7 February 2025
By ~ Sharon Tan


A Serpent’s Dance of Friendship: IWCKL Celebrates Lunar New Year in Style

On February 7, 2025, the air crackled with festive energy at the Cinnamon Cafe, One World Hotel, as members of the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur (IWCKL) and their guests gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event, hosted by the club’s Chinese members, was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, gathering and generosity.

Before the festivities officially began, IWCKL President Lena conducted the 7th General Meeting. The stage was set for an afternoon of joyous celebration after the meeting was adjourned. The presence of Guest of Honour, Honorary Member Y. A. Bhg. Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hjh. Dr. Aishah Ong, added a touch of prestige to the already sparkling occasion.

The theme of the day was Hanfu, the traditional clothing worn by the Han Chinese people since the 2nd millennium BCE and it’s one of China’s most ancient and elegant traditional garments. The ladies transformed Cinnamon Cafe into a dazzling display of flowing silks and intricate embroidery. Members and guests alike embraced the traditional Chinese attire, creating a spectacle of vibrant colours and elegant designs. To add a sparkle to the event, a parade for “Best Dressed” saw four lucky winners emerge, each showcasing the beauty and artistry of the Hanfu.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Chinese members of IWCKL, resplendent in their own Hanfu, graced the gathering with a captivating performance. Their presentation, a nod to the Year of the Snake, was a delightful blend of cultural expression and entertainment.

The spirit of giving was also a central theme of the celebration. A cheque for RM13,000 was presented to the Cultural Society of Sekolah Menengah Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur, a testament to IWCKL’s commitment towards promoting and supporting the Chinese cultural heritage. Each attendee also received a red gift bag, thoughtfully prepared by the Chinese members and filled with delightful goodies, symbolizing good fortune and blessings for the year ahead.

No Lunar New Year celebration would be complete without the traditional “Lou Sang” tossing ceremony. The room erupted in a flurry of colour and laughter as everyone joined in the ritual, tossing the ingredients high in the air while reciting auspicious wishes for prosperity and good health.

Finally, the sumptuous luncheon commenced, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the delicious food and warm company. The Cinnamon Cafe buzzed with conversation and laughter as members and guests mingled, forging new connections and strengthening existing bonds. The sight of so many beautifully adorned figures moving through the elegant space added a unique charm to the cafe, much to the amusement and delight of other diners.

The IWCKL’s Lunar New Year fellowship was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of fellowship, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the joy of giving. It was an afternoon that will be fondly remembered by all who attended, a vibrant reminder of the bonds of friendship that unite the members of the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur.