‘Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.’
—American singer-songwriter and guitarist, Brad Paisley
Dear friends, Happy New Year to you all in advance. May 2024 bring you new beginnings, new adventures, endless opportunities and new victories.
Tonight is New Year’s Eve and in many countries, it is celebrated with dancing, drinking, watching or lighting fireworks. The celebrations will continue until past midnight into the dawn of a new day and New Year.
In Kuching City, there will be a New Year countdown at the Kuching Waterfront.
Themed “Let’s Celebrate Together,” the event will feature performances by renowned Malaysian artistes like Datuk Amy Search, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Hael Hussaini, Floor 88 and D’Fam.
There will also be aerobics sessions, cultural showcases and performances by the Sarawak State Symphony Orchestra Junior.
The events will culminate in a dazzling 10-minute musical fireworks display to herald the arrival of 2024 after the countdown.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has invited Kuchingites to take part in the celebration but advised the elderly and those at high risk to wear face masks if they turn up for it. This is because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases not only in the state but also in the nation and world.
Many of those who opt to stay home will be having barbecue parties with friends and families. At the stroke of midnight, they will also light their own fireworks, hug and wish each other a Happy New Year filled with hope and positivity. There will be plenty of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy,
A New Year’s Eve party is good. It is a chance to enjoy spend time together with those we love and to socialise. Imagine if there was no such party. Life would be so boring.
Personally, I think a New Year’s Eve party or New Year countdown is exciting. It allows us to dream anew, set new dreams, have new beginnings, new adventures, endless opportunities and new victories.
A new year, to me, is the start of new chapter in my life. 2023 is gone and 2024 is here.
I will cherish my memories of 2023 but I look forward to making 2024 my best year yet personally and professionally.
Looking back on this year, I’m grateful for the many blessings I have received from God.
During the 40th anniversary dinner of Angkatan Zaman Mansang, I was among the pioneer members who were presented with appreciation awards for our contributions to the organisation over the past four decades.
AZAM, which means a “Movement for Progress”, was established in 983. Its formation was mooted by current Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud when he was the state’s Chief Minister.
For 40 years, AZAM has been facilitating development efforts in Sarawak through the transformative power of development communication.
I was greatly surprised and honoured by the award. I was encouraged to join the organisation 40 years ago by Sarawak Tribune’s Chief Editor, B.R. Adai when I was a young reporter.I never thought I would be honoured one day by AZAM for my contributions. I’m also sad that so much water has flowed under the bridge and that I’m getting old.
I couldn’t help but shed some tears for old jovial and kind Adai who has passed on for many years now. Deep in my heart, I also thanked all the past and present chairmen and chief executive officers of AZAM as well as my friends there for remembering me.
In July this year, I had the chance to go for a class reunion not in Sibu where my alma mater , St Elizaeth’s Convent School (now renamed SMK St Elizabeth) is located but in Penang and Hatyai and Songkla, Thailand.
It was a fun and memorable reunion not only because I got to meet many old friends but also the delicious food we enjoyed in Penang and Thailand and the lovely tourist spots we visited.
Needless to say, I felt rejuvenated by the short but enjoyable trip.
This year, I have also enjoyed many gatherings and dinners with family members. I’m grateful for the close family ties I’ve enjoyed and the good fortune I’ve enjoyed.
Many people like to make New Year resolutions but I’m not making any just in case I cannot follow through with them. Instead I just pray for a better year with new beginnings, new adventures, endless opportunities and new victories.
Tomorrow, my youngest sister, Lan, will be celebrating her birthday. Yes, she is a January 1 “baby”. I wish her Happy New Year and Happy Birthday. Lan, may all your wishes and dreams come true in 2024.
To the rest of you, my friends, Happy New Year in advance.
