One Nation, Many Traditions, Shared Prosperity

The president of the United Sabah Chinese communities association of Kota Kinabalu Datuk Susan Wong (right), founder of Zara’s boutique hotel Datuk Eliza Goh with Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick (centre), in extending Chinese New Year greetings at the State Government’s Chinese New Year Open House.

18 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: As red lanterns adorn streets and families prepare for reunion dinners, Chinese New Year once again brings a sense of renewal and hope across Malaysia. Beyond the vibrant decorations and festive traditions, however, the celebration carries deeper meaning in the country’s richly diverse society.

Datuk Eliza Goh, founder of Zara’s Boutique Hotel, believes the observance of Chinese New Year plays an important role in fostering unity among Malaysians of all backgrounds.

On the recent State Chinese New Year celebration held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) she said the crowds who came to celebrate exemplified the unity in diversity in the State.

“In a multi-ethnic nation like ours, celebrating Chinese New Year is not only about honouring Chinese heritage,” she said. “It is about reinforcing mutual respect and strengthening the bonds that connect us as one people.”

Sabah's cultural landscape, shaped by the many races and ethic groups is one of its defining strengths.

According to Eliza, festive seasons such as Chinese New Year provide valuable opportunities for cross-cultural understanding.

Eliza (2nd left) with Datuk Jafry Ariffin Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment ( 2nd right)

Open houses, a hallmark of Malaysian celebrations, allow friends, neighbours and colleagues of different races and religions to visit one another, share traditional delicacies and exchange well-wishes. These interactions, she noted, help cultivate trust and harmony within society.

At Zara’s Boutique Hotel, the festive spirit is evident each year as guests from diverse backgrounds gather to celebrate under one roof.

Eliza observed that hospitality naturally reflects the same values embodied by Chinese New Year, generosity, goodwill and renewal.

“Unity does not mean uniformity,” she emphasised. “It means respecting our differences while embracing our shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.”

As Malaysians usher in the Lunar New Year, Eliza hopes the celebration will continue to serve as a reminder that diversity is not merely to be acknowledged, but cherished.

“By taking part in one another’s festivities, we strengthen the foundation of national harmony,” she said.