Welcoming 2023 amid ‘aurora’ hues

Revellers counting down to 2023 at i-City in Shah Alam. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

I-CITY Shah Alam came up with a unique idea for its visitors to ring in the New Year in Selangor.

The theme park’s northern lights experience, which was introduced some weeks leading up to 2023, seemed like the perfect attraction to enthral visitors.

This way, visitors could countdown to the New Year in a winter stimulated, controlled environment with temperatures of -8° Celcius amid the hues of “aurora” lights.

“The aurora-themed lights are in line with the lights, colours and hope we are bringing into the new year. As a symbol of solidarity and hope, LED lamps were also distributed to visitors at the theme park as a contemplative gesture for a better 2023,” said I-Berhad executive director and chief technology officer Ricky Lim.

Visitors from different countries joining in the countdown revelry at i-City theme park in Shah Alam.

Students from the Faculty of Performing Arts and Culture of Management and Science University (MSU) entertained the crowd with cultural dances, choir and band performances as well as a flash mob for four hours leading to the countdown.

“I-City leveraged on resources within Shah Alam and partnered with the faculty as a symbol of encouraging community self- sufficiency and positive use of spaces at i-City for artistic expressions,” added Lim.

The performance featuring a mix of traditional and modern performances was part of MSU’s talent programme.

In supporting inclusiveness at i-City, more than 100 vendors were seen participating at the New Year’s Eve bazaar, artisans market and halal hub street selling branded labels, local handicrafts and food and drinks.

Guests to the theme park were also given a 50% discount on rides and attractions from midnight into the first few minutes of 2023.