988 deejays holding the album and ‘100 families’ quilt at the launch of the CNY album. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
There’s a Chinese custom which involves friends and family each contributing a square patch of cloth to be sewn into a quilt for a newborn baby.
The bai jia bei (“100 families” quilt) symbolises collective blessings and well-wishes for the baby.
Taking inspiration from this, Star Media Group’s Chinese-language radio station 988 is ushering in the Year of the Dragon by launching its annual album titled Hundred Homes of Happiness.
988 general manager Woo Bee Ay said the idea behind the album was to gather well-wishes and channel them to all Malaysians through vibrant Chinese New Year songs.
“It’s to remind individuals to return to their hometowns for their family reunions.
“Festivals like Chinese New Year are about sending well-wishes to family and friends,” she said.
This year, 988 partnered with USCI University students to come up with the album’s design and concept, said Woo.
“Previously, we normally incorporated the year’s Chinese horoscope in our songs with some wordplay.
(From left) Chiang, Wong, Hwang, Yeow, Woo, Poh, Lai and Tan launching the 988 CNY album.
“This time around, we decided to showcase a different concept in our songs,” she told StarMetro during the album launch in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
A Cantonese song in the album, Fook Jui Bak Ga, was written by former DJ Luke and composed by 988 DJ Danny One.
It was performed by 988 deejays in a music video filmed at the scenic Sungai Janggut fishing village in Kapar, Selangor.
“When people think of 988, they associate us with Cantonese songs.
“Hence, there will always be a Cantonese tune in the album.
“This one has a joyous melody and memorable beat,” Woo said.
The album also features another song, You Ni Cai Xing Fu, which has a fast-paced melody.
The album was launched by Star Media Group chief executive officer Alex Yeow.
988’s mascot Q-Zai, dressed in a dragon costume, also made an appearance at the launch.
Fans of 988 can get up close with the deejays at CNY events at Queensbay Mall, Penang (Jan 13, 3pm), Aeon Mall Kinta City, Ipoh (Jan 14, 2pm), Aeon Tebrau City, Johor Baru, (Jan 20, 3pm), Aeon Mall, Seremban 2 (Jan 21, 3.30pm) as well as Aeon Mall Bukit Tinggi, Klang (Jan 28, 3pm).
On Jan 27, 988 deejays will also perform CNY songs at a property expo in Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
During these events, the CNY CD with 10 tracks will be on sale at RM45, bundled with thematic angpow packets, a calendar, postcard featuring 988 deejays, and a gift bag.
Fans can also opt for the USB version with similar goodies in the bundle, priced at RM60.
988 also collaborated with Aeon to produce four T-shirt designs featuring Q-Zai dressed in a dragon costume.
Present at the event were Valentino Rudy director Christy Chiang, Aeon Malaysia marketing manager Jane Wong, Zurich Malaysia brand marketing and communication head Erin Hwang, Yee Lee Corporation Bhd corporate branding head Dominic Poh, HWC Malaysia marketing director Edmund Lai and JYY group founder and executive chairman Alann Tan.
