ICC all decked up to welcome HM today at CNY do

THE Year of the Dragon will be welcomed in grand style by the nation's Tiong Hwa community today at the International Convention Centre (ICC), graced by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang-Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other members of the Royal Family.

Yesterday, at least a hundred people from the organising committee and the performers as well as other officials were hard at work making sure all was ready for today's festivities.

Yesterday, dance and Wushu troupes from the various Chinese schools in the country practised complex routines which will be performed today for His Majesty. One such troupe had been training since November last year.

With plans to seat at least a thousand people, the plenary hall in the ICC was expected to be packed with high-profile guests and important members of the Tiong Hwa communities from the private sector, non-government organisations and associations.

"Every year we invite His Majesty to celebrate with us the Chinese New Year," said Tan Koh Huat, Deputy Secretary of the organising committee.

He said that for the Brunei-Chinese community, they were most honoured by His Majesty's attendence.

Tan said that this would be the sixth time His Majesty would have attended.

The community as a whole, he said, had also readied a pesambah to be presented to His Majesty.

The pesambah was scheduled to be presented to his Majesty by YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin.

After the performances and the Chinese New Year meal, His Majesty is to be invited to tour an exhibition set up by various organisations: Chung Hwa Middle School, the Brunei-Muara Tai Chi Association, the Brunei Wushu Association, the Brunei-China Friendship Association, the Hakka Association, the Hockian Association and the Brunei Chinese Cultural Association.

Yesterday, while performers were rehearsing, decorations were also being touched up.

The hallway leading into the plenary hall was decorated with large arches made elaborate with Chinese characters for good fortune and prosperity.

Festive traditional red lanterns hung throughout add a touch of atmosphere, a common sight found in Chinese-owned businesses and homes in Brunei during the celebratory season.

His Majesty is anticipated to arrive at 10 am today, though many of the performers and organising committee will be at the venue much earlier to prepare themselves for the beloved monarch's arrival.

The Brunei Times