THE fourth day of the Chinese Lunar New Year saw thousands of people from all walks of life thronging the heritage enclave in George Town to celebrate the Penang Chinese New Year festival, better known as Miao Hui, this evening.
Now in its 26th year, the Miao Hui cultural festival is hosted by the Penang Chinese Clan Council in collaboration with the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate!”, inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Penang’s Chinese heritage.
The festival features an array of exhibitions and activities designed to explore Penang’s cultural history, highlighting the people behind cherished traditions and the legacies they have passed down through generations.
Adding prestige to the occasion, the Miao Hui cultural festival was graced by the presence of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In his speech, Chow said Miao Hui, a cornerstone of Penang’s Chinese New Year celebrations, has evolved into more than just a festival.
“It stands as a testament to the state’s multicultural harmony, weaving together the threads of tradition, modernity, and unity.
“Twenty-six years ago, Penang Miao Hui began as a small community celebration. Today, it has grown into a nationally celebrated cultural highlight.
“Over the years, it has transcended racial boundaries, becoming a festival enjoyed by all communities,” he said.
Chow added that this year’s theme perfectly aligns with the choice of George Town’s heritage precinct as the venue.
“We hope everyone feels the profound significance of the ancestral clan halls and guilds here.
“These venues once served as sanctuaries for our ancestors who arrived from China, filled with dreams and aspirations. Their stories, wisdom, and sacrifices are embedded in these historic walls, waiting to be heard, understood, and passed down,” said Chow.
He also expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the Penang Chinese Clan Council, the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society, and the many volunteers who played a crucial role in making this year’s Miao Hui cultural festival a resounding success.
“This festival’s success would not have been possible without the dedication of every hard-working volunteer.
“Here, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society and the Penang Chinese Clan Council for their enthusiastic efforts.
“Your passion and commitment have brought this festival to life, brimming with vibrancy and warmth!
“I also wish to thank the kind entrepreneurs who sponsored and supported this event. Without your generous contributions, this grand celebration would not have been possible,” he said.
Also present were Chinese consul-general in Penang Zhou Youbin, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Tanjong MP, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Ho Swee Choon, Penang Cultural Inheritors Society chairman Kwoh Shoo Chen, and Penang Miao Hui 2025 event master planner Chong Jian Mei.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Some of the pictures during the event:
