This year's exhibition dduring the Chinese New Year get together ceremony held at the ICC, Berakas yesterday highlighted the rich Chinese culture and tradition.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha as well as other members of the royal family were fascinated by the various Chinese traditions on display.

One of the exhibits at the ceremony was the demonstration of making Chinese lanterns from Chung Hua Middle School, KB, the making of 'Zongzi' or Chinese glutinous rice from Hainan Association, the making of Chinese spring roll from Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB's women entrepreneurs section, the making of 'Ang Ku Kueh' from Sing Guan Keropok Udang, calligraphy writing demonstration from Hua Ho Cultural Fund as well as Chinese traditional paper cutting and carving from Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB.

In addition, Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB also put on a traditional Chinese instrument performance called 'Gu Zheng'. Playing the instruments were children aged between seven and eight years old.

According to a teacher from Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB, "The children took around two months to learn the instrument and they managed to grasp the intricacies of playing the traditional music instrument from China. On the paper cutting and carving, the children have been involved for a year and it takes less than an hour to produce the paper carvings depending on the sizes."

Art teacher Chin Fen Khee of Chung Hua Middle School, KB led three students from the school to display the art of making lanterns.

He said, "The traditional method of lantern making is an extra co-curriculum activity for students at the school. It takes around a month to complete a lantern depending on the size."

An interesting display from Madam Chua Kim Hong, 72, of Sing Gung Keropok Udang was the making of 'Ang Ku Kueh' or Red Tortoise Chinese cake.

According to her daughter Wendy, her mother uses fresh ingredients and the tradition of making the cake has been passed down from generations.

The company has been making keropok or crackers since 1968. The family began the business of making and selling prawn crackers in the Water Village and has moved to Kg Subok.

Mr Ang Swee Chuan, the chairperson of the ceremony, said the exhibits of Chinese tradition and culture can help foster better understanding of the Chinese community. - Borneo Bulletin (9th February 2011)