Rubbing shoulders

Received an invitation to attend the 88 Captains’ annual dinner at the E&O Hotel last Friday. Dressed in my latest Chinese New Year outfit, I drove my wife to the hotel, while my son joined us later on his own. 

The evening passed pleasantly enough, though the spotlight remained firmly on the big shots—the captains of industry in Penang. Among the guests were the Penang Governor, Chief Minister and several State Executive Councillors.

A highlight of the night was reconnecting with Dr Chong of the University of Wollongong Penang, who happened to be seated at the same table. I had last met her about 20 years ago when the university was still known as Kolej Damansara Utama. 

The organisers had engaged an official photographer, yet he overlooked a simple but meaningful gesture—capturing all the guests. With only 20 tables, a round of photos would have been effortless. A missed opportunity, no doubt.

With our host, Dr Ooi Eng Hock

With the Chief Minister and Governor

Venus and the moon

This picture was taken with my mobile phone. I hadn’t planned on looking up at the sky from my son’s place in Tanjong Bungah yesterday at about 8.45pm, but when I inadvertently did, I was pleasantly surprised. 

The crescent moon seemed to be chasing the brilliant Venus across the western sky. It wasn’t my best shot, but it captured the moment well enough. 

Directly overhead, Jupiter stood steadfast, while a reddish Mars shone quietly down on me.