Expressing Gratitude with Red Packets

20 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: During Chinese New Year, the act of giving carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It is a time to express gratitude, strengthen relationships and begin the year with generosity and goodwill.

At Zara’s Boutique Hotel, this spirit of appreciation and encouragement is reflected in a meaningful annual tradition led by its founder Datuk Eliza Goh.

Each year, Eliza personally presents angpao to her employees in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebrations. While the red packet symbolises prosperity and good fortune, she emphasises that the gesture is about far more than money.

It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the dedication, loyalty and hard work shown by her team throughout the year.

“Chinese New Year is a time to share blessings,” she has said. “Success is never built by one person alone. It is achieved through teamwork, commitment and sincerity. Giving angpao is my way of saying thank you and encouraging everyone to step into the new year with confidence and hope.”

For many employees, the moment is both touching and motivating. Beyond the festive cheer, it reinforces a sense of belonging and recognition. Staff members are reminded that their efforts, whether seen or unseen, are valued and appreciated. Such gestures help cultivate a workplace culture rooted not only in professionalism, but also in respect and compassion.

Eliza believes that businesses have a responsibility to nurture people, not merely profits. In an industry often focused on performance and numbers, she maintains that genuine care for employees fosters long-term success.

By sharing prosperity during the festive season, she hopes to inspire her team to continue striving for excellence while supporting one another.

The giving of angpao at Zara’s Boutique Hotel thus becomes more than a tradition; it becomes a reflection of leadership grounded in gratitude.

As the new year begins, the red packets serve as a symbol of shared achievement and renewed encouragement, a reminder that when blessings are given freely, they return in abundance.