JOHOR BAHRU: An atmosphere of pure joy and camaraderie took over the grounds of the FGS Hsingma Si Temple grounds today as hundreds gathered to celebrate the 17th World Laughter Day, a global event promoting world peace, health, and happiness through laughter.

The event, organized by the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club, was graced by YB Marina Ibrahim, State Assemblywoman for Skudai, who served as the guest of honour. From the moment participants streamed into the venue, smiles and laughter filled the air, setting the perfect tone for a day dedicated to spreading positivity.

The celebrations kicked off with a lively laughter exercise conducted by laughter yoga facilitator Lina Lim, immediately energizing the crowd. Laughter, they say, is contagious — and within moments, the temple grounds were alive with the sounds of cheerful giggles and hearty laughter.

Organizing Chairman Danny Loo then officially welcomed attendees with a heartfelt address, emphasizing the importance of cultivating happiness and unity in the community.

“Laughter is a universal language that brings people together, transcending boundaries of race, religion, and nationality,” Loo said, drawing warm applause from the crowd.

He called on the crowd to give a round of applause to the organizing committee members and Happy Joyous Club members for making this program a success.

“Laughter is inclusive, laughter brings joy, and laughter is the cure for all problems,” he said.

He stressed that with the introduction of AI and the vibrant world of technology, we will definitely become a rapidly developing and competitive country.

Therefore, he said, we cannot run away from the problem of stress, we must be ready to overcome stress through a balanced lifestyle.

He then went on to say that laughter brings fun and joy, it does not require a specific time and it does not require a specific location.

He stressed that laughter releases all kinds of good hormones that our body and brain need, adding that, “laughter is free.”

Following Loo’s speech, Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club president Koh Mui Cheng took to the stage. Koh spoke passionately about the club’s mission to promote health and happiness through laughter, especially important in challenging times. She also acknowledged the efforts of all volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible.

A special segment of the morning saw the presentation of Appreciation Awards to key contributors and partners. The awards served as a tribute to individuals whose unwavering support helped foster a spirit of laughter and togetherness throughout the years.

In her speech, Marina Ibrahim praised the efforts of the organizers and highlighted the value of initiatives like World Laughter Day.

“In a world often divided by differences, laughter reminds us of our shared humanity. I applaud the Happy and Joyous Club for championing such a meaningful cause,” she said.

Marina also took part in some of the day’s activities, sharing laughs and joyful moments with participants.

One of the most moving portions of the event was the reading of World Laughter Day peace messages in four languages — Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil, and English — symbolizing Malaysia’s rich multicultural harmony. The messages, read by four individuals representing the country’s diverse communities, underscored laughter as a bridge to peace and unity.

Adding to the celebratory mood, local singer Khedly Koh Ah Moi performed the World Laughter Day theme song, filling the grounds with uplifting melodies. The crowd soon joined in, clapping and swaying to the rhythm, further bonding everyone present.

A delightful highlight was the performance by Yeoh Geik Cheng, a local entertainer whose lively antics and comedic routines had both children and adults roaring with laughter.

Yeoh’s performance was followed by the much-anticipated Laughter Prince and Princess Contest, where young participants showcased their brightest smiles and infectious laughter to win the coveted titles.

Not to be outdone, young students from local schools also took to the stage, delivering spirited performances that reflected the day’s joyful spirit. Their enthusiasm was met with loud cheers from the audience.

Later, adults had their turn in the spotlight during the Laughter King and Queen contests. Participants competed with hilarious antics, hearty laughs, and even a few dance moves to capture the crowns. The lively competition drew enthusiastic support from the crowd, who cheered on the contestants with unbridled excitement.

The day’s celebrations concluded on a high note with an interactive drum circle led by Goh Siew Mei and Wham Lay Kai. Participants of all ages gathered in a large circle, beating drums and percussion instruments in a unifying rhythm that symbolized the heartbeat of laughter and togetherness.

As the final drum beats echoed through the FGS Hsingma Si Temple grounds, it was clear that the 17th World Laughter Day celebration had achieved its mission — to foster joy, build bridges across communities, and remind everyone that sometimes, a simple shared laugh is the most powerful force for peace.

Organizers expressed hope that the laughter shared today would ripple out into the wider community, making every day a little brighter for everyone touched by the event’s spirit.