The students gathering for a fun-filled Deepavali celebration at MCHB’s d’Tempat Country Club.
IN THE spirit of Deepavali, students from four schools were treated to an evening of fun by developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd (MCHB) at d’Tempat Country Club in Bandar Sri Sendayan near Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
The special guests comprised 100 primary school pupils from B40 families.
The children attend school at SJK (T) Bandar Sri Sendayan, SJK (T) Convent Seremban and SJK (C) Bandar Sri Sendayan.
To make the celebrations even merrier, the children were joined by 40 Adcote Matrix Malaysia international students, many of whom had never experienced Deepavali festivities.
The first programme was an arts and crafts workshop where the students had a chance to show off their artistic talents.
Guided by MCHB volunteers, the students painted and decorated mini claypots and “vilakku” (clay lamps) that they could take home afterwards.
The children then enjoyed a showcase of traditional Indian dances by a professional troupe.
It included a beautiful rendition of a peacock dance, with its star performer − “peacock” −unveiling his colourful tail feathers to rousing applause.
The showcase, titled “Festival of Lights: Illuminating Hearts with the Spirit of Giving”, was part of the developer’s corporate social responsibility efforts for Deepavali.
Reflecting on the importance of giving back, MCHB chief marketing officer Lim Kok Yee said the programme aimed to bring joy, hope and support to children and families from the local B40 community.
“Deepavali is a time to remind ourselves that even small efforts can have a big impact on the lives of others.
“At MCHB, we believe that simple acts of kindness, like spending time with children or offering a thoughtful gift, can bring immense joy and make a lasting difference,” he said.
The students and their families were also treated to a sumptuous Indian feast featuring briyani, mutton curry and tandoori chicken.
For South Korean sisters and Adcote Matrix Malaysia students Yun Seo Won, 14, and Yun Chae Won, 17, the event was a chance to immerse themselves in Indian culture and traditions.
“This is the first time we have participated in Deepavali festivities outside of school and it was super fun.
“We enjoyed everything, from the dancers’ costumes to the amazing food,” said Seo Won.
While tucking into their dinner, guests were entertained with more dances and a story-telling session by Kuala Lumpur’s Jumping JellyBeans theatre company.
Storyteller Shantini Venugopal had the audience under her spell as she spun a magical tale about jelly beans and how they obtained their rainbow colours.
Before calling it a night, each guest received a special gift – a handcrafted roti canai-inspired stationery organiser made by tailors from Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ), a community initiative dedicated to empowering women from the B40 group.
Lim said the collaboration with KTJ was a testament to MCHB’s commitment to building bonds and bridging lives.
“The initiative aligns with our broader mission of uplifting women through sustainable livelihoods.
“KTJ provides women, including single mothers and stay-at-home mums, the opportunity to learn valuable sewing skills and provide for their families,” he said.
“It’s in these moments that we truly light up someone’s life,” Lim said after presenting the children with their new stationery organisers.
The children also received goodie bags filled with crunchy muruku to take home.
