PWM Malaysia celebrates CNY

|     James Kon     |

PERSATUAN Warganegara Malaysia Saturday night ushered in the Year of the Snake with a Lunar New Year Gala Dinner reception that was also held in order to pay tribute to students – 284 of which received certificates and a total of $14,670 were given in the form of ‘ang pow’ or red packets – who excelled in their studies recently.

The Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Dato’ Abdullah Sani Omar participates in the traditional ‘Yee Sang’ with the PWM President, Mr James Lee, and other members

One of several performances staged by young students. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

A man dressed up as the Chinese deity of fortune greets the Malaysian High Commissioner during the celebration

One of several performances staged by young students

On hand to present the students with their awards was the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Dato’ Abdullah Sani Omar.

The event’s organising chairman, Mr Tiong Kee Huat in his speech said, “Tonight’s Chinese New Year celebration is not only an opportunity for all Malaysians and Bruneians to come together to celebrate, but also at the same time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our young Malaysian students who have achieved great academic results for the year 2012.”

He added, “Organising such an event is made possible with the generous support of sponsors, and the main bulk of the budget goes to students in the form of ang pow, aimed to encourage them to carry on achieving.”

The Malaysian High Commissioner in his speech called on all Malaysians residing in Brunei to return to Malaysia to cast their votes in the upcoming election, and also took the opportunity to pass on his 29th National Day congratulations.

The reception commenced with the Malaysian High Commissioner and the President of PWM, Mr James Lee and others participating in the traditional tossing of ‘Yee Sang’, a ritual symbolising good fortune in the upcoming year.

In addition, the reception saw several performances take place including dances from Chung Hwa Middle School.