Earlier this year, the Malaysian Retail Chain Association (MRCA) hosted its grand annual Lunar New Year celebration at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, welcoming more than 800 distinguished guests, including guest-of-honour Steven Sim Chee Keong, Malaysia’s minister of human resources. The Spring of Love-themed festive gathering unfolded in two parts—beginning with a private charity auction at the Melaka Room in the afternoon, followed by a gala dinner in the Grand Ballroom in the evening.
As part of MRCA’s long-standing philanthropic efforts, the auction successfully raised more than RM300,000 for the MRCA Foundation’s scholarship initiative, providing educational support to the children of its members’ employees.
Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, founder and chairman of MRCA Foundation (left) and Steven Sim Chee Keong, Malaysia’s minister of human resources (right).
“Our organisation is starting the year with a significant achievement. The funds raised will enhance support for all the high-achieving children of our members’ employees,” said Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, chairman of the MRCA Branding Education Charity Foundation and CEO of Focus Point Holdings. “We look forward to expanding our charitable work and exploring new programmes that empower individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers was entrusted with conducting the auction, presenting an exclusive selection of 34 coveted offerings and experiences. Moderated by emcees Nadia Heng and Xu Zhenru, the auction catalogue featured artworks, jewellery, gourmet dining, premium spirits, and holiday packages. Among the notable bids were RM18,800 for an exquisite Ming Ren Xuan eight-person set course, RM16,500 for a pair of Chopard Red Carpet sunglasses, and RM6,888 for a bottle of Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Signature Blend. The highest bid of the night went to a digital out-of-home advertising airtime slot by Spectrum Outdoor Marketing, which was hammered down for RM44,000.
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Ahead of the gala dinner, guests took the opportunity to network with industry peers and reconnect with familiar faces in the expansive reception area outside the ballroom. Once guests were seated in the ballroom, the dinner kicked off in grand fashion with a celebratory entrance of VVIP guests along with an enthralling opening live performance. Returning to the stage, emcees Heng and Xu energised the crowd with their warm welcome before ushering in a lion dance, a solemn moment for the national anthem, and a snow pear yee sang session.
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As the evening progressed, MRCA president Datuk Dr Ken Phua took to the stage for an inspiring speech: “As we gather tonight to celebrate this Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Snake, I am filled with joy and gratitude for our remarkable journey this past year. Just as spring breathes life into the world, love has the power to inspire, heal, and unite us.” The celebration continued with more live band performances, culminating in a memorable moment when Phua took to the stage again—this time, to serenade the audience with a few songs, closing the night on a joyous note.
Corporate Patrons
Maxis
RHB Bank Berhad
Platinum Partners
Anchanto Pte. Ltd.
Capitaland Retail Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh
Lark Technologies Pte. Ltd.
Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd
Gold Partners
Ancubic Capital Sdn Bhd
Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd
High Pines Training and Consultancy Sdn Bhd
Mitraland Management Services Sdn Bhd
Mtrustee Berhad for Pavilion REIT
RHB Trustees Berhad (as Trustee for Sunway REIT)
(Sunway Pyramid)
UMR Strategic Sdn Bhd
Woodpeckers Group Sdn BhdSilver Partners
Silver Partners
Allianz General Insurance Company (M) Berhad
Bank Islam
Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd
Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad
Mayfair Wellness Sdn Bhd
Metro Eyewear Holding Sdn Bhd (MOG Eyewear)
OCBC Bank (M) Berhad
PEOPLElogy Development Sdn Bhd
Pine Payment Solutions Sdn Bhd.
The Store Corporation Sdn Bhd
Verity Intelligent Sdn Bhd
Wilstech Sdn Bhd
Donors
Albert International Wines & Spirits (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Apple Vacations Sdn. Bhd.
Bonia Corporation Berhad
Canton Court
Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang
Dato’ Seri Dr Raymond Liew
Dato’ Winnie Lim
Focus Point Holdings Berhad
Gintell (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Health For U
Horizon Bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
KOLA
Marrybrown Sdn. Bhd.
Ming Ren Xuan
Mr Awang Damit Ahmad
Ms Corlin Lee
Ms Shirley Tay
Poh Kong Holdings Berhad
RHB Bank Berhad
Ramada by Wyndham Langkawi Marina
The Els Club Teluk Datai
The Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookie Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd
Tomei Consolidated Berhad
Spectrum Outdoor
Bidders
Dato’ Sri Low Jee Keong
Datuk Seri Eng Wei Chun
Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang
Dato’ Billy Goh
Datin Cathlyn Lee
Dato’ Nicky Chen Kok Wai
Datuk Seri Garry Chua
Dato’ Dr Jennifer Low
Dato’ Steven Sim
Mr Desmond Khoo
Mr Sim Pollen
Mr Tan Kai Young
Mr Chuah Theong Yee
Marrybrown Sdn. Bhd.
Mah Sing Group Bhd
Ms Shanaz A Muztaza
Ms Denise Loo
Mr Bryan Loo
SNT Global Logistics Sdn Bhd
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Leong Hoy Kum
Photos by Anna Rina
