Malaysian community in Ukraine was feted at the Chinese New Year `open house’ celebration hosted by H.E. Ambassador of Malaysia to Ukraine, Chuah Teong Ban at Rumah Malaysia on Sunday, 10th February 2013. About 50 guests comprised Malaysians and their family members, local guests and “Friends of Malaysia” attended.
The Chinese New Year celebration commenced with the bang of firecrackers, followed by the tossing of traditional `Yee Sang’ dish to usher in the year of the snake. Angpows were given to the children while mandarin oranges were given away to each guest as a token of prosperity for the coming year. A variety of Malaysian cuisine such as chicken curry, mixed vegetables, Malaysian sambal, together with deserts like curry puff and onde’-onde’ (buah Melaka) were served.
In his brief remarks, Ambassador Chuah thanked all guests for their presence to make the celebration warm and merrier, which consequently contribute to forging closer camaraderie, fellowhip and friendship. This traditional cultural practice of festivity with a strong sense of communal participation reflects the robust nature of cultural diversity shared in Malaysia. The local guests and `Friends of Malaysia’ in Ukraine had a wonderful experience and also a glimpse of the unique Malaysian way of life.