Sabah Chinese New Year Open House 2026 to Welcome Guests at SICC

-


 

The festive spirit of Chinese New Year continues in grand style as the Majlis Rumah Terbuka Tahun Baharu Cina 2026 is set to take place on 17 February 2026 (Tuesday) at Sipadan 1–3, Level 4, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.

Organised as an official state celebration, the event brings together government leaders, diplomats, community representatives, and members of the public in a vibrant atmosphere of cultural unity, festive cuisine, and traditional performances.

Guests and Arrival Schedule

The programme begins as early as 9:00am, when secretariat teams and members of the public arrive to prepare for the day’s celebration.

From 10:00am onwards, invited guests and dignitaries are scheduled to arrive in stages, including:

  • Heads of State and Federal departments

  • Permanent secretaries and ministry representatives

  • Honorary foreign consuls

  • Members of Parliament, State Assembly representatives, and Senators

  • Assistant ministers and senior government officials


     
     

Among the key dignitaries expected to attend are:

  • Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, who chairs the organising committee

  • Cabinet ministers and deputy chief ministers of Sabah

  • Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah

The highlight of the arrival sequence is the presence of Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Musa Aman, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, accompanied by Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.

Ceremony Highlights

At 11:00am, the official programme begins with the playing of Negaraku and Sabah Tanah Airku, followed by a welcoming performance to greet guests.


Festivities continue with:

  • The traditional Yee Sang tossing ceremony, symbolising prosperity and unity

  • Cultural stage performances showcasing festive traditions

  • A formal reception session for invited guests and attendees

The open house is expected to conclude at approximately 1:00pm.

A Celebration of Unity and Prosperity

Chinese New Year open houses in Sabah have long been known as more than just festive gatherings. They are a bridge between cultures, communities, and generations, where people from different backgrounds come together under one roof to share greetings, food, and traditions in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Events like this transform formal halls into lively spaces filled with laughter, cheerful reunions, and the familiar echoes of “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” carried through the air like confetti made of sound.

 
 

Beyond the vibrant performances and ceremonial moments, the celebration reflects something deeper, the enduring spirit of harmony that Sabah is known for. Leaders, diplomats, business communities, and families mingle freely, sharing conversations and festive delicacies, creating an environment that feels both grand and heartfelt at the same time. It is this blend of tradition, hospitality, and togetherness that gives the occasion its special charm.

As the new year begins, gatherings like these also carry a sense of hope and renewal. They serve as a reminder that prosperity is not only measured in wealth, but also in unity, goodwill, and the shared joy of celebrating life’s milestones together. In Sabah, that spirit shines brightly, turning every open house into a celebration that lingers in memory long after the lanterns dim, leaving behind warmth, connection, and the promise of a brighter year ahead.


 Photo courtesy of Bobby Alex


Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: The 8th Chinese New Year MV Wraps Filming in Sandakan

-
Image
The festive spirit arrived early this year as the production of our 8th Chinese New Year music video officially wrapped, marking another milestone in a creative journey that grows more ambitious each year. For this latest production, the team travelled to Sandakan , bringing along the largest crew assembled so far. The entire music video was filmed on location, capturing the town’s character, colours, and atmosphere, giving the production a sense of place that feels vivid and authentic on screen. Adding to the energy of the project, local singers and social media personalities joined the production, blending fresh voices and vibrant personalities into the performance. The collaboration reflects a shared celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Behind the scenes, the production was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners. Their contributions helped transform ideas into moving images, and the team extends heartfelt appreciation for every form of...
Read more

The Return of the Sabah Tourism Awards A Celebration of Resilience, Renewal, and the Spirit of Sabah Hospitality

-
Image
    Photo courtesy to Sri Pelancongan Sabah After a meaningful pause since 2019, the Sabah Tourism Awards return with renewed significance—ushering in a new chapter for one of Malaysia’s most dynamic tourism destinations. More than an awards ceremony, this highly anticipated comeback is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the unwavering spirit that continues to define Sabah’s tourism community. The past few years have reshaped the global travel landscape, and Sabah’s tourism industry has responded with adaptability, creativity, and quiet determination. From reimagined experiences to elevated service standards, industry players have worked tirelessly to ensure Sabah remains not just relevant, but remarkable. The Sabah Tourism Awards shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes—individuals, organisations, and businesses that have gone above and beyond to uphold the essence of Sabah hospitality while embracing change. Their efforts have helped position Sabah once again as a...
Read more

Strengthening Connections at the ACCA Sabah Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner 2026

-
Image
The ACCA Sabah Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner held at ITCC Seafood Restaurant brought together members for an evening defined by introductions, renewed connections, and professional camaraderie. The programme centred largely on new members stepping forward to introduce themselves and share their current roles, while several long-standing members also took the opportunity to reconnect and re-establish professional ties in a relaxed setting. From my perspective within the professional and academic landscape, the evening reflected something deeper than a festive gathering; it demonstrated the importance of sustaining a strong professional ecosystem. Each introduction, whether from a new entrant or an experienced practitioner, highlighted how the accountancy field continues to evolve while remaining anchored in shared standards and collective responsibility. A healthy ecosystem is not built overnight; it grows through mentorship, collaboration, and the willingness of members to contribute...
Read more

Rotary Community Service Week 2026: Service Beyond Borders in Maslud Cove

-
Image
  As Rotary marks 121 years of global service, Rotary Community Service Week 2026 became more than a celebration. It became action in motion. In the coastal community of Maslud Cove, Paluan, the Rotary Club of KK Pearl (RCKK Pearl) joined hands with the Rotary Club of Makati Emerald for a deeply meaningful Community Service Day rooted in compassion, collaboration, and sustainable empowerment. Impact at a Glance • 170 households engaged • 200+ families received rice support • 26 pregnant mothers assisted • 30 women trained under the Kitchen of Hope initiative • 130 school children participated in fun, values-based educational activities Women’s Livelihood Empowerment Through cooking demonstrations and a hands-on Malaysia Nasi Lemak session led by our dedicated Pearl team, practical skills were shared and celebrated. The session culminated in a warm community lunch, where knowledge transformed into nourishment and connection. Men’s Livelihood & Sustainability Fathers and commun...
Read more

A Meaningful Chinese New Year Dialect Singing Contest Celebrating Talent, Wellbeing and Community Life

-
Image
Chinese New Year is often painted in bright reds, the rhythm of drums, and the laughter of reunions. Yet sometimes, its spirit appears in quieter, more heartfelt forms. One such moment unfolded at a recent Chinese dialect singing contest, where music became a bridge between generations and a gentle celebration of active community life. Organised by Pertubuhan Seni Muzik Sinaran Bintang Bintang Sabah, founded in 2019 by its president Chin Pang Luen (陳封聯), the programme provided a welcoming and well-structured platform for participants to express their passion for song while preserving the beauty of Chinese dialect music. The atmosphere was warm and encouraging, reflecting a shared love for culture and performance. The event was graced by Datuk (Dr) Tan Kai Teck, a respected community figure frequently invited to support cultural initiatives. Prof Jessie Jong also attended as one of the special guests to witness the auspicious event, adding to the spirit of encouragement and recognition ...
Read more

Celebrating Culture, Community, and Partnership at the 2026 Chinese New Year Dragons, Unicorns & Lions Dance Festival

-
Image
The 2026 Chinese New Year Dragons, Unicorns & Lions Dance Festival, held on 25 January 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), marked a vibrant and meaningful celebration of cultural heritage, community participation, and intergenerational engagement. Organised by The United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCA KK), the festival brought together community leaders, cultural organisations, invited sponsors, partners, and members of the public in a shared celebration of the Lunar New Year. The full-day programme incorporated a Cultural Village Exhibition, Children’s Colouring Contest, and Chinese Calligraphy activities, reflecting a thoughtfully curated approach to engaging families, youth, and cultural practitioners. These complementary activities reinforced the role of cultural traditions as living platforms for education, creativity, and community bonding. A key highlight of the event was the dragons, unicorns, and lions dance performances...
Read more

So Good Flea Market Sets the Tone for the New Year with Coffee, Collectibles & Creative Community

-
Image
The inaugural So Good Flea Market makes a confident debut, opening the year with a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and community. Presented in collaboration with Coffee Garage , the market unfolds as a thoughtfully curated weekend where good food, amazing coffee , and a diverse mix of collectible items, pre-loved Books, vintage and pre-loved fashion , come together alongside handcrafted pieces, crafts, and meaningful gifts .                             From the outset, the atmosphere feels intentional and inviting. Visitors move through the space at an unhurried rhythm, pausing over carefully selected finds and reconnecting over cups of coffee brewed as much for conversation as for comfort. It is a setting where discovery feels personal and every object carries a story. Day 1: A Thoughtful Opening Defined by Vintage Appeal Day 1 welcomed a strong and encouraging response from vintage and pre-loved enth...
Read more

Where Culinary Excellence Meets Recognition - The Signature Food Fest 5th Edition 2026

-
Image
In today’s evolving travel economy, food is no longer a supporting act. It is the destination. The reason flights are booked, itineraries rewritten, and cities remembered. The Signature Food Fest 5th Edition understands this truth with quiet confidence and curatorial precision, positioning itself not merely as a food festival, but as a benchmark of culinary recognition and tourism excellence. Now in its fifth year, The Signature Food Fest has matured into a respected platform where F&B establishments are not simply showcased, but formally evaluated, acknowledged, and celebrated. At its core lies the Signature Awards, a curated suite of honours designed to recognise excellence across cuisine, presentation, service, innovation, ambience, and hospitality standards. These awards are not decorative. They are declarative. For participating establishments, recognition at TSFF signals credibility. It tells diners, travellers, and industry peers that your brand has been measured against pro...
Read more

Love in Every Cup of Coffee - Where Every Cup Tells the Story of Sabah

-
Image
In 2020, as the global pandemic swept across the world, uncertainty clouded the future. Flights were grounded, businesses stalled, and many plans were put on hold. Yet for some, this period became a turning point. In Sabah’s rural landscape, a quiet but determined coffee dream was taking root. Located in the interior of Sabah, Nature Coffee Farm began as a humble experiment driven by passion, persistence, and belief in the land. What started with curiosity soon evolved into a long-term commitment: to cultivate coffee that truly reflects Sabah’s soil, climate, and spirit. Coffee That Grows With the Land Coffee trees require patience. From planting to harvesting, the process takes years before results are visible. At Nature Coffee Farm, the team carefully nurtures each plant without rushing nature. The coffee cherries are grown in harmony with the environment, allowing the land to dictate the rhythm rather than industrial timelines. The founders believe coffee is honest. It reflects how ...
Read more

Empowering Lives, One Day at a Time Persatuan Rumah dan Perkhidmatan Cheshire Sabah

-
Image
Cheshire Home, Likas, Kota Kinabalu Founded in 1974, Persatuan Rumah dan Perkhidmatan Cheshire Sabah stands as one of Sabah’s most enduring pillars of compassion and structured empowerment. For over five decades, the organisation has evolved from a residential care facility into a transformative ecosystem dedicated to enabling persons with disabilities to live independently, confidently, and with dignity The first Home opened its doors in Kota Kinabalu on 29 January 1983, followed by a second centre in Sandakan on 8 April 2000 . What began as shelter has grown into a movement rooted in inclusion, skills development, and sustainable independence. A Legacy Built on Leadership Guided by steadfast governance, the organisation is led by: President: Mr. Lawrence Hee Vice President: Ms. Kathy Ong Honorary Secretary: Ms. Mabel Chong Honorary Treasurer: Ms. Caroline Voon The recent fundraising campaign was officiated by Roger Chin, Sabah State Assemblyman and Legal Advisor of Sabah Cheshire Hom...
Read more