Couples tie the knot on auspicious date ‘9.9’
IPOH: Technician Yeap Khong Cheong started dating his girlfriend on Sept 9, so it is only right for them to get hitched on the same date.
Besides, Sept 9 or “9.9” symbolises longevity or eternity in Chinese.
The 27-year-old Yeap, who works in Singapore, said they were both from SMK Jalan Pasir Puteh and had been buddies and schoolmates for a long time.
“We met through our friends and started being together eight years ago.
“I proposed to her last year and chose this significant date as it holds a special and meaningful moment for both of us,” he told reporters during a mass wedding at the Ipoh Chinese Chin Woo Athletic Association hall here yesterday.
Yeap said he could only return to his hometown here once every two to three months.
“I will return here to work in the near future and hope to start a family,” he said, adding that his wife Tan Si Wai, 25, was a loving person.
Tan said Yeap proposed to her two days before his birthday on Sept 26 last year.
They were among 19 other pairs who exchanged vows before assistant registrar of marriage Ng Yet Sen.
Another couple were property agent Loo Thian You, 30, and anaes- thetician Dr Thang Pooi Yee, 28.
They also met during their high school years during a St John Ambulance camp.
“We were from different schools but often met during St John events.
“We didn’t start dating until five years ago when she came back from Russia after completing her studies there,” said Loo.
Dr Thang said Loo was a caring and hardworking man.
“I hope the auspicious date will be a blessing to our marriage,” she said.