News – March 2025 – timchew.net

Guinness Kicks Off Malaysia’s Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Yet

Guinness, the world-renowned Irish stout, has launched its largest-ever St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Malaysia, bringing the spirit of Ireland to bars and pubs nationwide. The festivities began with a vibrant Irish-themed event at The Square, Jaya One, featuring a grand parade led by a 30-piece ensemble of drummers, bagpipers, and Irish step dancers. The event set the tone for a month-long celebration of camaraderie, culture, and Guinness.

Guinness is transforming 40 pubs and bars across Malaysia into lively hubs of Irish charm until the end of March. Patrons can enjoy live music, exciting games, and themed activities while raising a pint of the iconic stout.

“Guinness has been the true companion of choice for St. Patrick’s Day for decades. It is more than just an Irish stout; it symbolises celebration, tradition, and togetherness. Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day and make it a Guinness. As the true Irish stout, there’s no better way to toast to this occasion than with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness in hand.”
Shaun Lim, Marketing Manager of Wheatbeer, Stout, and Diageo Brands at Heineken Malaysia Berhad

Fans visiting participating outlets can look forward to unique experiences such as customisable Guinness Stouties (foam art on pints), themed wearables, and photo opportunities infused with Irish culture. Exclusive promotions on Guinness products are also available at these locations.

The celebration aims to transport attendees to the heart of Irish culture with every sip and every Sláinte—the traditional Irish toast meaning “cheers.”

Guinness Malaysia reminds all patrons that its events and promotions are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above. The brand continues to advocate responsible consumption and urges customers not to drink and drive.

The festivities span multiple regions, including Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang, and Melaka. Notable venues include SOULed Out in Sri Hartamas, Hard Rock Cafe in Kuala Lumpur, Healy Mac Irish Bar in Penang’s Straits Quay, and The Beer Factory in Melaka Town.

For the full list of participating outlets and dates, visit Guinness Malaysia’s social media pages.

JCI Petaling Jaya Celebrates 44 Years of Leadership Excellence and Women Empowerment

The Junior Chamber International Petaling Jaya (JCI PJ) marked a significant milestone with its 44th Installation & Awards Banquet on 8 March 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Under the theme “44th Radiant Heritage Night: Embracing Culture and Empowering Women,” the event celebrated leadership transition while honouring Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and recognising women’s contributions in leadership roles.

The prestigious ceremony, held at Elite Grand Ballroom in Petaling Jaya, was graced by Guest of Honor YB Lee Chean Chung, alongside distinguished personalities including Diamond Sponsor Chong Li Ken, Gold Sponsor Datin Wira Dr. Kym Sit May Yin, Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi (Founder of the Malaysia Book of Records), Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok (Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mozambique in Malaysia and JCI Vice President 1994), Datin Winnie Loo (renowned entrepreneur), and Kent Ng Kun Kwan.

The evening featured a culturally rich ambiance with attendees adhering to a dress code of Modern Batik and Elegant Kebaya for women, and Batik Shirts or Formal Wear with Gold accents for men, reflecting the organization’s commitment to cultural preservation alongside professional development.

In her inaugural address, newly installed JCI PJ President Mikasa Chong reflected on her journey with the organisation since 2015, emphasising a leadership philosophy centered on service, inspiration, and impact creation.

“Leadership is not just about titles but about serving, inspiring, and creating impact,” Chong stated while unveiling her 2025 Presidential Theme: “Connect, Collaborate, Change, Commit.”

She elaborated on these core values: “Connect” focuses on strengthening relationships within JCI, communities, and partners; “Collaborate” emphasises working together for greater impact; “Change” encourages embracing transformation and innovation; while “Commit” represents turning ideas into actionable outcomes.

Chong symbolically likened these values to a blooming flower, representing growth and resilience, while the number 44 beneath the ocean waves in the logo signifies JCI PJ’s unwavering journey forward through challenges.

“Connect. Collaborate. Change. Commit,” Chong emphasised, concluding with the powerful message: “Together, we are stronger. Together, we make a difference.“

JCI PJ’s agenda for 2025 encompasses four key strategic initiatives:

Empowering Young Entrepreneurs through comprehensive training programs and mentorship opportunities
Driving Sustainability & Social Responsibility via flagship projects focusing on resource optimization
Fostering Women’s Leadership by creating platforms for recognition and advancement
Strengthening International Collaborations through structured exchange programs

The organisation extended a special welcome to international delegates from JCI TaoYuan (Taiwan) and JCI City (Hong Kong), underscoring the importance of global partnerships in fostering leadership development.

The event also served as a platform to announce JCI PJ’s upcoming signature events for 2025:

Community Sustainability Project (March-May 2025): A series of practical workshops promoting sustainable practices, waste reduction, and resource redistribution to support SMEs and local communities.
JCI PJ Up – Finance & LHDN E-Invoice Compliance Workshop (April 2025): Specialized training for SMEs on financial management and compliance with Malaysia’s latest tax regulations.
Flying Dragon Ambassador Program (July 2025): A youth collaboration initiative strengthening cultural and business ties between Malaysian and Hong Kong youth.
ICDC International Children’s Drawing Contest (June 2025): A creative platform showcasing young artistic talent on an international stage.

Among the notable attendees was Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok, who holds an impressive JCI legacy as JCI Vice President 1994, JCI Malaysia National President 1992, and JCI PJ President 1985. His presence, alongside other distinguished guests, added significant weight to the evening’s proceedings.

The installation ceremony officially welcomed the 2025 Board of Directors, including Immediate Past President Tan Lik Wei (Isaac), Local Secretary Ashley Phang Ji Kei, General Legal Counsel Sathiya Devi G Ranganathan, Treasurer Tang Wen Ying, and Vice Presidents Loo Shi Lu, Careena Tan, Chong Khai Siong, and Chai Yuen Fei heading different portfolios.

JCI PJ, which has been fostering young leaders in Petaling Jaya for over four decades, continues to position itself not merely as an organisation but as “a movement, shaping young leaders to take charge, innovate, and drive meaningful change,” as Chong described it in her address.

For further information about participation in JCI PJ’s initiatives or membership inquiries, head over to https://www.facebook.com/jcipetalingjaya