By Assunta Ng
Ying Kam Eng
Have you been to a party with a long program and the guests show up late? I have been to many, and my stomach grumbles when dinner is served late. Okay, I know I will get flack for this, but I am just speaking the truth. It’s important we respect people’s time.
I was surprised to see that Kam Ying Chan Eng’s 80th birthday dinner at the Sun Ya Restaurant was unconventional in the sense that the event started on time. Moreover, the program was brief and sweet.
Traditionally, in many Chinese and Korean events, the emcee takes a long time to acknowledge all the community leaders. Then, there are those endless speeches. I have been to Vietnamese wedding parties where attendees don’t start eating until after 8 p.m. because most guests arrive after 8 or even 9 p.m. Of course, even though they showed up late, they offer no apology or explanation.
Eng’s program was so short that I focused mostly on the good food. Eng’s daughter announced the purpose of the dinner, and later we sang “Happy Birthday” together. She also invited VIP guests. In just a quick glance across the room, I saw 20 of our community leaders. Prominent members of both the Eng and Gee How Oak Tin Family Association were among the 150 guests. Each guest received a gold-colored dollar coin of U.S. presidents or Sacagawea wrapped in a red envelope. How thoughtful! (end)