THE main atrium of the Sunshine Central Penang has been transformed into a whimsical Christmas village adorned with 10,000 teddy bears, as the shopping mall unveiled its enchanting festive showcase themed ‘A Beary Merry Christmas’.
Marking this historic milestone, Sunshine Central Penang chief executive officer Cynthia Hwang received a Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) recognition for ‘The Most Teddy Bears Displayed in a Christmas Event’ from MBR record consultant Megat Faris Megat Muzaffar at the atrium this evening.
“These bears are not only part of the décor; they play a meaningful role in this year’s charity initiative, offering visitors the opportunity to adopt a bear and contribute to a greater cause,” Cynthia said.
Under the ‘A Bear for Care’ programme, shoppers are invited to adopt a teddy bear for RM30, with all proceeds channelled directly to selected charity homes.
“Through this programme, Sunshine Central aims to raise substantial support for children’s welfare, covering essentials such as meals, festive gifts, daily necessities and welfare programmes.”
Every RM30 adoption includes:
- One teddy bear to take home
- One complimentary ride on the Christmas Bear Train
- RM20 worth of shopping vouchers
- A direct contribution to helping underprivileged children and charity homes in Penang
Cynthia added that the initiative reinforces Sunshine Central’s long-standing commitment to community support and social responsibility.
“By making teddy bears adoptable for charity, Sunshine Central seeks to inspire a community-wide movement of kindness. Each adoption represents a gesture of love. Visitors bring home a bear while simultaneously sending hope to a child in need,” she explained.
Giant illuminated stars, towering red Christmas trees, whimsical photo spots, wooden cottages, festive gift boxes and a captivating giant bear balloon suspended above the atrium created a magical setting.
The centrepiece of the installation is a magnificent Christmas tree encircled by hundreds of plush bears, symbolising unity, love and togetherness.
From both the top view and ground level, the atrium resembles a fairy-tale Christmas town, with teddy bears decorating the trees.
The installation features a grand bear-wrapped Christmas tree, an immersive Bear Tunnel lined with plush toys, a nostalgic Cuckoo Clock Tower, scenic photo spots for families and children, a giant festive television box, sparkling fairy lights, oversized ornaments, and a classic Christmas Bear Train Ride circling the atrium.
To set the tone for the ceremony, a group of singers performed carolling numbers, followed by dance performances by youths and children. Santa Claus added to the festive cheer, especially for the children who received sweets.
After the MBR award presentation, Cynthia and Bryan Wong, senior manager of Group Marketing Communications, launched the ceremony by touching a crystal ball each, triggering a burst of confetti. Also present was Ivan Leong Ka Sheng, project director of Sunshine Wholesale Mart Sdn Bhd & Crimson Omega Sdn Bhd.
‘Snow’ in the form of white foam then began to rain down, enhancing the ambience of a White Christmas. Children gleefully tried to catch the flakes, while families and shoppers captured the joyful moments on their mobile phones.
Among the visitors was a family from Tamil Nadu, southern India, who have been living in Penang for the past eight years.
Businessman Adhil Arshath and his wife, Nisha, brought their three-year-old daughter, Ayana, to experience the ‘snowy’ Christmas.
“We wanted to enjoy a vibrant Christmas atmosphere, and we are not disappointed to have come all the way from Bayan Baru. We could find this kind of festive display in Kuala Lumpur, but hardly in Penang. When we saw this event on Sunshine Central’s Facebook page, we knew we had to come,” Adhil said.
A Beary Merry Christmas represents more than just a festive installation; Sunshine Central promises to uplift the community, support local charity homes and bring hope to children during this special time of year.
“Through the involvement of shoppers, partners and the wider community, the mall hopes to spread the true meaning of Christmas: giving, caring and sharing joy,” Cynthia said.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong
