Can’t wait to meet up: The Aw family is planning a grand reunion celebration this Chinese New Year with family coming from Taiwan, Australia, Singapore and east Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: Many families are happy that the Chinese New Year open house is back this year and family members from overseas can return for the traditional reunion dinner.
Every year, more than 300 members of the Aw Yong family get together at Senggarang Batu Pahat to celebrate the reunion.
Ranging from the age of a few months to over 90, the family spans four generations.
Aw Boon Keng, 49, a traditional Chinese medicine specialist, said his family decided to welcome all family members to celebrate Chinese New Year.
“They are returning home from Taiwan, Australia, Singapore and east Malaysia.
“It’s just like a carnival – we are happy to sing, there are performances, a lucky draw, and a special session for looking back at family history.
“We want the young generation not to forget our great grandfather’s contribution and continue to uphold traditional Chinese culture,” he said.
Aw said each year’s gathering was a way for the young people in the family to get to know each other and make a connection.
He said each family would happily donate cash to set up scholarships to be given to those pursuing a university education.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no gathering was held last year.
“This year, we are continuing it in the hope that we can keep the legacy going,” he said when contacted.
Malaysia Dry Foodstuff Importers and Exporters Association chairman Datuk Seri Chuah Poh Khiang said every year on the ninth day, there would be the celebration known to the Hokkien as ‘Bai Tian Gong’, which means ‘praying to the Heaven God’.
“Previously, because of the pandemic, we scaled it down and limited it only to family members. The pandemic restriction was relaxed this year, so we will hold an open house again.
