Kuala Lumpur — The Malaysian Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) will be hosting the “Mid-Autumn Carnival 3.0” this Saturday (7th Sept ) at 7 PM at Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. Themed “Full Moon, United Nation, Shared Moonlight,” the event not only aims to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival but also promotes Chinese traditional culture, fosters cultural exchange among different ethnic groups, and highlights Malaysia’s cultural diversity and social harmony.
The guest of honor for the event is Y.B. Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. The organizers have also specially invited various disadvantaged groups, such as nursing homes and children’s homes, to celebrate the festival with the public and witness this beautiful evening together. They sincerely hope that the public will come with their families to be part of this historic moment for MCAH in 2024.
The event is expected to attract over 1,000 guests and members of the public from both domestic and international locations. There will be a variety of exciting performances on the day, including lion and dragon dances, a large lantern display sponsored by the Malaysia Lantern Association, cultural performances, Shaolin martial arts demonstrations, a brass band performance by South Jinjang Secondary School, a dance performance by Kinetic Dance Academy, a fireworks display, and the distribution of lanterns and mooncakes. This event is also supported by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau KL.
The main stage for the event is set up in front of the KK Supermart, and the parade route will pass through Jalan HS Lee and Jalan Hang Lekir, ending at the Petaling Street Arch, covering a total distance of 4.4 kilometers. The event will also feature performances by well-known singers Angie (宜萱) and artists under the Nam Hwa Performing Arts troupe, including Lim Min Fai. Angie is a renowned singer who has won numerous awards in over a hundred singing competitions and is often invited to perform at charity dinners, benefit concerts, and weddings. Lim Min Fai is a famous Malaysian musician, widely praised for his captivating voice.
Datuk Seri Dr. KK Chai, President of the Malaysian Chinese Assembly Hall, pointed out that the Mid-Autumn Festival is an important traditional festival in Chinese culture. In Malaysia’s multicultural society, this festival has also become a celebration for everyone.
“As the President of the Malaysian Chinese Assembly Hall, I am very proud to promote understanding and cooperation among people of different ethnic groups through such events. This is not only a promotion of Chinese culture but also a celebration of the coexistence of diverse cultures in Malaysia. We hope to further consolidate the unity and peace of our nation through such cultural exchanges.”
He reiterated that multiculturalism is not only our pride but also a driving force for the development of our country. As we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, we are also celebrating the diversity and inclusiveness of our country. At this special moment, we hope to inspire more Malaysians to participate in cultural heritage and nation-building by conveying the spirit of reunion and love. Only on the foundation of multiculturalism can the country truly achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
He also quoted a line from a poem: “May we all be blessed with longevity; though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together.” This line is from Su Shi’s “Prelude to Water Melody: When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright?” and expresses a beautiful wish for the long-lasting reunion of loved ones and friends. It not only fits the theme of reunion during the Mid-Autumn Festival but also symbolizes the connection between people of all ethnicities across the country, sharing this wonderful festive moment together. This poem perfectly embodies the harmony and unity of patriotic spirit and multiculturalism, emphasizing a vision of unity and sharing.
Meanwhile, Datuk Ang Say Tee, Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association, said that this year’s Mid-Autumn Carnival is not only a grand celebration of Chinese culture but also a perfect opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.
“As the Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association (Persatuan Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil Kuala Lumpur), I deeply understand that our hawker community is a part of the city’s culture, representing the diversity and inclusiveness of our country. On this special day, I am honored to witness people from different ethnic backgrounds coming together to celebrate this joyful festival of reunion. This not only highlights our national unity but also showcases the unique charm of Malaysia as a multicultural country.”
He added that the Mid-Autumn Carnival at Petaling Street has been an annual event, with many public participants in the past. Malaysia’s success is inseparable from the joint efforts and contributions of people of all ethnic groups. The Mid-Autumn Festival is not just a reunion festival for Chinese families; it is also a moment of celebration for all Malaysians. Through such cultural activities, we can not only pass on and promote Chinese culture but also allow people of different ethnicities to better understand and respect each other’s traditions and customs. This cross-cultural exchange not only enhances our social cohesion but also lays a solid foundation for the country’s long-term development.
Event organizing chairlady and MCAH Women’s Group Deputy Treasurer Evelyn Ng said this event holds multiple important significances, including promoting Chinese traditional culture. The event will showcase a series of traditional programs and displays to promote Chinese traditional culture to the public, allowing more people to understand and experience the charm of the Mid-Autumn Festival; promoting cultural exchange, as Malaysia is a multicultural country, the event invites all major ethnic groups to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together, respecting and appreciating different cultures to strengthen communication and understanding among different ethnic groups; and enhancing Malaysia’s tourism image. Through this event, we aim to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and festive traditions to international tourists, attracting more foreign tourists to visit and participate, thereby promoting the development of Malaysia’s tourism industry.