MK FMHS holds 2023 New Year Appreciation Lunch

Prof Dato’ Ewe (centre) and guests using their chopsticks to mix and toss the special dish known as Lou Sang

UTAR M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) organised the “2023 New Year Appreciation Lunch” on 30 January 2023.

The appreciation lunch aimed to serve as an annual tradition in both the context of the Chinese New Year’s (CNY) reunion and appreciation to all stakeholders including academic staff, UTAR management team, simulated patients and alumni who contributed directly or indirectly to the success and effective programme management and delivery in MK FMHS for the past one year. The event was also co-organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) and sponsored by Lifecare Essential Sdn Bhd.

Present at the event were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, MK FMHS Dean Academician Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, MK FMHS academic Emeritus Prof Dr Boo Nem Yun @ Mooi Nam Ying, CEO & Medical Director of UTAR Hospital Prof Dr Lau Hui-Ping, Chief Administrative Officer of UTAR Hospital Project Chor Choy Yook, deans and directors of various departments, MK FMHS lecturers, MK FMHS stimulated patients and students.

Prof Dato’ Ewe wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year

Prof Dato’ Ewe wished everyone a Happy Chinese New Year and said, “2023 is the year of the rabbit, 兔年. Rabbit is known to possess many admirable characteristics. So, I would like to urge everyone here to take on and learn the characteristics of the rabbit, which is known to be soft, thoughtful, and friendly.” “I hope that everyone from MK FHMS will be able to keep up with the momentum and excellency that we have achieved in the previous year and continue to strive for the best,” he added.

Prof Cheong expressing his hope to carry out gathering like this more often in the near future

Prof Cheong, in his welcome remarks, welcomed everyone to the Chinese New Year lunch gathering and explained that Chinese New Year is all about getting together and enjoying the festive occasion over food and fun. “Gatherings like this will enable us to forge a closer tie, directly contributing to the overall success and improvement of the faculty and university. Therefore, I hope gatherings like this will be carried out more often in the near future. Together, nothing will be impossible for us to reach greater heights,” he enthused.

The appreciation lunch then commenced with Lou Sang, also known as prosperity toss. The organising committees prepared this special dish which symbolises good fortune, abundance and prosperity to make the celebration merrier. Lou Sang simply means tossing up good fortunes; the higher the toss, the better one’s prospect and fortune. Hence, everyone around the table stood up and used their chopsticks to mix and toss the special dish as an invitation to good fortune. It was then served as an appetiser for the guests.

Besides the Lou Sang toss, the appreciation lunch also witnessed a wide range of performances and activities such as singing, dancing and video presentation. The performances were prepared by Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) students.

Lecturers, stimulated patients and students at the event

Singing performance by MBBS students

Dance performance by nursing students

MBBS students playing the Chinese Transverse Flute and Guzheng while performing “The sound of falling snow”

MBBS students singing “Always with me”

The attendees at 2023 New Year Appreciation Lunch