Chinese New Year Temple Fair: HCUC contributes to preservation of Chinese Culture

By: Andy Low Choong Yen

PENANG – To celebrate Chinese New Year and promote traditional Chinese culture, Pejabat Ahli Parlimen Bagan and Pejabat Adun Bagan Jermal organized the 4th Chinese New Year Temple Fair in Butterworth in collaboration with Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) and other organizations on February 23 and 24.

Several traditional culture programs were arranged by HCUC staff and students to coordinate with the Chinese New Year celebration, drawing in lots of visitors. For instance, traditional Chinese bookbinding, paper cutting, Chinese seal cutting, and the traditional musical instrument, Angklung.

Students from HCUC teaching Angklung in a workshop.

The fair began with several cultural shows and performances, such as Chinese long-sleeve dance and a Sichuan opera mask changing performance, followed by the entry of VIPs.

The event drew not only Penang residents, but also visitors from other states and nations, like France and China.

A visitor from France immersed in the Chinese seal cutting workshop. 

Mr. Lai Eng Choong, the organizing chairman of the fair, stated that the temple fair was open to all ages to let more people, especially teenagers, know the traditional culture. He welcomed all the participants and also thanked all the staff and crews for their hard work and dedication.

The fair continued with the opening ceremony and speeches by VIP guests. 

“The fair is important to help teens develop cultural awareness and understanding, instead of being eliminated.” shared YB Lim Guan Eng, the former chief minister of Penang Cum  Member of Parliament for Bagan.

YB Lim Guan Eng also conveyed that this is the first time the fair has received support from the Penang State EXCO Office for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETAC) and shared how to solve challenges such as financial problems and personal issues during the preparation of the fair.

YB Lim Guan Eng giving his speech.

The gaming and lucky draw sessions were the highlights of the fair before it ended. All attendees had the chance to play games and participate in lucky draw sessions to win and receive fantastic prizes and presents.