THE message of love, joy and peace was shared at a Christmas celebration, themed ‘Joy to Penang’, at The Top atrium in Komtar today.
Organised by the Padang Kota Service Centre, the celebration was attended by 130 invited children and single mothers. They were the Single Moms & Children from Taman Manggis & Kedah Road Flat, Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home (Logan Road), SJKC Shih Chung Pusat (Love Lane), SJKC Aik Hua (Muntri Street), Special Children Centre (Ayer Itam) and Children Outreach in Gertak Sanggul.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the event together with his wife, Tan Lean Kee, said the Padang Kota Service Centre started organising the event 10 years ago at the New World Park.
“Every year, we invite the children in the Padang Kota area and sometimes single mothers to join in the Christmas celebration,” Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman and Tanjong MP, said in his speech.
“Time flies. Already it is now into its 10th year. Not many constituencies celebrate Christmas but I choose Christmas, apart from also celebrating other festival celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Deepavali.
“We hope this event can enable all to enjoy Christmas with its typical message of joy to the world, peace, love and hope that we want to share with others.”
This year’s event was co-organised by WomenBizSense.
Organising chairperson Khor Chiew Chi said the event was also in line with the Penang2030 vision which emphasises a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation.
“A joyful heart is a good medicine. Without joy, there will be no laughter, no smile and no fun. So, I believe joy is essential not only in this Christmas season but in our daily lives,” Khor said in her speech.
Those present were treated to several Christmas songs sung by the Georgetown Baptist Church choir, a skit and a violin performance by Bernard Tan.
The invited children and single mothers were later treated to a luncheon and given goodie bags.
Prior to the start of the programme, Chow joined the children to try his hand or rather head at the remote control toy-like spider and car using brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
The event was conducted by Braintech, one of the sponsors of the ‘Joy to Penang’ celebration.
Also present at the event were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Island City Council councilor Gerald Mak, WomenBizSense adviser Datin Josephine Yoong, Braintech founder P’ng Aik Fong, its chief executive officer Nick Ng Shu Lin and general manager Michelle Lim.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Alvie Cheng