Lagenda (“Legend” in Malay) – Where Myths Come To Life was the fascinating theme of King Edward VII Hall’s Malaysian Night 2007 that captivated the hearts and souls of all guests – Malaysians and non-Malaysians alike – on the special night of 1st September 2007.
Coincidentally, Malaysia held its 50th National Day Celebration on August 31st 2007 and so, the spirits of the Malaysian Night Organising Committee, led by the enthusiastic Lim Hui Ning, were soaring high. Naturally, this led to a dazzling display of Malaysia’s culture, traditions, food and of course, legendary stories that were waiting to be told!
Held in the Communal Hall, the night began with the arrival of the VIPs and guests. Mind you, Malaysian Night played host to not only Malaysians, but Singaporeans, Chinese, Mauritians, Filipinos, Thais, Germans, Japanese and Indians! The first objective of the event was met – to enable people of different nationalities to understand the uniqueness of Malaysia.
The guests of honour were the Second Secretaries to the Malaysian High Commissioner – Mdm. Juraida Abdul Jamil and Mr. Azhan Mohamed Yasin – our beloved Hall Master, A/P Ho Yew Kee and the Resident Fellow of F Block, Dr. Seow (who coincidentally is a Malaysian as well!).
The arrival of the VIPs was followed by the singing of the Malaysian national anthem – Negaraku. It was a truly patriotic display of the Malaysian spirit as the hall echoed with the voices of the Malaysians.
Following that, Hui Ning, A/P Ho and Mdm Juraida gave a speech each, before the latter officially opened the night by gracefully inserting a keris – a traditional Malaysian weapon – into a mysterious box.
After the opening ceremony, it was time for the first performance of the night – an Indian dance! Even though the performers had only practised for two weeks prior to the night, their performance managed to capture the attention of the audience, leading to a great round of applause.
Next was the beautifully harmonious duet of Louis Lim Kian Huat and Foong Theng Wai, performing the song Melodi.
It was then the time the audience had all been waiting for – dinner time!
Authentic Malaysian cuisine was served on plates to the guests to accompany the friendly and warm Malaysian atmosphere that enveloped the hall.
Needless to say, complaints pertaining to the food were few as Malaysia is famous for its delicacies.
