2024 Volunteers Appreciation Dinner

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The annual MSBCA Summer Picnic unfolded under clear skies and breezy winds, setting the stage for a day of camaraderie, laughter, and mouthwatering delights. With a record attendance of 180 members and friends out of the 210 registered, this year’s picnic surpassed all expectations, reaffirming its status as a beloved Association tradition. 

Registration started early at 10.00 AM, free for MSBCA members and $20.00 for non members who were friends or relatives of the registered members. The registration tables were setup next to South Arms’ Park Gazebo and at the tables doing the heavy lifting registrations were...

Registration table....Top Photo from left:

· Miew Leng Teo (MSBCA Treasurer) 

· Sophia Chiam (MSBCA Director of Membership), 

· Aster Liew (wife of MSBCA President & welcoming committee), 

· Carol Thong (wife of MSBCA Director & welcoming committee)

And to add to the merriment and witty banter during registration (or was it confusion?) were the MSBCA President Richard Liew and Director Michael Mok (standing)

Games and Laughter: A Tug-of-War Extravaganzza! 

Picture this: The sun beamed down, casting a golden spotlight on the picnic grounds. Laughter echoed, and the air crackled with anticipation. The children—energetic little dynamos—gathered around the tug-of-war rope, eyes wide with excitement.

The Ever Effervescent Family Trio

Who led this epic battle of brawn and determination? None other than the family dynamic trio: 

Vince, the human embodiment of strength, determination and power with muscles rippling like "The Rock".

Meryl, whose dynamo-like enthusiasm could power a small city and 

Rykiel, The spirited and glowing teenager who can bring a smile to any grumpy kid and get them to engage.

As they rallied the troops, their energy levels defied the laws of physics. Vince flexed his biceps (which, rumor has it, have their own gravitational pull). Meryl did a victory dance, and the ground trembled. Rykiel—who had consumed a breakfast of pure sunshine—radiated positivity like a solar flare.

The Spirited Tugging Match

The rope strained, its fibers groaning under the collective force. Children dug their heels into the grass, faces flushed with determination. 

Adults—some in business suits, others in Hawaiian shirts—couldn’t resist the siren call of the rope. They abandoned their spreadsheets and deadlines, rolled up their sleeves, and joined the fray.

And remember, when life gives you a rope, grab it with both hands and tug like your happiness depends on it. Because sometimes, it really does. 

 Note: No families or directors were harmed during the making of this exaggerated spiel.  

Lucky Draws and Generosity

Wen Wong and William Chong orchestrated the lucky prize draws, with prizes generously donated by William, Aster, and Lucy Quinn. But the surprises didn’t end there:

• Handmade Goodness: Paul and Shirley Lim, who traveled all the way from Abbotsford, contributed 18 meticulously crafted shopping bags to the draw. Their selflessness left everyone in awe.

The tireless efforts of our directors, volunteers, and assistants paid off. Attendees marveled at the seamless coordination and teamwork. 

One member summed it up: “I have not seen so much work to produce an event like this. So well organized!”

In the spirit of unity and shared joy, we declare the 2024 MSBCA Summer Picnic a resounding success. To all who attended, volunteered, and contributed—thank you for being part of our vibrant community.

Until next year, under the same sunny skies!

The MSBCA Board of Directors extends its gratitude to all attendees and participants 

May 18, 2024 was a memorable day, as the Malaysian Singaporean & Brunei Cultural Association (MSBCA) hosted their unforgettable 20th Clubhouse Anniversary event. Despite the initial drizzle and stiff breeze, the day unfolded into a remarkable celebration that left attendees in awe.

Approximately 160 members, friends, and family gathered to commemorate this milestone. Their enthusiasm set the tone for an extraordinary day.

Registration for the event, was handled by our ever youthful  ladies, 

Bottom Left photo: Ms. Miew Leng Teo, VP Brunei/Treasurer (seated left);  Mrs. Fanny Chua, VP Singapore/General Secretary (standing); and Mrs. Sophia Chiam, Director of Membership (seated right) at the registration table.

The day's events was hosted by our vibrant resident emcee, Mr. Wen Lai Wong (right)

**Mesmerizing Performances:** 

Amidst the sun-kissed embrace of midday, **The Rhythm of Borneo** and **The Colors of Dance Academy** dance troupes unfurled their wings upon the stage. Their movements, akin to whispered secrets shared by the wind and leaves, held the audience spellbound. With each pirouette and arabesque, they painted ephemeral masterpieces—their bodies the brushstrokes, the air their canvas.

As the notes of unseen melodies swirled around them, the dancers wove tales of ancient forests, monsoon rains, and forgotten legends. Their artistry transcended mere steps; it was a communion with the very pulse of existence. Applause, like a gentle monsoon shower, cascaded upon them, reverberating through the hearts of those who bore witness.

In that fleeting moment, as the dancers melted into the music, they etched themselves into memory. Their grace, their passion—it lingered, an echo of eternity. And so, as the symbolic curtain "fell", the crowd carried with them not just applause, but a promise: to return, to seek solace once more in the alchemy of movement and rhythm.

 **Farewell and Promise:** 

As the clock approached 3.00 PM, the crowd reluctantly began to thin out. However, their promise to return next year hung in the air—a testament to the event's great success.

In summary, MSBCA's 20th Clubhouse Anniversary event was a triumph—a harmonious blend of culture, camaraderie, and culinary delights. Attendees left with hearts full and anticipation for the next milestone. 

** Bravo, and a heartfelt gratitude to all the hard working Directors, volunteers and other  individuals, who made this event a resounding success  **

Date: April 13th
Destination: Harrison Tulip Festival & Chilliwack Honey Farm
Mode of Transport: Our trusty hired air-conditioned coach
Passengers: Around 50 MSBCA members, along with their friends and family.

The sun, that celestial show-off, decided to grace our tulip-seeking souls with its warmest rays. As we boarded the air-conditioned coach begining from the MSBCA clubhouse at 7.30 A, the excitement bubbled like a shaken soda can.

(Picture of the aircon coach and Sam the driver on the left.)

We arrived at the festival grounds, and oh, the colors! Tulips stood like soldiers, each one flaunting its unique shade. Reds blushed, yellows sparkled, and purples whispered secrets. Some were tight buds, promising future beauty. Others, fully bloomed, waved at us with petals that said, “Hey, you! Yeah, you! Admire me!”

Our MSBCA crew scattered like pollen in the wind. Cameras clicked, laughter echoed, and tulip-themed selfies were taken (the “Tulip Kiss” pose was a hit). We twirled, danced, and accidentally stepped on a tulip or two (oops!). But who could blame us? We didn’t want to leave this Technicolor wonderland.

Next up: Harrison Hot Springs

A heartfelt narration by our very own Fanny Chua..."Our two guides got us all on time on the bus and we were off to our next destination, to the Harrison Lake near by.  

There some took off to the restaurants to have their lunch and some that brought their packed lunch sat near the lake to eat and admiring the blue serene lake and snow capped mountains in the distance. 

We had time to explore the shops at Harrison and some even walked to see the hot springs that Harrison lake is noted for.  It was all a well spent afternoon near the lake."

Over 40 members attended the potluck night to close off the 15th day of the Lunar New Year celebration also known as Chap Goh Mei.  Lee Kim Goog with her cooking skill prepared two dishes for all to Lo Hei prior to dinner. There were 26 varieties of cooked meals on the tables, sumptuous and tasteful, nothing short of ‘excellence’. There were also 8 types of dessert with ‘tau fu fah’ by Queetin Shieh leading the popular pack of dessert. Not to out do the others, the tua fu fah was warm, smooth and mild in sugar!

The potluck was a resounding success, filled with a diverse array of delicious ethnic foods that delighted the taste buds of all attendees. The air was filled with the aromas of spices and flavors from around the world, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. 

 It was nice to have Ken and Helen Wong back after a long absence. Meryl Hamdillah brought the family along and that was great. There were two guests joining as new members.  

The club organized an auction for a beautifully curated gift basket, filled with an assortment of goodies generously donated by members. Bidding was intense as attendees vied for the chance to take home the special prize. 

In the end, it was Varghese Thomas who outbid the competition and secured the gift basket, his smile reflecting his satisfaction at winning.

The generosity of the attendees shone through as all the proceeds from the game and auction were pooled together and added to the MSBCA fund. 

The sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the event underscored the spirit of unity and support that defined the MSBCA organization, ensuring that the funds raised would be put to good use for the benefit of all members.

The distinguished ladies of the welcoming committee at the reception table.

As the evening unfolded, the highlight of the night was the mesmerizing performance by the Tang Lion Dance troupe. The skilled dancers moved with grace and precision, their vibrant costumes and energetic movements captivating the audience and bringing good luck and blessings for the year ahead.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Consul General of Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Afandi bin Abu Bakar, and MSBCA Honorary Advisor Sing Lim Yeo OBC. Their presence added a touch of prestige to the event, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and community engagement.