As the Year of the Rabbit is about to begin, it is once again the season for several thousands of chinese to return home to Penang to reunite with family and friends in celebration of the coming of a new year.

The Chinese New Year Celebration is no longer a celebration for only the Chinese Community where family members reunite and spread joy and love. In fact, it is a celebration for all Malaysians. It is during times like this, we take the opportunity to rekindle our friendship with friends and neighbours regardless of race and creed. This kind of closeness which we share during Hari Raya, Deepavali and even Christmas, creates a kind of community togetherness necessary in good and in bad times.

Our multi-ethnic community is a reason for us to rejoice and proudly usher in the New Year with renewed hope for a great year ahead. Among many of our key focus to make year 2011 even better then last year would be to continously highlight the beauty of the cultures in Penang. More cultural performances such as the lion dance and chingay performance would take centre stage in the list of events in Penang this year.

So, do join in with this Chinese New Year celebration to experience our multi-ethnic culture, and to rejoice and proudly usher in the New Year with much joy, excitement and renewed hope for a great year ahead.

iFOODex is the largest consumer food exhibition in Malaysia.

Visitors to the event will be delighted to taste and purchase new products from more than 100 local and international food and beverage manufacturers as well as be involved in non stop audience-interactive stage activities.

iFOODex 2009 will also be co-located with the ever popular Battle of the Chef.

A splendid indulgence of great food to be enjoyed by all especially featuring the best of both Penang food and Penang parties, happening both at the teach and on the streets.