By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: In the quiet grace of Ramadan — when generosity finds its truest expression and communities gather in the warmth of shared meals — a group of young girls arrived at a grand ballroom in Johor Bahru not merely as guests, but as the heart of an evening shaped by kindness and remembrance.

Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre opened its doors to 20 children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan & Rumah Anak Yatim Shafar for a special Ramadan iftar on Tuesday, transforming its elegant Grand Chamber Ballroom into a space where hospitality met compassion.

The evening, held under the theme Kenangan Bonda Buffet Dinner, was more than a culinary celebration. It was a gesture of care — a reminder that the spirit of Ramadan lies not only in fasting and prayer, but also in the quiet acts of generosity that bring people together.

The children, aged between seven and twelve, are residents of the Johor Bahru-based welfare home founded in 2014 to provide care and support for orphaned girls. For many of them, the evening was their first experience dining in such a setting, surrounded by warm lights, soft music and the welcoming smiles of hotel staff.

At the heart of the initiative was the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility commitment — an effort that reflects the wider philosophy of Accor, the global hospitality group behind the Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre brand.

For Brendan Chong, the hotel’s General Manager, the evening carried a meaning that extended far beyond the buffet tables.

“Ramadan is a deeply meaningful time for reflection, generosity and togetherness. As a hotel that sits at the heart of the city, we believe it is our responsibility to be part of the community in ways that truly matter,” he said.

He added that welcoming the children for iftar was an opportunity for the hotel team to embody the true spirit of the holy month.

“Hospitality should never be limited to providing rooms or meals. It should also be about opening our doors and our hearts,” Chong said. “When we invited the children from Rumah Anak Yatim Shafar to join us this evening, our hope was simple — that they would feel celebrated, valued and remembered during this special season.”

As dusk settled over Johor Bahru, the ballroom gradually filled with the aromas of traditional Malaysian cooking, each dish prepared as a tribute to the nostalgic flavours of home.

The Kenangan Bonda buffet — literally translated as “Mother’s Memories” — was curated to evoke the comforting taste of family kitchens and festive gatherings.

Among the highlights were Daging Masak Rendang Tok, slow-cooked to deep richness; Ayam Masak Vindaloo, fragrant with spices; Ikan Pari Masak Assam Pedas, simmered in a tangy, fiery gravy; and Ikan Bakar Laos Serai Pandan, grilled with aromatic herbs.

Nearby, live cooking stations bustled with activity. Chefs carved succulent Kambing Golek, while stalls serving Satay, Murtabak, Roti John, Roti Jala, soups and sizzling goreng-goreng snacks drew delighted curiosity from the children.

For Chong, these details were an essential part of the evening’s experience.

“We wanted the girls to enjoy not just the meal, but the entire atmosphere — the sights, the music, the laughter and the sense of celebration,” he said. “Ramadan dining is deeply rooted in tradition and family. Through the Kenangan Bonda concept, we hoped to recreate that feeling of warmth and belonging.”

As the call to break fast approached, the ballroom fell into a momentary hush. Dates and drinks were served first, marking the traditional beginning of iftar before the young guests eagerly explored the buffet spread laid before them.

Soon, the room filled with cheerful chatter and laughter — the kind of sound that transforms a formal ballroom into something far more human.

Hotel staff moved among the tables, assisting the children and ensuring they felt comfortable throughout the evening. Some paused to chat with the girls, while others joined them in lighthearted conversations, turning the event into an evening of genuine connection rather than a formal charity gesture.

Chong noted that such initiatives form an important part of the hotel’s broader commitment to responsible hospitality.

“Hotels are often seen as places for travellers, but they are also part of the social fabric of the city,” he said. “If we can use our space and resources to create moments of happiness for those who need it most, then we are fulfilling a much deeper purpose.”

Across the Novotel network and the wider Accor group, similar community engagement programmes are carried out regularly — supporting local organisations, championing inclusivity and uplifting communities in meaningful ways.

For the team at Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre, however, the true success of the evening could not be measured in numbers or programmes.

It was reflected instead in the bright smiles of the children, the curiosity with which they explored the buffet stations, and the quiet joy that lingered in the ballroom long after the meal had ended.

As Ramadan continues — a season defined by reflection, generosity and hope — the evening served as a gentle reminder that sometimes the most meaningful gestures are also the simplest.

A shared meal.
An open door.
And the assurance that, even for a few hours, a group of young girls could feel the warmth of a community that welcomed them as family.