Villa College celebrated the Chinese New Year with an unforgettable event that left guests in awe of the colourful festivities and rich cultural traditions. The ceremony took place at the Villa College QI hall and featured a lineup of talented performers and esteemed guests. Her Excellency Wang Lixin, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Latheef, the Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese delegates from the corporate sector were among the many in attendance. The senior staff, including the Rector Dr. Ahmed Anwar and Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb, also joined the celebration.
The evening began with a lively boduberu performance by the students of Villa International High School at the gate, showcasing the Maldives' vibrant music and dance culture. The excitement continued as the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Her Excellency Wang Lixin, and other distinguished guests, including Mr. Ahmed Latheef, the Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese delegates from the corporate sector, arrived at the venue.
The event's first performance featured students from the Chinese Language Centre of Villa College, who took the stage alongside the children of some of the college staff. Dr. Ahmed Ali Didi and the head of the School of Computer Science also wowed the audience with a beautiful Chinese song.
A highlight of the evening was the lucky draw, where cash prizes were awarded to the winners in a traditional Hongbao (Chinese Envelope). The event also featured a range of cultural performances, including a mesmerising Maldivian cultural dance by the students of Villa International High School, a song and dance performance by students from Iskandhar School, Brightway International School, and Billabong International High School, and a lively Rabbit Dance by the students of Brightway International School. Chinese staff from Beijing Urban Construction Group, Horizon Fisheries, Win Top Maldives Company, and HuNan Oubo Technology Company also performed traditional Chinese songs, bringing a taste of Chinese culture to the event.
The night concluded with a group song performance by all Chinese attendees, marking a beautiful end to the festivities. Guests were then treated to a scrumptious dinner buffet, providing an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the successful event and celebrate the Chinese New Year with joy and camaraderie.