Beckoning cats, giant fan help welcome prosperity

VISITORS to Aman Central will find rewards, deals, contests and performances galore this Chinese New Year.

The mall in Alor Setar, Kedah, has unveiled its “Prosperity For All” festive campaign with exciting activities until Feb 25.

Much of it will take place at the three-layered stage featuring a pair of cute Maneki-Neko or beckoning cat sculptures, giant Chinese fan, gold coins, rice barrels and floral blooms.

Besides bestowing good luck and fortune upon all who visit, the decorations should also give visitors plenty of inspiration to take part in the Prosperity Moments TikTok Contest.

All they have to do is record a video and upload with hashtags #ACContest and #ACCNY by Feb 25.

The 10 most creative entries will win a share of some RM3,000 worth of prizes.

If your children love being in the spotlight, consider entering them in the Traditional Costume Contest as cash prizes of RM600, RM350 and RM200 await the top three.

Online auditions are open until Feb 13. Submit your child’s photo, name and age, as well as your contact details to cs@amancentral.com.my

Shortlisted entries will be invited to participate in the final showdown at 3pm on Feb 24, which is Chap Goh Meh.

The stage will also be the backdrop for cultural performances, including lion dances at 3pm on Feb 11, 16 and 24.

There will be 24-festive drum routines at 5pm on Feb 16 and 24, while Prosperity For All musical showcases will take place at 5pm on Feb 17, as well as 3pm on Feb 18 and 23.

Dragon dances are set for 3pm on Feb 10 and 17. Completing the line-up are God of Fortune meet-and-greet sessions at 5pm on Feb 9, 18, and 23, and 6pm on Feb 10, 11, 16, 17 and 24.

Kedah human resources, Chinese, Indian and Siamese affairs and non-governmental organisations committee chairman Wong Chia Zhen said such activities were what made festive seasons eagerly anticipated.

“It is testament to the spirit of unity, harmony and togetherness shared by Malaysia’s multicultural society.

“Initiatives like this also benefit the state economically through tourism and retail,” he said during the campaign launch.

The event was enlivened by performances from award-winning Hong Teik Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Association and a thrilling 24-festive drums display by SMJK Keat Hwa students.

The mall’s marketing and communications assistant general manager Ken Chin said there was also a festive market where visitors could shop for a variety of hampers, gifts and delicacies.

Aman Central Junior Club will be having a lou sang and Chinese Dragon Making workshop at 2pm on Feb 9.

This is open to the first 30 registrants who spend RM300 and above in a single receipt. Members only need to spend RM50 to join.

SMJK Keat Hwa thrilling the crowd with 24-festive drums performance during the launch.

There is also Treasured Rewards redemption for shoppers who spend RM1,888 or RM3,388 and above in a maximum of two combined, same-day receipts.

Exclusive red packets can also be redeemed with purchases of RM388 and above.

Terms and conditions apply for all programmes, with seats or items available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chin said the mall was continually enhancing its tenant mix.

Additions include brands like Naelofar, The Parenthood, Audrey and MommyHana, with new ones set to follow.

“We’re welcoming more brands like Bask Bear Coffee, Banana Bro, Step Health, Sembonia and Vans.

“We pride ourselves on being ‘The Lifestyle Destination of Kedah’.

“Join us in ushering in prosperity and take a leap to success in 2024,” he said.

Also present were Belleview Group directors Datin Suryani Rusli and Grace Ho.