Starchild: Why birthday parties mean the world to Malaysian kids

Hannah Chan Yue Bei, 8

Imagine you have the chance to design your perfect birthday party from start to finish. What theme would you choose? Would you go for a superhero adventure, a magical fairy tale, or maybe a beach party right in your backyard?

Planning your own birthday means you get to decide on everything, from the decorations and games to the food and cake. It is a chance to make the day exactly the way you want it – full of fun, laughter and special moments with your friends and family. So, how would you plan the best birthday ever?

Ong Keat Hsin, 9

It would be so nice to plan what games to play at the party. Musical chairs, treasure hunts and pin the tail on the donkey are some of everyone’s favourites.

Pizza, sandwiches and snacks like chips and fruit are always a hit. Don’t forget to include some sweet treats, like cupcakes or candy.

We received an overwhelming response to the topic, My Birthday Party. Here are the letters from our readers. We will run the second batch of letters next week.

Chng Yan Bei, 9

“If I were to plan my birthday party, I would start with an amazing chocolate cake, topped with strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce and sprinkled with M&Ms. The inside would be filled with sweet strawberry filling. To make it even better, I’d add marshmallows on top. My birthday party would take place at a trampoline park with many trampolines for my friends to jump and play on. For the final dish, I’d serve pineapple pizza, which is one of my favourites,” says nine-year-old Chng Yan Bei.

“I love birthday parties. There are cakes, balloons, birthday hats and best of all, friends! There is nothing that can make my birthday party more exciting than friends,” says Hannah Chan Yue Bei, eight.

Lim Sheng Hao, 11

Tristen Yeoh, eight, writes: “My birthday is coming. My dad plans to host a birthday party for me at McDonald’s. I have created 10 invitation cards for my best friends. My brother will help me to arrange some games for the party. Mummy will prepare a delicious birthday cake. I am very happy as I can see all my old friends from my previous school again. I do miss them.”

Heng Sze Hui, 9

Tristen Yeoh, 8

“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to plan my birthday party, and I’ve finally decided on the perfect way to celebrate. The party will be held at Gurney Paragon in George Town, Penang, a fantastic spot with great places to hang out and plenty of excellent restaurants. I plan to treat my friends to dinner at a Western restaurant there. I really hope everything goes according to plan on my special day,” writes Lim Sheng Hao, 11.

Nine-year-old Heng Sze Hui writes: “I will celebrate my birthday on Sept 18. I will have my party at home. I will be inviting my cousins, relatives and friends to my party. My parents will prepare some balloons, cakes, yummy food and drinks.

“Everyone will sing the Happy Birthday song while I cut my birthday cake. Everyone will enjoy a great treat with all the delicious food prepared by my mother. At the end of the party, I will unwrap all my birthday gifts. All of us will have a great time.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11, writes, “I can’t wait for my birthday on Nov 8. I will invite my cousins, friends and classmates for my birthday. My mother always makes delicious snacks for all of us, which we lap up happily. We will play many games and have the most fun time. I will keep these fun games a secret and eagerly wait for my birthday to come soon.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: If you could meet any book character, who would it be? Maybe you’d choose Harry Potter to learn magic, or Paddington Bear to share stories. Or would you like to meet Miffy, the cute rabbit? Think about why you like that character. What would you ask them? Meeting a book character could be like stepping into their world for a fun adventure!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Sept 20. Please put “STARCHILD: A Book Character” in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.