Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Year Four students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) organised a Chinese New Year (CNY) 2020 celebration dinner. The dinner was held at Sungai Long Campus on 6 February 2020. The event aimed  to serve as an annual tradition in both the context of the Chinese New Year’s reunion and the annual gathering between faculty lecturers, staff and students. Besides, it also provides a platform for students to showcase their talents and efforts through their outstanding performances. 

Present at the event were FMHS Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, FMHS Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Prof Dr Ng Teck Han, FMHS Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat, FMHS Head of Population Medicine Department Dr Din Xin Jet, FMHS Head of Surgery Department Clinical Assoc Prof Dr Neoh Leong Kheng, FMHS Head of Postgraduate Programmes Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, lecturers, students and staff. The night started with the performance of 24 Festive Drums and it was followed by the singing of the national anthem.

“Tonight all of us will witness the talents of our MBBS students. They have proven that they are not only good in their studies but also very much talented. Hope all of you who are present tonight will have a nice dinner and entertainment. We had caught up this year with the epidemic of Coronavirus. Do remember to take precaution like washing your hands regularly and remain calm. Please be safe and look out for announcements from the Ministry of Health,” said Prof Cheong as he welcomed the guests.

The organising committees prepared a special dish called Lou Sang, also known as prosperity toss. It symbolises good fortune, abundance and prosperity. Everyone around the table stood up and used their chopsticks to mix and toss the special dish known as Lou Sang. It was then served as an appetiser for the guests.

The night continued with more fun-filled and enjoyable performances prepared by the fourth-year medical students. It saw the 24-Festive Drum’s performance as an opening performance. The participants were also entertained by a drama performance titled “UTAR, my choice!”, choir performance “天天好天 Tian Tian Hao Tian” and many other dance performances. The Year Four MBBS students all performed to a high standard, ensuring the evening’s success. In return, they earned thunderous applause and shouts of acclamation from the audience. Besides, there were also mini-games held for the guests to spice up the night.

“I have been speaking Mandarin since I was in primary school. My parents sent me to attend Chinese school because they wanted me to master another language. Getting to know my coursemates had been the happiest memory I’ve had. I am looking forward to participating in the Lou Sang session later. This would be my second time tossing Lou Sang for this year. I had my first toss with my fellow group members earlier this year,” said Year Five MBBS student Jayanthi Kaneson.

“I am a typical Malaysian who enjoys celebrating festivals. I love the cultural programmes in Malaysia. I can’t wait to have my first toss of Lou Sang for the year 2020. Our Year Four juniors have done a great job in organising the Chinese New Year dinner this year. I would like to express my full support to my juniors,” said Year Five MBBS student Sopia Novalina, who also speaks Mandarin.