2016 is the year of the Monkey. This year the Shuntak Association of Taiping organised its CNY celebration on the 13th of February 2016 at the old Shuntak Association premises at Jalan Pasar.
This year, the event attracted a large number of members. This is the first time that I have witnessed such a large crowd. The elderly, the middle-aged, the young and the very young were all there.
Perhaps, this was due to the fact that it was held earlier than usual and so most of those who work outside Taiping were still in town.
恭喜發財
The celebration started with a buffet dinner for all to enjoy.
步步高陞
While the members were enjoying dinner and having a good time chatting and exchanging the latest gossips, in walked the God of Prosperity (财神) to distribute hong pow or red packets to all. The red colour of the packets symbolises good luck. Furthermore, the God of Prosperity also came with a gold ingot. It is believed that anyone who gets to touch this gold ingot, will have good fortune.
As a normal practice, the Shuntak Association of Taiping, always honour the young members who excelled in their studies. As an added incentive for them to study hard, scholarships were awarded to the deserving young members.
Young members who received awards of scholarship
There was more reason for the members to celebrate when the mc announced that it was time for the lucky draw. There was enough lucky prizes for all but everyone was anxious to know what mysterious prize one would get.
Finally, there was a token of appreciation to Ah Lai, our friendly reporter from the Oriental Daily.
With that we wish all readers a blessed Happy Chinese New Year 2016!
恭喜發財
萬事如意
心想事成
年年有餘
