Lotus’s & Partners Are Making CNY 2026 Extra “Ongsem” For Malaysia’s Elderly Community

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Chinese New Year is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a feeling.

A time filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. When ang pows are exchanged, stories are told and retold, and family and friends gather to celebrate the warmth of each other’s company.

For many of us, these moments are shaped by the elders in our lives—our Ah Gongs and Ah Mas, uncles and aunties.

They are the quiet heartbeat behind the celebrations, the ones who taught us how to fold dumplings, toss yee sang, and honour traditions passed down through generations.

But today, not all seniors have someone waiting for them at the reunion dinner table. Many spend the festive season quietly, alone, and isolated from the buzz that makes the season so special.

The numbers tell a story that’s hard to ignore. According to the Department of Statistics, by 2035, about 15% of Malaysians will be aged 60 and above. And we’re well on our way to becoming an “aged nation” by 2048.

Meanwhile, the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 found that about 7% of Malaysian seniors live alone, and nearly a third say they have low social support, meaning they don’t get enough interaction or emotional connection from others.

Almost 29% of the elderly feel that their quality of life is poor, struggling with autonomy, self-fulfilment, and enjoyment in daily life. The Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey adds that loneliness often stems from living alone, lacking family support, or facing health challenges.

In other words, many elderly Malaysians face the festive season—and everyday life—without the social connections and care that we sometimes take for granted.

But this Lunar New Year, Lotus’s Malaysia is stepping in to make sure our seniors aren’t left feeling lonely or forgotten.

#KitakanJiran: Sharing Ongsem, Sharing Care

Through its Semuanya Ekstra Ongsem Chinese New Year campaign, Lotus’s Malaysia is taking festive cheer beyond its stores, reaching senior care homes and facilities nationwide.

As part of its community-driven #KitakanJiran initiative, Lotus’s and its brand partners are spending meaningful time with the elderly by sharing traditions, creating memories, and celebrating this festive season together.

Over 400 volunteers from Lotus’s and partner brands, including Maggi, Milo, Omega Milk, Chips More, and Coca-Cola, contributed more than RM46,000 worth of products, from daily essentials to festive treats.

But beyond the gifts and goodies, the initiative delivers a simple message that we should always ensure that the senior members of our community are loved, respected, and forever part of the season’s joy.

“Chinese New Year is not just about shopping, it’s about being together and making sure no one is left out,” said Hanim Hamdan, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Lotus’s Malaysia.

Through #KitakanJiran, our teams and partners come together to spend time with seniors, share traditions and bring festive warmth directly to them. It’s a simple gesture, but one that reminds our elderly community that they are remembered, valued and very much part of the celebration.

Lotus’s Malaysia Head of Communications and Sustainability Hanim Hamdan.

So far, 11 outreach sessions have been completed at senior homes across the Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, with a total of 21 homes nationwide participating, reaching nearly 1,000 elderly individuals.

Dumplings, Dancing, and a Whole Lot of Heart

The most recent session took place at the St Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly in Cheras, managed by the Little Sisters of the Poor, where the TRP team was invited to join in the festivities.

From the moment volunteers from Lotus’s and Coca-Cola’s “Coke Buddies” arrived, the home was transformed with festive touches like lanterns, banners, and couplets that filled the halls with unmistakable ong vibes.

There, young volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder with uncles and aunties, learning the delicate art of folding dumplings.

The seniors who were present took time to share tips and swapped stories of making dumplings in their younger days, and soon the room was filled with smiles and the kind of connection that only comes when generations bond over something as simple as a piece of dough.

While dumplings were being made, other volunteers mingled with seniors over cups of lemon tea and almond chocolate cookies, courtesy of Lotus’s brand partners. Bringing chatter and laughter to every corner of the home.

“Semuanya Ekstra Ongsem means going beyond what’s expected. Senior homes are often forgotten during festive seasons, so we wanted to make sure they feel included,” said Hanim.

Dumpling making is a great and symbolic intergenerational activity that brings everyone together, reinforces traditions, and spreads joy.

Lotus’s Malaysia Head of Communications and Sustainability Hanim Hamdan.

After the dumplings were rolled, it was time for lunch and yee sang, where the seniors and volunteers gathered around the table, tossing the salad high while calling out affirmations of abundance, prosperity, and happiness.

The best part came next. Tasting the dumplings they had made together. We were told that the recipe for the dumplings was created specially by Maggi and used fresh ingredients directly from Lotus’s stores.

And when paired with the sweet and gingery soy sauce that it came with, the dumplings were simply irresistible.

Then came the entertainment portion, where karaoke and dancing filled the afternoon as seniors and volunteers sang old-timey favourites and CNY classics. Even the seniors with limited mobility joined in with claps, sways, and laughter, lighting up the celebration.

“Seeing the smiles on the seniors’ faces is incredibly welcoming and fulfilling,” said Khairul Anwar Ab Gahani, who was part of the Coke Buddies crew of volunteers and the Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability Director for Coke Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

It’s about spreading positivity and making a difference. These moments matter.

Coke Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability Director Khairul Anwar Ab Gahani.

By the end of the day, everyone gathered for a final photo opp to capture the laughter, joy, and the little moments of the day that made this CNY-themed event truly meaningful.

“These activities remind us to appreciate our seniors, their contributions, and the traditions they keep alive. Spending time with them reflects what we should bring home to our families—love, care, and togetherness,” added Hanim, reflecting on the day that transpired.

Through #KitakanJiran, Lotus’s Malaysia shows that the true spirit of the festive season isn’t just in enjoying discounts or promotions, but in shared moments, heartfelt connections, and smiles that light up a room.

So, as you shop for festive essentials this year, remember that it’s the little gestures that matter most—sharing those small moments, celebrating traditions together, and making sure no one feels forgotten.

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