BY C.S. NATHAN

S2 City Park, one of several parks in the Seremban 2 township, was transformed into a colourful festival ground with colourful decorations during the Chap Goh Meh celebration.

S2 CITY PARK, the six-hectare lakeside recreational site popular with residents of Seremban 2 was recently transformed into festival grounds illuminated with Chinese lanterns.

Residents of all races, young and old, alongside families with babies in strollers thronged the park for the annual Chap Goh Meh celebration organised by housing developer IJM Land Berhad at its Seremban 2 (S2) township.

Festivities began with a rousing drum performance by the 24 Seasons Chinese drum troupe followed by a five-piece Chinese orchestra that had the crowd mesmerised.

The highlight of the night was the traditional lion dance which expertly navigated high poles during their routine.

Held for the third consecutive year, this year’s event drew larger crowds from the township and its surroundings.

IJM Land Berhad central region senior general manager Hoo Kim See expressed his awe at the huge turnout.

“The event has grown since we first started. I am so pleased to see the large turnout and diverse crowd here.

“Chinese New Year is a time for reunion, not just for families, but also to strengthen the bonds of friendship and community spirit which is what this event is all about.”

Residents and visitors writing their new year wishes on lanterns hung at the fest.

The night’s festivities were launched by IJM Corporation chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Soam Heng Choon.

The colourful event included a stellar performance by local celebrities.

Booths doling out snacks and drinks were set up in the park, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Hoo said that Seremban 2 had been transformed from a rubber estate into a self-contained township with a good mix of residential and commercial development complete with urban amenities.

The property developer has also added a string of recent accolades to their name, which Hoo said reflected the brand’s commitment towards quality excellence and customer confidence in their products.

“Moving forward, we will continue to nurture community relationships and drive new initiatives to enhance the value of our development.

“Our reputation as a ‘developer for the people’ means that we are here to make contributions, and create a positive legacy for the community to thrive,” he said.

He added that IJM Land Bhd was recently recognised as among Malaysia’s top 10 property developers at The Edge Malaysia Property Excellence Awards 2015 and BCI Asia Awards 2015.

IJM Land was also recognised as one of the top brands in the Property Development category of the 2015 Putra Brand Awards.

A calligraphy contest was also held earlier in the day in conjunction with the festivities.

The event ended with a colourful fireworks display.