Chinese New Year Re-union dinners

The eve of the Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated by a "reunion dinner" with all the members of the family, especially those who are working or studying away from home. The sharing of food is of special significance to the Chinese, so for those who are not unable to make the trip home - they are often welcomed into the folds of the family of close friends and relatives as a family member. Likewise, Chinese students overseas who are unable to make the trip home have their reunion dinner with their family of course mates, when many try to replicate Mom's 'Tau Ewe Bak' and Grandma's 'Ngo Hiang'.

Two years ago, my interns, students and I started the practice of sharing photos of their reunion dinners in our chat group. So, at the eve of our New Year, photos would come flooding in; from the other side of town, from different parts of the country, and from overseas. It is our little reunion in a way - many of these young people are like family members; my 'borrowed' children from another life. It is meaningful for me to see them in their homes with their parents and siblings.

Lionel

Melissa

Ching

Sarah

Jenny

I counted about 170 interns who have trained at DNA with me, with Suh Chee and Arlene in the past 14 years. We started taking interns at a time when very few architectural firms in Kuching would accept interns into their offices. Two years ago,  I created a FaceBook page (with Sam's help) for the DNA Trainees Alumni with the objective of introducing everyone to everyone; a network for sharing ideas, contacts and travel plans.

More recently, I changed the name of the FB page from DNA Trainees Alumni to Min-ions 2016. 
Go look-see.

Recently, I made use of this post in an article for the architect's newsletter.