The programme and invitation specially designed by the author herself, for guests.
It is a joint Book Launch by a Singapore Baba and a Penang Nyonya, in Malacca.
A simple set up for the Book Launch of
A Baba Album by Peter Wee and
Straits Chinese Embroidery & Beadwork
by Lillian Tong
Errr . . . Nyonya, in matriarch mode,
marching ahead of the VIP . . . oOps!
Is the Federal Minister to walk ahead first
or the Nyonya lead the way? . . . No protocol
officers in sight to put the nyonya in her place!
I suppose since he does need someone
to show him the way through the many thneah
(halls and courtyards)
Pleased!
Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, said he immediately agreed to officiate the event, as he has a soft spot for the Straits Chinese. Here, our Federal Minister is flanked by the Baba and Nyonya authors.
We are glad and thankful to the media took a keen interest in the event (being Baba Nyonya). Eleven newspapers sent their reporters as well as their Bureau Chiefs to attend the event, and RTM and TV3 recorded the interview with YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri.
The author welcomes the Guest of Honour,
Ministry of Tourism and Government officials,
distinguished guests, media, the Malacca
Baba Nyonya community, and invited guests.
'Straits Chinese Embroidery & Beadwork'
YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz
and the Author at the Book Launch.
That's me in a vintage Chinese wedding qun snah. This cyan wedding costume makes up part of the Nyonya's many different bridal costumes, for the twelve days of wedding. Gold couching and Peking knots embroidery decorate this cyan silk qun snah, bordered by chinese fretwork braids.
Penang Nyonya author with
Singapore Baba author, in Malacca.
Daniel Ang and the Sweet Memories entertained the guests with favourite keronsong tunes and pantuns. The Minister and Tourism officials thoroughly enjoyed the songs, gave song requests, and sang along! Daniel Ang dedicated 'Nyonya Pakey Bunga'to Lillian Tong (author) whilst Dato' Seri request for 'Dayung Sampan'. Daniel then presented a cheeky rendition of Dayung Sampan, much to the amusement of the Minister and his entourage.
Tapai. My contribution to the dessert menu.
The beautiful and lovely ladies from the
Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka and
Ms Chin Siok Hoon came to say hello to
the Minister.
And then they graciously performed
a dance for everyone.
The evening is also to commemorate
Malaysia's 60th Jubilee Merdeka
and celebrate Malacca being awarded
'Best Destination in Asia'
After dinner, it is Malam Joget & Keroncong music time. YB Dato' Seri Nazri was the firstto get on the dance floor without any prodding, and was soon happily engaged in a joget with the author.
Soon the KSU Malacca, Malacca Tourism and Government officials, and Baba Nyonyas were down on the dance floor, happily laughing and enjoying a joget camaraderie.
Quite unstoppable once you start!
We adjourned for a tour of the galleries, stop to view the furniture and personal items of Madam Josephine Wee's in a special room dedicated to her. Madam Josephine Wee is the beloved mother of Peter Wee. In this picture, YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri admires Nyonya beadworks, kasot manek, and embroidery. Nancy Tee is showing him a kasot manek in progress, while Lillian Tong explains the intricacies of the art.
The close of a fantastic evening,
and a new beginning for the
Straits Chinese Baba Nyonya community
A heartfelt Thank You to the Minister, and
Malacca's Strongmen and Wonder women.
