officer Ho Kay Tat, group business director Calvin Kan and The Star group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai — dressed in Chinese, Punjabi and Middle Eastern outfits respectively — gave the advertising department staff a run for their money when they took over the dance floor, shaking loose to the Bee Gees’ hit Stayin’ Alive.

Kamal said the night was one of the best the company had enjoyed and thanked all the advertisers for their strong, continuous support.

Gorgeous ladies: Blissful Bridal Studio representatives including studio manager Anne Lee (left) and marketing manager Summer Chai (third left) posing for pictures

“I have never regretted being associated with The Star — from the beginning when we were still a small Penang paper till today when we have become the number one newspaper in the country.

“Tonight, I am so happy to be entertaining some of our most faithful advertisers whom I have known for a long time,” said Kamal, the company’s longest serving executive director.

Lee, who addressed the crowd in the opening speech, said it was apt to return to Penang to celebrate The Star’s 40th anniversary as it was where the paper had originally started.

“Most of the great writers — not only from The Star but also from our competitors — come from Penang.

“Penangites should be proud of producing the best intellectuals in the country,” said Lee, adding that the newspaper’s soul was “still very much” in the state.

Colour-coordinated: (left) Gama administration and marketing divisional manager Alexius Liew with IJM Land northern region general manager Toh Chin Leong

During the night, guests were entertained by musical group Daniel & Friends and were treated to a stand-up comedy routine by noted funnyman Douglas Lim.

A total of RM150,000 was handed out to five non-governmental organisations in conjunction with The Star’s anniversary.

They were the Penang Hospice Society, Women’s Centre for Change, Penang Caring Dialysis Society, Penang Amateur Athletic Association and Pure Lotus Hospice.

Advertising representatives also put on a glittering fashion show featuring gowns and suits from Anovia Bridal and glittering jewellery from Amee Philips.

Guests included Sunshine Wholesale Mart Sdn Bhd advertising and promotion manager Cynthia Loo, ACMS Resources Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Dr Zainuddin Md Wazir and Gama administration and marketing divisional manager Alexius Liew.

Gurney Plaza marketing communications manager Peter Chan and Queensbay Mall general manager Selina Ng bagged the “Best Dressed” award for the male and female categories respectively, with shopping vouchers worth RM500 each.

Good sport: Gurney Plaza marketing communications manager Peter Chan won the Best Dressed (male) award

Ng, who beat the other competitors with her shimmering, black saree, said she got the idea as Deepavali had just passed on Oct 26.

Chan said his Ip Man-inspired traditional Chinese robe was bought in Hong Kong five years ago and he only wore it for special functions.

In the lucky draw segment, Penang CIMB Bank manager Max Wong was the biggest winner of the night, walking away with an Amee Philips necklace worth RM4,200.

Wong, who never expected to win anything, said he would present the necklace to his lovely wife.

The other gifts in the lucky draw included iPad2s, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Malaysia Airlines flight tickets, digital cameras, hotel stay vouchers, buffet vouchers and shopping vouchers.