A TWO-DAY charity concert, proudly presented by Penang First MMC in collaboration with the International Christian Dance Fellowship Malaysia (CDFM), proved a resounding success, raising RM70,000 in support of Charis Hospice Penang.
Church administrator Molly Yeap said the donations were collected from the public during the South-East Asia Dance Charity Performance 2025 Malaysia, held at the church auditorium in Karpal Singh Drive on Sept 6 and 7.
Held under the theme ‘Flavour of Asian Heritage – Taste and See that the Lord is Good’, the event captivated audiences with a vibrant showcase of cultural and heritage dances.
A 30-member South-East Asia Dance Troupe from Hong Kong and Indonesia, led by artistic director and choreographer Madam Surianty Liu Chun Wai, delivered a world-class performance.
Their repertoire included Full Bloom of Youth, An Evening in Jakarta, Tari Renggo Manis, Tari Yapong, Philippine Dance Influenced by Spanish (Maria Clara), Bali Tari Janger Naluri Manca, Classical Ballet of Java Gamelan, Bride’s Prayer, Tari Aceh Saman, and Sumatera Toba Lake (Batak Tortor).
A renowned performing artist, researcher, choreographer and lecturer, Surianty is passionate about preserving and promoting traditional dances from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. At the end of the show, she delighted the audience by teaching them some simple dance steps.
Veteran Hong Kong artist Charley Wong Lam also starred in the concert, performing a pantomime titled Love in the Marketplace and a mime titled A Father’s Wish.
The event was graced by Madam Tan Lean Kee, wife of Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, alongside Penang First MMC senior pastor Rev Marcus Tan, executive pastor Rev Jessie Ngiam, Charis Hospice Penang founder and medical director Dr Oo Loo Chan, and CDFM founder and national coordinator Rev Karen Liew.
Tan, who also serves as president of Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP), praised the organisers for combining cultural celebration with a meaningful cause.
“This concert not only showcases Asia’s rich cultural and heritage dances but also channels generosity towards Charis Hospice Penang, a non-profit NGO established in 2004.
“Since its inception, the hospice has provided free care to patients regardless of race or religion. As we enjoy these performances, let us also reflect on the profound difference we can make together.
“As we have been blessed, let us in turn extend love, care, and support to others in need, so that they too may ‘taste and see that the Lord is good,’” she said.
Rev Marcus Tan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the troupe and commended CDFM’s commitment to preserving traditional art forms.
“The troupe has invested countless hours of practice to present this remarkable performance under the theme Flavour of Asian Heritage.
“We also applaud CDFM for its dedication to revitalising cultural dances familiar across the region. Most importantly, all proceeds from this concert will go to Charis Hospice Penang, whose free palliative home-care services make a tremendous impact on patients and families,” Rev Marcus Tan said.
For the past 25 years, Penang First MMC has also staged its annual Christmas drama, raising funds to support charitable causes. Last year alone, it channelled donations to 25 organisations.
Dr Oo, in her remarks, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the organisers while highlighting the importance of community support for smaller non-governmental organisations.
“Charis Hospice Penang is a relatively small organisation. As such, we will always need to network to remain effective and efficient in our community.
“We’re thankful to Penang First MMC and the organisers for this concert and for their vital support to help us continue our work.
“Our mission is two-fold – to provide quality palliative home care to patients with advanced illnesses in their own homes, and to raise awareness and empower the community to care for one another,” she said.
The two-night cultural celebration was not only an artistic triumph but also a testament to the power of compassion, community and shared heritage in uplifting lives.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of Penang First MMC