A delegation from the Malawi Amituofo care centre comprising twenty one orphans and eighteen Administrative staffs, led by its founder Ven. Hui Li and Ven. Man Yen, arrived in Than Hsiang for a friendly visit to promote interaction.

In the morning of arrival, the senior citizens and kindergarten students gathered at the 5th floor multipurpose hall to welcome the guests. The delegation first went to the Main shrine hall on the 6th floor to pay homage to the Buddha before proceeding to the multi-purpose to hear the speeches of the Venerables.

The school children holiday camp with the theme “search, discovery and growth” was successfully held from 12th of December to 14th Dec.2008. A total of 180 participants were divided into ten paramita named groups and each group was placed under the charge of three to four group leaders (“Ai sing” brothers and sisters).

To commemorate the completion of the new extension of the SP kindergarten, a cleansing ceremony and a family creativity contest was held during the branch’s open day on the 20th Dec.( sat). The response from the public was very encouraging as the hall was full to the brink.

The 2008 seven-day annual amitabha recitation retreat was held from 15th to 23rd of November 2008. The aims of the retreat are to:

The 9th of November 2008 was a day full of Dharma bliss because besides being the graduation day for the Sunday school students, it was also the birthday celebration for the old folks and the three refuges/five precepts/wisdom and ten skilful deeds induction ceremonies for the students, their parents, volunteers, and foster “ai xin” parents.

Tadika Than Hsiang and TASKA Than Hsiang 17th and 3rd Graduation cum Prize Giving Ceremony was held on the 2nd November 2008 at 2pm. Parents with their children and guests began arriving before noon, anticipating a memorable and joyful afternoon in witnessing the graduation and receiving of prizes of their love ones.

TASKA Than Hsiang Bukit Mertajam and TASKA Than Hsiang Simpang Ampat held its 1st. Graduation and Annual Concert at The Summit Hotel on the 19th of Oct. 2008.

The Ninth Lunar Vegetarian Festival is a much celebrated festival especially in Penang.

Mid-autumn night is traditionally regarded by the Chinese to be an auspicious and joyous night whereby family members travel home for family reunion.

Once again, Than Hsiang temple held its annual mass wedding jointly with the co-organisers, Than Hsiang Mitra line, Kwang Wah Daily and Photo Me studio on 7th September 2008( 8th day of 8th lunar month). Two couples participated in the ceremony fashioned in Buddhist tradition which began at 10.00am in the 5th floor multipurpose hall, witnessed by hundred of friends and relatives. The newly weds underwent the ritual of blessings of the triple jewel for a blissful and happy married life.