FOR the third edition in a row, the Air Itam Chinese New Year celebration will be held this Friday from 6pm to 11pm at Taman Kejiranan Desa Mawar, featuring a mini temple fair concept with about five hours of continuous programmes.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said the annual celebration, now in its third year under different formats, will this time be organised as a small-scale temple fair to recreate a festive community atmosphere.
“This year we are organising it in a mini temple fair style, similar to a small festival, where families can come together and celebrate Chinese New Year in Air Itam,” he said at a press conference today.
He said admission is free and residents as well as members of the public are encouraged to attend.
“If you missed the bigger temple fairs this year, you can come to Air Itam and enjoy the festive atmosphere here,” he said, adding that the event is expected to draw between 600 and 800 visitors.
Ng said the programme aims to provide a platform for local students and community groups to showcase their talents.
“We want to give students and young people an opportunity to perform in front of the public and build their confidence through cultural activities,” he explained.
He mentioned that various schools and groups from the constituency will take part in the performances, including Wise Junios Preschool, SJK (C) Kong Min Cawangan Satu and SJK (C) Sin Kang.
Ng said Malaysia’s youngest professional face-changing performer Lim Kuan Yi will be among the highlights of the stage programme.
“The audience will be able to enjoy a variety of performances including face-changing, lion dance, fire shows, singing and dancing,” he said.
Ng pointed out students from SJK (C) Kong Min Cawangan Satu will present for dance performances, while lion dance show will be showcased as well.
Ng said several student groups have been preparing for months for their performances, noting that the students from the Association of Resource and Education for Autistic Children will perform their part as well.
“They have been training since July last year under the guidance of instructors, and this will be a special performance for the audience,” he said.
Besides stage performances, Ng said visitors can take part in traditional cultural activities during the event.
“There will be Chinese calligraphy and ink painting demonstrations, including writing spring couplets, as well as traditional themes such as plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum,” he said.
He said visitors can also try on traditional Hanfu costumes, play Chinese chess and experience traditional childhood games, adding that visitors can experience Chinese culture in a lively and interactive way.
Ng said a 360-degree camera experience will also be available for visitors to capture memorable moments with family and friends.
He added that parking will be available at SJK (C) Sin Kang, located opposite the venue.
“The event is a community celebration that brings people together and strengthens neighbourhood ties while preserving our cultural traditions,” he said.
Among those attended the media conference were TLM Event chief executive officer Jack Wong, SJK (C) Kong Min Cawangan Satu headmaster Tea Wan Fair, SJK (C) Sin Kang headmaster Lim Teng Yong, Wise Junios Preschool owner Datuk Lim Beng Suat, and former Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor John Ooh.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee