Say cheese: Performers taking a photo together at the ACCCIM Chinese New Year reception at Kuala Lumpur. Graced by the Prime Minister, the event at a hotel here was attended by some 600 guests from various businesses, sectors and industries.— FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Business and networking were on the agenda at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)’s Chinese New Year reception, which drew a large crowd of Chinese entrepreneurs and executives.
Graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the event at a hotel here was attended by some 600 guests from various businesses, sectors and industries.
Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations president Hong Chee Meng said the event was an important gathering of Chinese leaders in the business world.
“This year will be challenging, and the chamber plays an important role in bringing all businesses together to better the economic landscape,” he said.
With the presence of the country’s top leader and Cabinet ministers, he noted that the chamber could raise pertinent points and strategies to improve the business environment and foster greater economic collaboration.
He said the majority of businesses began with modest beginnings and achieved success through diligent effort.
“We hope the future generations can continue to grow and prosper on this land,” he added.
In order to see this take place, he said it is very important that the country remain stable so that there is a good platform for businesses to prosper.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy president Datuk Liaw Choon Liang said Malaysia has a positive outlook for the new year with foreign investment pouring into the country.
Its deputy honorary secretary-general II Datuk Albert Chiang Heng Kieng expressed hopes for business success and improved livelihoods in the Year of the Snake.
At the reception, booths were set up to enable the guests to taste freshly made dragon beard candy and participate in Chinese calligraphy writing.
ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk Jeffery Tan said the reception was an annual event to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
“It is a special once-a-year celebration,” he said while wishing everyone good health and family unity.
