20 February 2024
By ~ Pang Yoke Ling

2024 CNY Fellowship and Lunch

2024 is the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese folklore, the dragon has significant symbolism, representing positive qualities such as power, vitality, strength, good luck and wisdom. It is anticipated to usher in auspicious opportunities and advancements for all.

On February 20, IWCKL held a Chinese New Year (CNY) Fellowship Lunch at Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Chinatown. It was hosted by the Chinese members and all non-Chinese members were invited. A total of 69 members attended the event, IWCKL was very grateful to have our Patron, Her Royal Highness Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Bte Al Marhum Tengku Besar Mahmud who graced the event as our Guest of Honour. Also present was our Honorary Member, Y.A. Bhg. Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hjh Dr. Aishah Ong

The banquet hall was beautifully decorated with paper dragons, flowers, CNY decorations and mandarins on every table. The CNY dress theme was Chinese Ethnic costumes. It was a kaleidoscope of vibrant and radiant colours.

The programme for the day commenced with the lively lion dance and the beating of the drums. The “lions” presented mandarins to President Rani symbolising Prosperity and Good Luck for IWCKL. MC PP Linda Lim announced the commencement of the formal proceedings. The first programme was the “Lou sang” whereby finely julienned salads and fish skins were tossed with chopsticks as well wishes for prosperity and good health were echoed across the room. In Chinese language, the word for “fish” rhymes with the word for “abundance”. Lunch was an 8-course Chinese meal. It was delectable and sumptuous. While the members were partaking of their meals, a female singer and live band music were there to add to the convivialities.

IWCKL’s first programme was the Chinese Dance by a group of Chinese members. It was beautifully performed, and the audience, members and guests were also entertained by the sweet melodies belted out by IWCKL Song Birds Geraldine and Florence.

The highlight was IWCKL’s Got Talent Competition when all those hidden talents were brought to the fore. It was fun and hilarious. The 3 Winners were the Belly Dance, Lucky Dragon Dance and Wong Fei Hung and His Better Half. IWCKL’s really got talents!

Amidst fun and fellowship, IWCKL also managed to raise funds to the tune of RM13,900 for the CNY Project. It was in support of the Chinese Cultural Society of SMK Jinjang which IWCKL has been supporting over the years. The cheque was presented to the Representative of SMK Jinjang (who was invited to the Fellowship Lunch).

After dessert, the floor was opened for dancing. Many members came out to show us the moves and it was joyous to watch them enjoying themselves thoroughly.

The Fellowship Lunch ended at 3.00 p.m. and there was nothing but praise for the Chinese Organisers who had once again delivered such an enjoyable and memorable event.