A Durian + Street Food Carnival & Gala Dinner By YBNM & MCAH: Here’s How it Went

In a splendid display of cultural magnificence, Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia (YBNM) and Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) collaboratively orchestrated the grandiose Pre-CNY Durian & Street Food Carnival and Gala Dinner 2024. This extraordinary event unfolded on 21st January 2024 at the iconic Thean Hou Temple, transforming a single day into a double prosperity extravaganza.

Daytime Splendor: The Street Food Carnival Spectacle

The daytime festivities commenced with a vibrant street food carnival boasting 40 curated vendors. The eminent Durian celebrity icon, Edison Chen (马来堂哥), took centre stage, enchanting the massive crowd of enthusiasts. Opening durians and sharing his expertise, Edison became a beacon of durian knowledge. Accompanying the culinary delights, renowned artist Lim Sing Hooi dazzled attendees with over 50 personalized caricatures.

The carnival also hosted a captivating colouring competition, engaging 100 children aged 7 to 15. This artistic pursuit seamlessly blended with the cultural celebration, fostering a familial atmosphere while imparting informative edutainment to the younger generation.

An interval of the carnival witnessed a lavish giveaway and a captivating lucky draw, featuring prizes exceeding RM10,000 in value. Lucky winners, armed with street food carnival coupons, rejoiced in receiving items such as TVs, fridges, electrical appliances, and beauty products.

Evening Elegance: The Gala Dinner Extravaganza

As the sun set, the Gala Dinner unfolded with a majestic dragon dance heralding the entrance of 30 VIPs, including distinguished hosts Tan Sri Dato Sri Ong Tee Keat (YBNM) and Datuk Seri Dr. KK Chai (MCAH), alongside Minister YB Chang Lih Kang – Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, represented by YB Lee Chean Chung. The red carpet procession featured luminaries like YB Teresa Kok, YB Chua Wei Kiat, and diplomats from neighbouring countries. The grandeur extended to 700 guests, comprising media luminaries and Chinese entrepreneurs.

Datuk Seri KK Chai lauded the organizing committee for orchestrating a monumental success within a concise two-month preparation period. His blessings resonated through auspicious wishes for an early Chinese New Year celebration – Gong Xi Fatt Cai!

Tan Sri Dato Seri Ong Tee Keat expressed eagerness about reinvigorating Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia. He emphasized forthcoming collaborative social activities with MCAH, championing track 1.5 diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges.

YB Lee Chean Chung, representing the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, extolled the signed MOU by Tan Sri Dato Sri Ong Tee Keat and Datuk Seri KK Chai for future social initiatives. His commendation extended to the successful Durian & Street Food carnival, contributing to heritage preservation. Notably, he expressed admiration for the gathering of diplomats from 15 countries at the Pre-CNY Gala Dinner, accentuating the event’s global significance.

The traditional Yee Sang Toss, featuring 68 round tables with 30 diplomats participating simultaneously, marked the commencement of the Gala Dinner’s gastronomic delights.

The evening’s spectacle included captivating performances such as Shaolin Wushu, renowned Face-Changing, Chinese 24 Drum Showcase, Diabolo Showcase, and a mesmerizing Chinese Live Band, culminating in an unforgettable night.

The Pre-CNY Durian & Street Food Carnival and Gala Dinner 2024 stands as a testament to cultural opulence and prosperity, resonating across borders.

Dr Zyro Wong
International Relations Advisor for the Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia
moc.drawasthginkehtobfsctd-7ce866@tcatnoc

Gabriel Teo
Communication Director & Publicist
moc.drawasthginkehtobfsctd-8c8665@tcatnoc

Also read: Dragon Yee Sang, London Duck & More: Ring in An Enchanting CNY With InterContinental KL!