The Malaysian Community in Cambodia came together in Phnom Penh on Friday to celebrate a record-breaking Chinese New Year at Naga1, filling the air with joy and festivity.
Organised by the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) and presided over by its president Oknha Tan Khee Meng, the event marked an auspicious beginning to the Year of the Dragon.
The celebration saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 400 people from both Malaysian and Cambodian communities, representing diverse walks of life, joining the festivities. This turnout shattered last year’s record of 350 attendees, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for cultural celebrations within the Malaysian expatriate community in Cambodia.
Guests were treated to traditional performances, including the mesmerising Lion Dance and Dragon Dance, symbolic of warding off evil spirits and ushering in good luck for the New Year.
Additionally, the event featured captivating displays of Chinese drum art and melodious renditions of Chinese songs, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial tossing of yee sang, a symbolic raw fish salad believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. Attendees gathered around tables adorned with colourful platters of shredded vegetables, pickled ginger, and salmon, eagerly pouring sauce over the ingredients before using chopsticks to toss the salad while expressing auspicious wishes for the year ahead. The room resonated with laughter and cheers as participants shared in the joyous tradition.
Lion dancers perform to bring blessings to attendees at the MBCC dinner on Friday. KT/Pann Rachana
Adding to the excitement, a lucky draw was held with prizes generously donated by members of the MBCC. Attendees eagerly awaited their chance to win, with many going home with prizes ranging from vouchers to electronic gadgets. The highlight of the night was the top prize – an Ang Pao containing a generous sum of $1,100, bringing delight to the fortunate recipient.
Reflecting on the success of the celebration, Oknha Tan expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their enthusiastic participation. He remarked, “It’s heartening to see our Malaysian and Cambodian communities coming together to celebrate our shared cultural heritage. This record-breaking turnout is a testament to the strong bonds and camaraderie within our community.”
“This also shows that Chinese New Year is not limited to Chinese nationals. It is the day that we get together and celebrate our friendship. With a shared bond, we are related, and we love each other.”
Established in 1993 under the guidance of then Malaysian Ambassador Dato Mohd Deva Ridzam, the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia stands as one of the oldest business associations registered in Cambodia. Its origins trace back to the inaugural meeting of Malaysian business representatives in the Kingdom, which led to the formation of the Malaysia Club. Teh Sing was elected as the club’s first president, and from its inception, the focus was on fostering camaraderie among Malaysians residing in Cambodia through social events celebrating cultural festivals like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Merdeka.
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In 1997, under the stewardship of Dato Md. Kamal Ismaun, then Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, the club underwent a significant transformation. Recognising the need for a more business-centric approach, the Malaysia Club evolved into the Malaysian Business Council of Cambodia on July 2, 1997. Chris Ho, representing Holiday Villa Hotel, assumed the presidency, marking a historic moment as the first foreign business association established in Cambodia.
During a period of upheaval in Cambodia, the MBCC demonstrated its commitment to the Malaysian community by facilitating the evacuation of Malaysian nationals on July 6, 1997. However, as peace gradually returned to the region, MBCC shifted its focus to supporting Malaysian-owned businesses, organising business networking sessions, and hosting social gatherings to promote mutual growth and collaboration.
On August 1, 2019, MBCC underwent a name change, officially becoming the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia, reflecting its continued evolution and dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Malaysian businesses in Cambodia.
The strong foundation laid by past presidents and board members has enabled the MBCC to foster a resilient network and generate enduring economic and social benefits for Cambodia. The Cambodian government has reciprocated this steadfast commitment, which has provided a conducive environment of peace, stability, and opportunities for Malaysian businesses to flourish.
According to Oknha Tan, the nurturing ground provided by the Cambodian government over the years has enabled Malaysian investments to soar, with cumulative figures reaching over $3.2 billion by the end of 2022. He described the figures as “a clear indication of our shared success.”