JOHOR BAHRU: Chinese New Year spirit filled the air with the presence of lions prancing at Paradigm Mall in the city.

Dancing to the beat of the Chinese drums, the lions brought cheer to a large crowd gathered at the entrance of the building.

Chinese New Year is a time for celebration as we are hopeful for a prosperous year, whereby we can pursue our bold ambitions.

Nothing gets you in the spirit of Chinese New Year more than the traditional lion dance and the drums.

The Reunion event at Paradigm Mall fosters unity and togetherness allowing shoppers, business partners, and the local community to gather and celebrate Chinese New Year as one big family.

This Reunion is at the heart of Chinese New Year, symbolizing togetherness, harmony, and strengthening family and community bonds.

According to the management, this year marks the 8th anniversary of the mall, making it a significant milestone as they continue to grow as a premier lifestyle destination.

The mall is more than just a shopping and dining hub as it is a space where communities gather to celebrate cultural events, share joyful moments, and build lasting connections.

The event known as the Grand Reunion began with the 24 Festive Drums performing on stage much to the applause of the audience.

Performers create different drum beats for each solar term drum, accompanied by shouting, body movements, and changes in formation, forming a large drum array performance.

The enormous sound amplitude of the 24 Festive Drums is a thrilling performative spectacle in Malaysia’s cultural scene. Being native to the Malaysian sonic landscape, the drums exhibit distinguishable Chinese characteristics in nature. It was established in 2006.

Present for the occasion were Dato’ David Wong, Mejar Cina, Jimmy Puah and Suhaizan kayat, members of parliament for Tebrau and Pulai, Andrew Chen Kah Eng, Liow Cai Tung and Marina Ibrahim, state assemblymen for Stulang, Johor Jaya and Skudai respectively.

Also present were representative of Liew Chin Tong, deputy minister for Investment, Trade and Industry, Ho Sow Tong, president of Johor Bahru Tiong Hua Association and other invited guests.

In her welcome address Crystal Soon, general manager of Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru said our gathering today as one big family is to celebrate the joyous of the Year of the Snake – a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and prosperity.

She said Chinese New Year is a season of coming together, giving thanks, and starting over. It is a time to treasure the relationships we have formed and to seize the opportunities that are ahead.

“As we start a new year, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every one of you—our valued customers, devoted retail partners, and distinguished business partners,” she remarked.

She stressed that the success has been built on your steadfast support, and we truly appreciate your ongoing faith and dedication. Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru would not be the prosperous lifestyle destination it is today without your commitment.

In addition to providing food options and shopping, she said Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru has developed into a bustling, lively center where local communities come together to celebrate happy occasions.

“Our dedication to providing you with the greatest shopping experiences, interesting events, and lucrative promotions is unwavering, and we take great delight in being a part of your lives,” she asserted.

Not mincing her words, she acknowledged the perseverance, creativity, and resilience of their retail partners and business associates, making Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru a top shopping destination.

She also appreciated the loyalty of their customers, who inspire them to innovate and make every visit memorable.

“As we enter the Year of the Snake, may it bestow upon us wisdom to lead our paths, transformation to motivate our endeavors, and prosperity to elevate our spirit. Let us approach this year with revitalized vigor and assurance, recognizing that in unity, we can reach new pinnacles of success,” she opined.

According to Crystal the 58 lion dance performances is an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.

She went on to say that by incorporating this traditional art form into our event, we not only celebrate the festive spirit of Chinese New Year but also pay homage to the rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.

The lion dance, she said, symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits. “It is believed to bring back luck and success in the coming year.”

Explaining on the number 58 (lion dance performances), she said it is symbolic of abundance and continuous growth, reflecting the prosperity and unity Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru wishes to bring to the community.

Touching on the Mall’s achievements and future goals, she made it clear that the mall has expanded its offerings beyond retail, incorporating diverse dining, entertainment, and cultural events, making it a preferred lifestyle destinations.

The programme was followed with the eye-dotting on the lions which breathes life into the lion, awakening its spirit to bring good fortune and blessings.

The event ended with the prosperity toss where families and friends toss ingredients in the air while saying auspicious phrases, symbolizing prosperity, happiness and success.