When Zaiton Crockford, my co-organiser, first approached me to work on a CNY cum jewellery showcase just a few weeks before Chinese New Year, I jumped at the chance as it has been a tradition for Penang Passion to promote the custom of  'lo-sang' ( tossing of Yee Sang ) with our friends and community just before CNY every year for the past three years. Although we have been promoting the culture of tossing Yee Sang to tourists and expatriates, it is the first year we produce our very own limited edition Heritage Yee Sang. It is favourably endorsed by the Head of Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development and Culture, YB Danny Law who kindly organised a press conference and made a press statement to support our effort to promote the tossing of Yee Sang. He expressed his hope to see both locals and tourists alike adopting the culture of lo-sang as part of Penang cultural heritage. We are proud to announce that it was sold out within the first two weeks of its production!

Tze addressing the audience at the CNY Afternoon Tea 

Guests on the VIP table

Tze Introducing YB Danny Law to Puan Sri Sue Dhanarajan and Lady Judith

Tze, Natsumi and Jeanette 

Co-organisers, Zaiton and Tze , with Stella Hong and Leslie from Stella In

Amy, Datin Karen ,Yoke Lee, Tze, Lady Judith,  Puan Sri Sue and Lilian

Guests at the event

Lo sang or tossing of Yee Sang is customarily incorporated into every meal during CNY as it feels incomplete without the boisterous 'lo-hei' greetings during this festive period. It is also a time where both adults and kids are encouraged to 'play' with the food by tossing it as high as possible to bring exceptional luck into the lunar new year. No Chinese New Year feast is complete without the ubiquitous Yee Sang, the colourful salad of raw fish and crunchy vegetables.

On the day of our 'Lo-sang' event 'A CNY Afternoon Tea with Heidi Klum Jewellery', Penang Passion entire team was on hand to lend a hand to ensure all went well. We decorated our booth, checked our CNY goodies and waited with great anticipation for the event to unfold. The lovely event was sponsored by G hotel and Malaysian Association of Hotels. It was definitely a dazzling affair of both the delicious Yee Sang and the bling bling of the fine jewellery provided by Mouawad Jewellery.

CNY, Penang Passion style

Yee Sang display

It was held at the Sesame Soy restaurant of G Hotel and kicked off with a speech by yours truly, who was clad in a CNY hot pink qi pow for the occasion. After presenting the significance of 'Loh Sang' in Chinese culture, I invited the VIP guests to join in the auspicious custom. These guests included YB Danny Law, Mr Marco Battistotti from the G hotel, Mr Antoin Bakhache from Mouawad Jewellery, Madam Stella from Stella In, Dato Seri Nazir Ariff, Zaiton and I were among those participating in the lo sang. Of course, we must not forget the '1 Malaysia Models' made up by Kimberly, Nawiza and Naina who were spotted in traditional costumes of Qi Pow, Kebaya and Sari, to show a harmonious and cross cultural celebration amongst all races in Penang. The guests gathered around a large round table and tossed Yee Sang in the usual boisterous manner to welcome the year of the tiger. Tossing of Yee Sang is a unique ritual that brings together friends and family members, thus creating a feeling of social solidarity.

Lo sang with our guests of honour, Dato Seri Nazir Ariff, YB Danny Law, Mr Marco Battistotti amongst other distinguished guests

My co-organiser, Zaiton Crockford ( second from left ) with her brain-child of the 1 Malaysian Models, Nawiza, Naina and Kimberly

Next came the much anticipated fashion show painstaking coordinated by the one and only Zaiton Crockford. The Heidi Klum pieces on display definitely topped off the event with a sense of class and sophistication. These select Heidi Klum Jewellery are evocative of the international model's charm and her bold fashion sense.The stunning diamond and ruby creations were brought to the show by Mouawad Jewellery which had been spotted on the necks and ears of fashionable A -list celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez amongst others.They definitely caught the attention of the guests who enjoyed both the display of festivities and the fashionable jewellery.

Kak Intan admiring the Heidi Klum Jewellery on the model

Model wearing Heidi Klum Jewellery

I could hardly contain my excitement and before long, I selected a pair of big hoop earrings that carried the Heidi Klum signature design to reward myself for the hard work.

Some behind the scenes sneak peaks

To view more pictures of our CNY Afternoon Tea, click on our Facebook link.

Article by Tze from Penang Passion.
Photography by Daniel Cheah.