Since its inception in 1985, Than Hsiang under the skillful leadership of Venerable Wei Wu in addition of a concerted effort from faithful devotees and vigorous supports of kind donors , has progressed by leaps and bounds in the development of education, charity and spiritual cultivation. The establishment of Than Hsiang has benefited not only the spiritually inclined but also the general public. It is not easy for a non-profit organization like Than Hsiang to chalk up such a remarkable achievement in thirty years. Than Hsiang definitely deserves a thumbs-up for its purposeful undertakings.

Than Hsiang turned thirty in 2015. On December 19 the 30th Anniversary celebration took place at the auditorium of Phor Tay High School, Penang where a vegetarian buffet dinner was served as an expression of appreciation and gratitude to devotees and kind donors from all walks of life for their long term patronage for Than Hsiang.

At 6:30pm streams of devotees started to flow into the hall to get their food which had been painstakingly prepared by cooks and volunteers of Than Hsiang. The Than Hsiang Choir Group sang Serene Sandalwood which is the Than Hsiang theme song before the abbot Venerable Wei Wu’s speech in pre-recorded video was played. In his speech the abbot illustrated to the delightedly impressed audience the thriving success of Than Hsiang’s endeavor in various aspects especially the latest development at national and international levels.

Than Hsiang started out as a modest Dharma study group at a double-storey semi-detached house in Bayan Baru under the guidance of Brother Neoh Kah Thong (now Venerable Wei Wu). Established in Penang it set foot at other parts of peninsular Malaysia. Based in Malaysia it moved into Thailand, a member country of Asean. During the last thirty years it has grown from a local organization to a national and now a quasi international institution. This would never have been possible without the collective effort and sacrifice of every individual who is connected with and involved in the Than Hsiang mission i.e. Creating an environment for the Young to Learn, the Strong and Healthy to Serve, the Old to be Taken Care Of, and the Departed to Find Spiritual Destination.

“The next thirty years are crucial and significant for the development of Than Hsiang. We will not only further develop our facilities and provide services locally, but also explore into other areas in the Asean region besides Thailand after which we shall take up the challenge of looking into Asia.” Venerable Wei Wu ended his speech with earnestness.

Coming up next were stage performances including Laoshi Nianforen (the Honest Buddha name recitation practitioner) sung by Foong Kong Chai, a joyful Wan Ching Yuen resident; a funny and lively dance performance by the children of the Than Hsiang Kingdergarten; and a song interpreted in sign language by students of the Than Hsiang Sunday Dharma Class. These performances were interwoven with playing of video clips introducing Than Hsiang’s development. The clip which showed the life of happy Wan Ching Yuen residents was especially interesting and impressive. Thanks to all who had been involved in the making of the video.

The end of the stage performances wound up the Than Hsiang 2015 Gratitude Night. This will be the beginning of a new chapter in Than Hsiang’s development. The road is long and may be planted with unknown challenges but we are determined to move on with our meaningful and purposeful endeavors for the good of the many.