A Warm Welcome and Heartfelt Acknowledgments

The emcee of the night, Sheri, opened with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an evening that was both intimate and lively. She expressed deep gratitude to the individuals who have been instrumental in the community’s growth, particularly Jason, whose unwavering support had provided reassurance at every event. Her emotional acknowledgment resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing the strong bonds within the clubroom.

Sheri also highlighted the impact of Playpan, a dynamic space fostering creativity and empowerment, as well as their upcoming contributions to the International Women’s Festival in March. Additionally, she paid tribute to Kim Underhill from She Brilliance, celebrating her dedication to leadership and female empowerment.

Special Guests and Traditional Festivities

The festivities kicked off with the special VIP appearance of the Goddess of Fortune, who brought an element of luck and prosperity with golden tickets and fortune cookies filled with words of wisdom. But in reality, that was Chrissie Choo, decked out in costume as the Goddess of Fortune! Her presence added a delightful spark to the gathering, leaving guests amused and hopeful for the year ahead.

The night also featured a traditional roast pig cutting ceremony, a symbol of abundance and unity. Key figures such as Francis Lo, Gary Hong, and Kim Underhill led the ceremony, alongside Angela and Christle, marking their first participation in this meaningful tradition.

No Chinese New Year celebration would be complete without the much-anticipated Lo Hei, or prosperity toss. Attendees gathered around tables laden with colorful ingredients, each symbolizing different well-wishes for the year ahead. With enthusiastic shouts of auspicious phrases, they tossed their Yu Sheng high into the air, embracing the spirit of togetherness and good fortune.

Exciting Team Games and Friendly Competition

A highlight of the evening was an engaging team game that had everyone on their feet. Attendees were each given a colored angpao, determining their teams and setting the stage for some friendly rivalry.

The first challenge, a spin-the-wheel game, brought plenty of laughter as participants completed various tasks, including the crowd-favorite "Dance Monkey," where players showcased their best dance moves to the cheers of the audience.

Another highlight was the "Memory Lane" segment, where members shared their fondest experiences with the Media Clubroom. One particularly touching moment came when Eldred Wee expressed gratitude to Chrissie, whose LinkedIn post had introduced them to this vibrant community.

Luck, Fortune, and Ban Luck

The high-energy games continued with Ban Luck, a spirited card game played with oversized decks. While traditionally a gambling game, the Media Clubroom version swapped cash bets for drinks, making it a lighthearted and fun affair. Excitement escalated with special hands like "Dragon", leading to big wins — and even bigger rounds of celebration. Some participants even embraced their losses, treating every sip as a toast to good fortune.

The Grand Finale: Lucky Draw and Lasting Memories

The excitement peaked with a lucky draw, offering prizes ranging from limited-edition EZ-Link charms to a coveted pot of cash. Participants eagerly placed their entries, with some increasing their chances by adding multiple $2 notes to the pot. Cheers erupted as winners were announced, with one lucky participant exclaiming, “I only put in one $2 note and still won—best investment ever!”

As the night drew to a close, laughter, appreciation, and a renewed sense of community filled the room. The Media Clubroom’s 2025 Chinese New Year celebration was more than just an event—it was a testament to the strength of relationships, the power of collaboration, and the shared aspirations for an even brighter future.

Here’s to another year of success, growth, and meaningful connections. Happy Lunar New Year! 恭喜发财! (Gōng xǐ fā cái!)