Empowering Alliances at the 2025 ICCM Business Luncheon in Penang

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Alliances drive success and on Friday, 7 March 2025, 41 business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at the Fullerton Suite of the E&O Hotel, Penang, to explore how collaboration fuels growth. Hosted by the Irish Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (ICCM) Penang Chapter, the luncheon centred on the theme "Empowering Alliances", sparking dynamic discussions on strategic partnerships, innovation and shared success.

Empowering Alliances: The Unforgettable 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Ball

Céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes – to an evening of camaraderie and the enduring spirit of Ireland, set against the resplendent backdrop of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel’s grand ballroom. On 7 March 2025, the Penang Irish Association (PIA), in collaboration with The Irish Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (ICCM), orchestrated a night of elegance and revelry, celebrating the power of alliances that connect the Emerald Isle with the UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town.

27 July 2024: A Celebration of Heritage – The Kebaya & Lagu Gala Dinner

As a cultural enthusiast, graphic designer and photographer, I always find great joy in capturing the essence of Penang's rich cultural diversity through my lens. The Kebaya & Lagu Gala Dinner, under the royal patronage of Their Royal Highnesses the Raja Muda of Kedah, His Excellency Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah ibni Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin and wife, the Raja Puan Muda of Kedah, Her Excellency Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff, sent a message of goodwill and friendship between two northern states sharing similar pre colonial and colonial histories. Organised by the Penang Jawi Peranakan Heritage Society, it was held at the elegant E&O Hotel on Saturday, 27 July 2024. The grandeur of the ballroom, with its timeless elegance and historical charm, set the perfect backdrop for an exciting evening dedicated to celebrating our vibrant cultural tapestry.

8 March 2024: Celebrating friendships and ties at the St. Patrick’s Dinner in Penang

There is something magical about capturing a gathering through the lens – especially when it is one filled with the rich traditions, hearty laughter and deep-rooted friendships that define the Irish community. The St. Patrick’s Dinner on Friday, 8 March 2024, hosted by the Irish Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (ICCM) Penang Chapter and the Penang Irish Association (PIA), was no different.

10 March 2023: PIA St. Patrick’s Ball at E&O Hotel, Penang

"Claddagh" – a reflection on the friendship and love between Ireland and Penang was the theme for PIA St. Patrick’s Ball 2023. It was celebrated by 300 strong with great merriment on Friday, 10 March at E&O Hotel in Penang. The Black Tie affair was packed with live entertainment and a scrumptious 5-course sit-down dinner. Here is a pictorial essay of the vibrant festivities photographed by Adrian Cheah and Frankie Yap.

4 March 2022: PIA St. Patrick’s Day 2022 Ball at E&O Hotel, Penang

On Friday, 4 March 2022 PIA celebrated the St. Patrick’s Day Ball at E&O Hotel in Penang with a scrumptious 5-course, sit-down dinner. Misneach (mish-knock) referring to courage, spirit and hopefulness was the theme of the ball. 196 friends of Ireland gathered in the spirit of friendship, the hope of good things to come, and in the knowledge that fortitude sustains all.

7 March 2020: PIA's 7th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival in Penang

PIA's 7th Annual St. Partick's Day was celebrated in Penang on Saturday, 7 March 2020 at Straits Quay with a host of activities including the Shamrock 5K Fun Run and electrifying live performances. 

Here is a pictorial essay of the dynamic festivities organised by Penang Irish Association and photographed by Adrian Cheah. 

6 March 2020: Celebrating the 20th St. Patrick’s Day Ball in Penang

On Friday, 6 March 2020 PIA celebrated the 20th St. Patrick’s Ball in Penang with a delectable 5-course, sit-down dinner. This was PIA’s first-ever Black Tie affair and it was packed with entertainment all night long including the Inspirational Irish Dancers from Singapore, Dram Band and ‘Elvis’ (Greg Traynor) from Ireland.

Here is a pictorial essay of the vibrant festivities photographed by Adrian Cheah and Frankie Yap. 

10 March 2019: PIA's 6th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival in Penang 

The annual St. Patrick's Day celebration in Penang was held on Sunday, 10 March 2019 at Straits Quay with a host of activities including the Shamrock 5K Fun Run and electrifying live performances. The theme of the festival that year was, "A Glimpse into Irish Literature – Celebrating the Nobel Quartet". 

Here is a pictorial essay of the dynamic festivities organised by Penang Irish Association and photographed by Adrian Cheah. These photographs were first published in Irish Insights, No 13, May 2019.

9 March 2019: PIA St. Patrick’s 2019 Ball at E&O Hotel, Penang

Penang Irish Association celebrated St. Partick's Day on Saturday, 9 March 2019 at E&O Hotel with the theme: "A Glimpse into Irish Literature – Celebrating The Nobel  Quartet". Here is a pictorial essay of the vibrant merry-making photographed by Adrian Cheah. These photographs were first published in Irish Insights, No 13, May 2019.

9 March 2018: Celebrating PIA St. Patrick’s Day Malaysian Style

“Sharing Our Traditions; Céilí agus Ceol” – the theme of the 2018 Penang St. Patrick’s Festival and Gala Ball promised lots of Irish-style ‘craic’ with family and friends from around the world.

Flashback to my first experience of a St. Patrick’s Ball abroad, while working in Lusaka, Zambia in the 1980s. Members of the Irish diaspora gathered to celebrate Irish heritage, culture and traditions. It included energetic Irish dancing, haunting violin music, ‘The Green Fields of France’ and other ballads, smooth Black Velvets and a sense of pride in our intrinsic Irish identity. Powerful diaspora memories!

20 July 2013: Launch of Lady Martina – Water Limousine Rides at Straits Quay, Penang

11 March 2017: PIA's 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival in Penang 

Location: Straits Quay, Penang, Malaysia
Theme: The Viking Connection
These photographs by Adrian Cheah were first published in Irish Insights, No 11, May 2017.

10 March 2017: PIA St. Patrick's Day Ball in Penang

Venue: E&O Hotel, Penang, Malaysia
Theme: The Viking Connection
These photographs by Adrian Cheah were first published in Irish Insights, No 11, May 2017.

Uncle Albert's Traditional Fish and Chips

Food by Chef Nizar Achmad

Food by Chef Dave Looi

The charming Clove Hall

Clove Hall is a privately-owned Edwardian Anglo-Malay bungalow set in an oasis of tropical gardens. It is just ten minutes by trishaw from the vibrant living culture of the world heritage enclave of George Town. To venture further, rent a motorcycle or hire a taxi and explore Penang's exotic sights, sounds and tastes.

A wonderfully invigorating jjimjilbang encounter at Silaom Sauna in Seoul

Asian cultures spend a great deal of attention on the well-being of the body. The ancient Chinese traditions promote a well-balanced ch'i (life force) to engender harmony between the mind, body and the environment. Among the holistic arts in the Indian "handbook" for wellness, Yoga and Ayurvedic medicines are recommended to restore mindfulness and vitality. The age-old Malay art of massage can aid better blood circulation while Thai meditation helps to soothe a troubled mind. Japan's sublime onsen getaways offer an oasis to connect with nature and if you are in Bali, kick back and relax in a tranquil setting as you experience a "lulur" scrub and a hot oil massage concluding with a floral scented bath.

Part 2: Ho Chi Minh City – its glorious food, Vietnamese coffee and more

Saigon was the capital of the French protectorate of Cochinchina (1862–1954) and of South Vietnam (1954–75). Besides opulent buildings, the French colonial masters have also left a distinct mark in the culinary infusion in some of Vietnam's popular dishes, enjoyed today not only in the country but the world over.