Celebrating friendships and ties at the 2026 St. Patrick’s Dinner in Penang

The St. Patrick’s Dinner on Friday, 27 March 2026 was hosted by the Irish Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (ICCM) Penang Chapter and the Penang Irish Association (PIA). Held at the Java Tree Restaurant at the elegant Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the evening unfolded under the theme “Roots – a celebration of origin, tradition, and how we grow together". It reminded guests that while roots anchor us to where we come from, they also nourish friendships, cultural ties, and the ever-growing network linking Ireland and Penang.

In the warm glow of candlelight, 36 guests gathered, many in shades of green, to extend a heartfelt céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) to Deputy Head of Mission Emma McLoughlin from the Embassy of Ireland to Malaysia. The intimate setting was vibrant, filled with the unmistakable Irish craic, capturing the true spirit of camaraderie.

In her address, Maggie Territt, President of PIA, spoke of growth, both literal and symbolic. Over the past three years, PIA had branched into a stronger collaboration with ICCM Penang Chapter, thanks in part to the encouragement of Donal Crotty, Chairman of EuroCham Malaysia. Her words echoed the theme of the night, that roots are not static; they expand, intertwine, and give rise to new possibilities.

She also took a moment to acknowledge the younger generation present, highlighting Jean Cheah and Tahila Sherwood, who are just beginning their journeys through higher education. Jean, a Computer Science student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), is currently on an internship with Seagate Technology and will return to complete her final year project ahead of graduation. Tahila, who grew up across Asia, is pursuing a degree in Business Management with Marketing at the University of Bath. In recognising them, Maggie reflected that roots also sustain and encourage new growth. She extended her warmest wishes to both young women, expressing hope that their journeys ahead will be filled with opportunity, discovery, and success as they carve out their own paths.

“Let us raise our glasses,” she concluded, “to the roots that bind us all here tonight.”

Donal Crotty and Jordan Donald from ICCM Kuala Lumpur followed with their remarks, reflecting on the strength of the Penang Chapter and the importance of connection in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Dinner then unfolded as a thoughtfully curated four-course experience, accompanied by free-flowing wines, beers, and house-pouring spirits. It began with warm dinner rolls served alongside butter, balsamic vinegar with olive oil, and tomato jam. Next came a refreshing appetiser of lemon oil-marinated poached prawns with asparagus, pickled cucumber, dill cream cheese, and crispy rye crackers.

A comforting bowl of ginger-scented pumpkin soup followed, rich and soothing, before guests were presented with a choice of main course.

My daughter Jean opted for the salmon loin, served with herbs mousseline potato, asparagus, and a zesty lemon dill butter. The fish was delicate and flaky, with flavours that were bright and well-balanced.

My wife and I chose the beef tenderloin, paired with mashed potatoes, braised red cabbage, sautéed broccoli, and a rich thyme jus. Tender with a subtle smokiness, the steak was truly enjoyable.

The free-flowing drinks added to the convivial atmosphere, encouraging conversations and connections across the table. Dessert arrived as a warm cinnamon apple strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was a fitting close to the delightful meal, before Baileys and Irish whiskey made their rounds.

With appetites well satisfied, Drew Phillips took the floor to deliver a jovial toast to St. Patrick, lifting the room with warmth and good humour. In a spontaneous and spirited moment, he broke into song with “Ireland’s Call”, soon joined by fellow Irish guests, their voices rising together in a proud and heartfelt chorus that echoed the evening’s sense of unity and belonging.

Guest speaker Tommy Gill of Integer Holdings Corporation then shared insights drawn from over two decades in the medical device and life sciences sectors, speaking on transformation, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change. Having arrived in Penang six months ago, he will oversee a new facility in Batu Kawan over a two-year tenure. His reflections resonated with the evening’s theme, that growth requires both strong foundations and the courage to evolve.

Jordan then welcomed Emma McLoughlin to the floor. In her remarks, she thanked Maggie and the ICCM Penang Chapter committee for a wonderful evening of great food, wine, and company, noting that gatherings like this were a powerful reminder of the strength and value of community networks.

As the evening progressed, guests moved freely around the room. No one remained rooted to their seats for long. Instead, they gravitated toward one another, sharing stories of work, life, and journeys that had, in one way or another, led them there. Even as midnight approached, the energy in the room remained undiminished, a reflection of the strong bonds that had been celebrated and strengthened that evening.

Throughout it all, the attentive service of the E&O team ensured a memorable experience. Yet beyond the fine cuisine and elegant setting, what lingered most was something less tangible, a shared sense of belonging.

Events such as this did more than bring people together. They celebrated heritage. They nurtured friendships. And they reminded us that while our roots may lie in different soils, they can intertwine and grow stronger, deeper, and more meaningful with time.