Petroleum ladies celebrate belated CNY gathering
MIRI: The absence of dragon dance performance due to lack of fund and losing its premises have not dampened the spirit of the Miri Petroleum Ladies Association (PWPM) to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Instead, the determination to live up to the association’s main objectives such as promoting cross-cultural exchanges and understanding have spurred the members to celebrate the occasion at Kelab Rekreasi Petroleum in Lutong recently.
Liz Durkin, wife of Shell Malaysia managing director, PWPM president Srimurniyati Cranfield, past presidents Rose Kinajil and Anne Cunningham and patron Datin Judy Wan Morshidi were among those who attended the gathering dressed either in cheongsam or red coloured outfits – in keeping with the Chinese traditions that red would bring good luck.
To further enliven the celebration, there were also playcards, sketches by members on the life of a Chinese couple who persevere in facing the economic downturn, while Judy enlightened the members on Chinese traditions of celebrating the New Year.
Mandarin oranges and other festival delicacies were also available.
Srimurniyati in her brief speech said the celebration was part of their activities for this year, adding they had started the weekly cooking demonstration last month.
“This celebration promotes greater understanding of the cultures and traditions of the Chinese and to promote closer rapport among the members.
“We hope that members would persevere although we have to rent a premises or use my house or houses of other members to carry out our activities,” she said.
She added the association would also be celebrating International Women Day on March 8 at Miri Marriot Resort and Spa. Registration is RM40 per person. Among activities to be held would be craft making, dancing classes and fundraising projects
Established over 29 years ago, the association is a non-governmental organisation with over 100 members from 10 countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, United Kingdom, India, China, Japan and Malaysia.