SUNWAY University’s Chinese Inde-pendent School Alumni (CISA) club organised its 4th Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration recently to welcome the Year of Dog.
Themed Tuan Yuan Fun, the annual celebration brought forth the meaning of age-old traditions, where families got together for a reunion dinner, with students from various backgrounds.
The celebration kicked off with a lion dance performance by CISA members, followed by a dragon dance by students from SMJK (C) Chung Hwa in Klang.
The organising committee presented a play that told a story of three siblings who had an argument with their mother and moved out, only to realise the warmth of being at home with loved ones on the eve of the new year.
The play incorporated the performance of the 24 Festive Drums and Chinese orchestra.
CISA club vice-president Amanda Chan Siew Yi, who is one of the four event heads, said: “We hope that through the celebration the public will get a better understanding of Chinese culture and traditions.
“Through the play, we want to encourage everyone, especially those working or studying abroad, to return home for the reunion dinner and to spend more time with loved ones.”
Other performances include Diabolo, a magic show, a dance showcase, cheerleading and a performance by Astro All Stars Geraldine Gan and William Tan.
Five game booths and eight exhibition booths were set up to promote Chinese culture and traditions, featuring Chinese family names, Chinese paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese knotting, among others.
CISA club advisor Eileen Kor Phei Ling commended committee members and volunteers for their commitment to make the celebration a success.
“Compared with previous years, this year’s celebration is bigger. I am grateful for the effort they put in. They did not give up and worked hard to overcome the challenges they faced.”
Present at the celebration were Sunway Group Education and Healthcare Division chief executive officer Dr Lee Weng Keng, Sunway Education Group and Sunway University senior executive director Dr Elizabeth Lee, Sunway University vice-chancellor Professor Graeme Wilkinson, deputy vice-chancellor Professor Pua Eng Chong, Sunway College executive director Teo Ee Sing, Student LIFE director Lee Siok Ping and CISA club founder Goh Chin Poh.
This year’s celebration marked the 8th year of the establishment of CISA club.
In conjunction with its anniversary, the club said it would organise more activities to give back to society, including a leadership camp to guide students from Chinese independent schools as well as an alumni bonding session for the club’s former members.
Established in Feb 8, 2010, the club has grown from less than 20 members to almost 500 members. It aims to provide a platform for students from Chinese independent schools to interact and promote Chinese culture. It has hosted various activities including orientation programmes for new students.