On February 22^nd, 2011, Canada Asia Pacific Business Association (CAPBA) held a Chinese New Year Gala Dinner at Shiang Garden Restaurant in Richmond.  Along with the 100 senior members of the Association’s Prime Time Club, 250 other members and dignitaries attended this festive event that night.  They include MLA of Richmond East, Hon. Linda Reid, MLA of Richmond Central, Mr. Rob Howard, MLA of Burnaby, Mr. Harry Bloy, City Councilor of City of Richmond, Mr. Bill McNulty, General Consul of People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, Mr. Shugen Liang, Chief of Economic & Commercial Office, Consulof the Consulate General of PRC, Mr. Zhanling Yuan and Consul Mr. Haipeng Dang, and, Principal Consultant of HK Economic and Trade Office, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,Ms. Cathleen Yuen.

During the Gala, youth members of the Apprentice Entrepreneur Group of the Association performed a prediction of the 12 different Chinese Zodiacs letting the public know what each Zodiac Sign should look for and expect in the New Year of the Rabbit.  Singing artists also performed on stage to entertain the attendants that night, these performers include top students of local well known vocal instructor Ms.  Mary Chow, well known performer Ms. Eva Lee, and members of CAPBA, Mr. Jimmy Yau and Mr. Peter Chan; their performances were absolutely sensational and they received overwhelming support and elation.

Other than exceptional entertainment, the Association also prepared over 100 red pocket money and other lavish prizes as a draw for its members.  These prizes include a 999 K gold plaque, cash prizes, expensive red wines, and many others.  To ensure its members were fully indulged in the festive season, the God of Fortune was invited out on the floor and hand out even more red pockets to the attendants.

According to the President, Ms. Elsa Wong, this memorable event is held every year to not only celebrate the New Year but to provide an opportunity for the Apprentice Entrepreneur Group to learn to work as a team and to develop the spirit of giving back to the community, and at the same time, providing a chance for its senior members to get together and to be served and pampered by the youths of the Association.  President Wong also stated that CAPBA will continue to uphold its objectives of promoting economic trade within the Asia Pacific Region, encouraging business growth in Canada, training of our youths so that they are better prepared for their future endeavors, cooperating with all 3 levels of the government, and giving back to the seniors and the community as often as they can.