When Red Lanterns Met the Crescent Moon
OPA Chinese New Year Open House and Annual Iftar 2026
On 28 February 2026, Old Puteras and their families came together at The MET Corporate Towers, Jalan Dutamas, for an evening that brought Chinese New Year and Ramadan into the same space with care, warmth and good spirit.
Nearly 400 guests attended, representing Old Puteras from many batches together with their families and friends. The hall carried the festive atmosphere of a Chinese New Year gathering, yet the evening was clearly shaped with the awareness that many present were observing the fast during Ramadan.
The programme began with the traditional lion dance performance, which brought energy and colour to the hall. This was followed by the familiar yee sang prosperity toss, a moment that drew members together around the table in the spirit of Lunar New Year celebration.
As Maghrib approached, the programme transitioned naturally. The festive segments concluded ahead of the breaking of fast, allowing Muslim members to prepare for prayers. A doa was recited before they adjourned to a designated surau area for Maghrib, followed later by Isya’ and Terawih prayers.
Meanwhile, the rest of the evening unfolded comfortably for everyone present. Dinner was served, conversations resumed across tables, and members took the opportunity to reconnect with friends from different batches.
One small but memorable detail of the evening was the distribution of ang pow to many of the guests, which added a light and cheerful touch to the celebration. The menu also reflected the inclusive spirit of the gathering. Although the occasion marked Chinese New Year, the dishes served were largely familiar Malay favourites, making the meal enjoyable and comfortable for the diverse group present.
What might have seemed unusual on paper felt entirely natural in person.
There was no sense of awkwardness about the occasion. Instead, there was a strong sense of muhibbah throughout the night. Members of different backgrounds were relaxed with one another, appreciative of the thought that had gone into the programme, and simply happy to be present.
The fact that a Chinese New Year themed event could feature a festive lion dance, serve Malay dishes, distribute ang pow to many guests, pause respectfully for iftar and prayers, and still feel coherent says something meaningful about the spirit within OPA.
It was not about making a statement. It was simply about making space for one another.
From the lively opening of the evening to the quieter moments after prayers, the gathering reflected an easy understanding that celebration and respect can sit side by side when handled thoughtfully. For those present, it was not merely a combined event. It was an evening of fellowship that unfolded naturally among friends and brothers.
In the end, the occasion was memorable not because it brought together two festive seasons, but because it did so in a way that felt sincere.
And that sincerity was perhaps the most meaningful part of the night.
