Maintaining a Tradition - CNY Eve Family Reunion Dinner

Last Chinese New Year in early 2025, our home was filled with the joyful noise of a big family reunion. All three of our children’s families came back from overseas. We had a memorable evening of laughter and togetherness. The function was also joined by families of my siblings (Read here).

After spending Christmas 2025 in Singapore with Sam’s and Paul’s families in late December last year, we decided to keep this year’s Chinese New Year quieter. Even so, we continued our tradition of a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve.

We met at my youngest brother’s home, where our parents once lived. Being there again brought back many cherished memories. Though the gathering was smaller, it remained a meaningful three-generation celebration, enriched by the presence of Caleb’s two children - Asher and Hannah.

Moments like these remind us that family bonds, love and traditions are worth treasuring.

We were especially happy to have Lisa, my sister-in-law, join us for the reunion. This was her first Chinese New Year spent on her own, without the presence of her husband - my elder brother - who passed away last October. Her presence reminded us of the enduring bonds of family, even in times of loss, and we were thankful that she could share this meaningful occasion with us.

Distributing ang-pow is a cherished tradition that every Chinese family faithfully keeps. For our families, it usually takes place after the reunion dinner. More often than not, the role of giving falls to the mothers, wives, and the younger married women.

As in previous Chinese New Years, ang-pow were again entrusted to us for delivery to our grandchildren who are living overseas. In a way, we become the “middlemen of blessings,” carrying not just red packets, but also the affection and well-wishes of the elders across the seas.

And in return, we reciprocate by presenting ang-pow to the young children here on behalf of our own children who are abroad. Though oceans separate us, the tradition continues - binding generations together through this simple yet meaningful exchange of love and blessings.

Friends from Vancouver are Back Again

I was quite surprised to receive a WhatsApp message from Vun Kai in the afternoon of 11.02.2026, informing me that he and his wife had returned to KK. At first, I thought they had intentionally come back early to celebrate Chinese New Year, which was less than a week away on 17 February. However, I later learned that their main purpose this time was to attend the wedding banquet of his nephew in Sandakan - the son of his younger brother.

Time truly flies. The last time we met was nearly two years ago, on 29.04.2024 (Read here) . As is our usual practice when friends return from overseas, we spent a morning on 13.02.2026 at a local restaurant, enjoying the fresh seafood for which KK is well known. Interestingly, we chose the same place where we had breakfast last June with Daniel and his wife, Carol, who had returned from Vancouver for their holidays (Read here).

During our conversation, Vun Kai shared the challenges of travelling from Vancouver back to KK. With advancing age, being confined to a seat for such a long-haul journey has become increasingly exhausting. Crossing multiple time zones and enduring a flight from a place 16 hours behind our local time is no easy task. His reflections made me realize that future homecomings may become less frequent.

When we talked about how he spends his time in retirement, his wife was quick to share that Vun Kai has taken on the daily task of picking up their grandchildren from their daughters’ homes and sending them to school. After dropping them, he goes for an hour-long walk around a nearby park. In the afternoon, when school ends, he returns to pick up the grandchildren and send them home.

With a smile, Vun Kai added, “If I don’t do this, what do I do?” His simple remark reveals a meaningful routine - one that allows him to bond with his grandchildren while keeping himself active and healthy.

After the meal, I drove them to the old BCCM KK church premises at Signal Hill. This was a familiar place to them, where they had once spent a significant part of their youth as church members and choir singers in the 1960s and early 1970s, before the church relocated to its current site near the Dah Yeh Villa traffic junction.

One obvious change he immediately noticed was that the church entrance had been shifted from the east to the west.

We met again on Sunday morning, 15.02.2026, at church. After the church service and as we looked around for familiar faces he once knew, we noticed that they had become fewer with each passing year. With a gentle smile, he quipped, “Well, it’s not surprising - I’ve been away from Sabah for almost 34 years!”

It was hard to believe that so much time had passed since he left in 1992. This reality may also discourage him from returning more often, knowing that there are now fewer old friends to look forward to meeting.

Still, moments like these remind us of the enduring value of friendship, shared memories, and the preciousness of every reunion.

The Legacy of Ordinary Fathers

On 07.02.2026, I received a WhatsApp message from the Chairman of Golden Joy of BCCM KK (E), asking whether I would be available to share a message at their regular meeting on 18.06.2026, in conjunction with Father’s Day, which will be on 21.06.2026.

Almost instantly, the request stirred memories of my own father, who passed away exactly twenty years ago on 25.01.2006 (Read here). Barely two weeks earlier, on 25.01.2026, it was the 20th anniversary of his passing.

Whenever thoughts of my father come to mind, I am often reminded of one of my favourite Chinese prose essays written by the well-known Chinese writer, Zhu Ziqing (朱自清), in October 1925, titled 背影 or “The Sight of Father’s Back.” I was first introduced to this essay during a Chinese Literature lesson back in 1965, when I was a Form 1 student. Even after so many decades, the story remains deeply moving to me.

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The following is an abstract of the English translation of the prose:

"................We crossed the river and entered the train station. I went to buy the ticket while father busied himself watching over the luggage. There was quite a lot of it, and we had to tip the porters before they would move it along. Father began bargaining with them over the price.

At that time I was far too self-assured. I felt his manner of speaking was rather awkward and could not help interrupting him. In the end, however, he settled the matter and escorted me to the train.

He selected a seat for me near the carriage door. I spread the purple fur coat he had made for me across the seat. He reminded me to be careful on the journey, to stay alert at night, and not to catch a chill. He also asked the waiter to look after me well.

Secretly I smiled at what I thought was his needless fussing. Those people cared only about money - asking them to help was pointless. Besides, I was already grown; surely I could look after myself. Alas, when I think back now, I realize how foolishly confident I was then. I said, “Father, you should go back now.” He glanced outside the carriage and said, “I’ll go buy a few oranges. Just stay here and don’t move about.”

Beyond the railing of the opposite platform stood several vendors waiting for customers. To reach them, one had to cross the railway tracks - climb down from this platform and climb up again on the other side. Father was rather stout, and I knew it would not be easy for him. I offered to go myself, but he would not allow it, so I had no choice but to let him go.

I watched him wearing a small black cloth cap, a black jacket, and a dark blue cotton-padded robe. Slowly and awkwardly he made his way toward the tracks. Climbing down was not too difficult. But when he tried to climb up the platform on the other side, it became much harder. He grasped the edge with both hands, drew his legs up after him, and his heavy body leaned slightly to one side as he strained upward.

At that moment, seeing his back, tears suddenly filled my eyes. I quickly wiped them away, afraid he might notice - and afraid others might see.

When I looked out again, he was already on his way back, holding several bright red oranges in his arms. As he crossed the tracks he first set the oranges down on the ground, climbed down slowly himself, then gathered them up again before continuing.

When he reached my side of the platform, I hurried forward to help him. We returned to the train together. He placed all the oranges onto my fur coat in one heap. Then he patted the dust from his clothes, looking somehow relieved. After a moment he said, “I must go now. Write to me when you arrive.”

I watched him walk away. After taking a few steps he turned back, saw me, and called out, “Go inside now. There’s no one in there.”

I waited until his back disappeared into the crowd of people coming and going, until I could no longer make him out. Then I returned to my seat, and once again my tears began to fall..............."

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Naturally, when we think about fatherhood, we tend to admire great fathers in the Bible - men like Abraham or Jacob. But the truth is this: In real life, it is often the quiet and ordinary fathers who help to shape remarkable children.

They are not famous. They do not leave behind great sayings. They do not stand on stages or receive awards. Many of them hardly say very much at all. But day after day, they faithfully do what fathers are meant to do.

They work hard to provide for the family.
They protect their loved ones.
They make sacrifices quietly.
They love faithfully.
They remain humble.

They do not seek recognition.
They do not expect praise.
They simply do what is right.

And though they may never write books or become well known, the legacy they leave behind is written in the lives of their children.

Company's Pre-CNY Annual Dinner 2026

Pre-Chinese New Year (CNY) annual dinners have been a long-standing tradition of the company, dating back to its inception in the late 1980s. As the company grew over the years and welcomed a diverse workforce drawn from Sabah’s multi-ethnic communities, this tradition naturally expanded. Annual lunch and dinner gatherings were subsequently introduced to also mark the Christmas season and Hari Raya, reflecting our inclusive culture and appreciation of cultural diversity.

The most recent pre-CNY annual dinner was held on 02.02.2026 at a local seafood restaurant. This year’s gathering saw a record attendance of thirty participants, comprising twenty-seven staff members - including the directors and the spouses of the directors. The strong turnout was a testament to a growing workforce and the close-knit spirit and sense of belonging within the company.

As is customary for a Chinese New Year reunion meal, the dinner began with lou sang, where participants gathered around the table to toss a colourful salad together, symbolising prosperity, good fortune, and abundance for the year ahead.

Group photo after the dinner.

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Group photo after the dinner on 21.01.2025.

Last year’s Pre-CNY Annual Dinner was held on 21.01.2025 at the Shangri-La Tanjong Aru Resort, attended by twenty-seven participants. It was an evening of warmth and fellowship, offering another moment to pause and appreciate the journey we have taken together. For more insights into the company’s annual CNY dinners and lunches during the earlier years, please (Read here).

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I joined the company in 1989, just one year after its establishment, and over the past decades I have witnessed its steady and resilient growth. The company has been fortunate to receive a continuous flow of work, allowing it to sustain operations and provide stable employment through both good times and challenging periods. Significantly, no staff members have ever been retrenched. Even during the trying years of the 1997 global financial crisis, the company chose compassion over expediency, implementing reduced working hours so that every employee could remain on the payroll.

As I reflected during the dinner, it was striking to realize that nearly thirty-eight years have passed since the company first commenced practice. Many among the present group had not yet been born when this journey began. Over the years, countless individuals have come and gone, each leaving their mark and contributing in their own way to the company’s story.

From its inception, the objective of the company has been clear: to contribute meaningfully to the infrastructural development of the State, thereby uplifting the well-being of the local community. At the same time, the company has sought to provide a platform for successive generations to apply their skills and knowledge, earn an honest living, support their families, and pursue their aspirations. This, I believe will continue to be the core value in guiding the company's practice.

Revisiting Taman Tun Fuad: A Long-Awaited Return

It has been more than three years since my last visit to Taman Tun Fuad, when I went trekking up the nearby hill with a group of friends on 18.11.2022 (Read here). That outing took place barely three weeks before the park was closed for a major RM20 million upgrading project.

Originally scheduled for completion within two years by 18.09.2024, the project unfortunately fell behind schedule. A revised reopening date of 14.07.2025 also came and went without success. Eventually, the park was partially reopened on 27.10.2025, although numerous finishing works and attractions remain incomplete.

To welcome the new year, I decided to take a walk in Taman Tun Fuad on the second day of 2026, hoping to see for myself what a RM20 million facelift has delivered.

The upgraded park is planned to feature an impressive range of themed gardens, including a botanical garden, herb garden, orchard garden, ginger garden and palm garden. Other highlights include a bamboo corner, Belian Walk, Flora Walk, boardwalk, Nostalgia Bridge, and several hiking tracks designed for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

At present, however, only the 2.1 km jogging trail and a few hiking paths are open to the public. Many of the new attractions are still barricaded and remain off-limits, suggesting that the long-awaited transformation of Taman Tun Fuad is still very much a work in progress.

With its expanded attractions and upgraded facilities, Taman Tun Fuad promises to be a much-improved green space, offering KK residents and visitors an enjoyable spot for a relaxing morning or afternoon.

Conservatory Centre.

Bamboo Corner.

Public Toilets.

Lighting for Night Walkers.

Typical workout station along the track.

Plenty of signboards to guide the public.

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While walking on the upgraded boardwalk, I remember that I once took my grandchildren, Nathan and Gracie to walk on the old boardwalk more than eight years ago during Christmas in 2017 (Read here).

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Areas and attractions which are still off-limits.

Hardly any workers noticed on site at the off-limits area!

A newly added track just above
the lake's waterline.

Celebrating the New Year, Together Online

We closed 2025 with a heartwarming virtual family gathering in cyberspace. A few days before New Year’s Eve, Paul suggested that we spend the final night of the year having an online game night together. His idea immediately brought back memories of a similar gathering during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when cross-country travel was suspended. In December 2020, we spent Christmas playing games online - exactly five years ago (Read here).

Once again, we gathered across borders and generations for an evening of laughter and connection. We played the “Say the Word on Beat Challenge” with family members from three generations living in three different countries. The atmosphere was fun and full of laughters.

After five years, the changes were clearly visible. This time, the youngest generation was noticeably faster than the older two in a couple of rounds. Livvie, who had been just three years old in 2020, had grown into a confident eight-year-old. Watching her play so confidently reminded us how quickly time passes.

Good bye 2025 and welcome 2026!

Celebrating Christmas 2025 away from Home

There’s a unique kind of excitement that comes with celebrating Christmas away from home - especially when it is shared with family in another country. This year, I had the joy of joining Sam’s family to attend a Christmas worship service in a new church building I had never visited before. We arrived for the English-language service, which started at 1.30pm.

From the moment we stepped into the reception hall, I was struck by the scale and the design of the building. It reflected a style increasingly adopted by many growing churches today - an expansive reception area that flows into a vast sanctuary designed to accommodate large congregations. The soaring ceilings and open spaces created an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and festive, well-suited for a joyful Christmas gathering.

The warmth of the celebration was evident not just in the architecture, but in the people. Members and visitors alike were given complimentary lunch boxes, while cheerful volunteers moved around offering Christmas cookies to everyone. These simple yet generous gestures added a personal touch to the occasion and served as a gentle reminder that faith has a way of connecting people, regardless of place or background.

The church itself, Adam Road Presbyterian Church (ARPC), has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. It has expanded into three separate congregations, now serving about 2,000 adults and 1,000 children. This particular new church, ARPC@Tengah, stands as a testament to the church’s vibrancy and its strong resonance within the local community.

Complimentary lunch and Christmas cookies.

I may not recall every part of the pastor’s sermon that afternoon, but his closing words for the Christmas sermon remained with me. The projected screen showed a quote about fathers and the passing seasons of life: “At five years old, ‘Dad, I love you.’ At twelve, ‘Dad, I can’t stand you.' At sixteen, 'My father is very annoying.' At eighteen, 'I'm leaving this house.' At twenty-five, ‘Dad, you were right.’ At thirty, 'I want to go to my dad's house.' And at seventy, ‘I would give up everything to have my dad here with me.’”

Those words spoke quietly yet powerfully. In this season of remembrance, they felt like a gentle nudge from God - a reminder that life is fleeting, relationships are sacred, and love must not be taken for granted. May we learn to treasure those God has placed in our lives, while the opportunity to love, honour, and give thanks still remains.

The Joy of Eating Together

Whenever we gather with our children and their families - whether in WA or Singapore - sharing a meal together is always a must. It is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to reconnect and strengthen family bonds. Each time we gather around a table, food becomes more than mere nourishment; it becomes a space for conversation, laughter, the recalling of old memories, and sharing of life’s struggles. In these moments, stories resurface, family traditions are preserved, and a deep sense of continuity and belonging is renewed.

Even in a country celebrated for its world-class infrastructure and acclaimed governance, life is not without its challenges. Difficulties arise everywhere, often shaped not by systems but by some unreasonable and unkind people who exist in every corner of the world. It is during family gatherings like these that we find comfort and quiet reassurance.

Meals prepared by family members carry even greater significance. There is something especially meaningful about sharing food that has been cooked by closed family members. Our final meal on the night before our departure for home was particularly memorable, as it was a joint effort by my sons, Sam and Paul. Together, they prepared a wonderful and generous feast - creamy pasta with spinach and bacon, accompanied by a variety of pizzas. It was not just about the food on the table, but the effort and team work behind it.

The two chefs busy at work.

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While the chefs were hard at work in the kitchen, the grandparents and grandchildren were happily immersed in a lively Guess-the-Drawing Game, followed by a round of Charades. Quite to my surprise, Maddie, the youngest shone - successfully guessing several sketches when even the older ones failed. 

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Earlier, we had separate meals with Sam’s family and with Paul and Junshi. Sam’s family brought us to Sodofun @ Center Point, an outlet known for serving traditional Korean food. One of the dishes ordered was a Sichuan-style spicy fish fillet. At first glance, I was slightly apprehensive - the thin slices of fish were submerged in a bubbling, chilli and peppercorn-laden broth that looked fiercely spicy. To my pleasant surprise, however, the heat and numbing spice turned out to be quite manageable.

Fun time for the youngsters after the meal along Orchard Road.

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Paul and Junshi took us to Novena to sample authentic Hunan cuisine at Nong Geng Ji. Over the meal, we learned that Hunan restaurants have been expanding rapidly across Singapore in recent years, driven by growing popularity and rising demand. Known for its bold, fiery flavours and distinctive use of fresh chillies, Hunan food has struck a chord with local diners, making it one of the fastest-growing regional Chinese cuisines in the city.