“The setting up of small scale kindergartens and senior citizens' homes located in housing estates will now be the main thrust of Than Hsiang's plan for fulfilling two of its convictions in educating the young and caring for the aged. The advantages of having the two institutions in close proximity help to rekindle and enhance the much cherished traditional, oriental family ties which are fast becoming a thing of the past” said the Abbot of Than Hsiang Temple, Venerable Wei Wu, in his opening address at the Wan Ching Yuen Centre's 13 th Anniversary Celebration.

Venerable Wei Wu stressed the importance of preserving and consolidating the virtues of filial piety and gratitude towards our parents and elders, which was the theme of Wan Ching Yuen's Anniversary Celebration. Through the Anniversary Celebration and Open House, it was the sincere hope that the public will have a closer contact and better understanding of the need of the senior folks in both material and emotional aspect.

Presently there are 57 residents in Wan Ching Yuen Centre, 24 in Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen (PJ) and 12 in Than Hsiang Retirement Home (Kajang). Venerable Wei Wu informed that Than Hsiang had pioneered the first Kindergarten cum Wan Ching Yuen community project in Taman Puteri Jaya in Sungai Petani. The Sungai Petani Kindergarten was started late last year and the Wan Ching Yuen was in the planning stage and would be operational by 2008. The Bukit Berapit Retirement Village would take a few more years to complete as some technical problems had to be resolved with the local council.

Venerable Wei Wu informed that a philanthropist had donated a 2-acred site in Sungai Petani for a senior citizen home. With all these projects in the pipeline, the Abbot appealed to all those who wish to contribute in one way or another to come forward to join the Than Hsiang family in Buddhist education, welfare work and cultivation.

In conclusion, the Abbot thanked the Chairman, Mr. Chan Kean Teong, the Organizing Committee, the Manager of Wan Ching Yuen Centre, Ms Kang Sok Meng, Bro. Chan Cheow Khoon and all the volunteers and staff who had made the Anniversary a success. A special mention of thanks went to the support and cooperation of the family members of the old folks in residence and the Sisters of the Little Sister of the Poor. Last but not least, the Abbot's thanks went to the support and coverage given by the press media, who also helped to publicize the event.

Mr. Chan Kean Teong in his address praised the important role played by Wan Ching Yuen Centre and thanked the sponsors, staff and volunteers of Wan Ching Yuen Centre and all who had helped in one way or another. This was followed by a gift presentation to all the sponsors of the anniversary.

The entertainment programme for the Anniversary Celebration then started off with two dances presented by Than Hsiang Kindergarten. A series of songs, dances and a sketch presented by the senior residents of Wan Ching Yuen Centre, Than Hsiang Youth Group, Than Hsiang Choir, and representatives from Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen, PJ and Kajang.

The Anniversary Celebration attracted a crowd of nearly 500. Aside from the senior citizens of Wan Ching Yuen Centre and its associated branches in PJ and Kajang as guests of honor, we were pleased to have the presence of other guest senior citizens from the Home for the Infirm, Penang Chesire home, Silver Jubilee Home, Sarana Old Folks Home, Penang Buddhist Association, and Happy Home Butterworth.

The Celebration ended with the cutting of a huge anniversary cake and everyone present then sat down to a sumptuous lunch.