A large crowd flocked to the First Emporium Warisan Utamajaya branch yesterday to watch activities held in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festival.
The highlight of the day was the Mandarin orange-eating competition, which received an encouraging response from members of the public.

A total 40 participants, comprising 20 males and 20 females, took part in the competition. Participants were requested to eat as many Mandarin oranges as possible within one minute. The winner in the men's category was Lim Han Hui and in the women's Tan Joo Cheng. Both received B$250 cash and a carton of Mandarin oranges each. Second places went to Law Hii Tuan and Alda M Go, they each received B$150 and a carton of Mandarin oranges.

The third place prizes went to Lim Kam Fatt and Emerlina Lasartera Buscarino, they each won B$100 cash and a carton of Mandarin oranges. The prizes were presented by First Emporium Group chairman, Lim Koh Phay; its managing director, Lim Kian Liong; and general manager, Lim Kian Seng; Taipei Economic & Culture Office representative, Shaw Wu Yu; TaiChung Country-Fong Yuan Farmer Association general manager, Lin Hsien Chou and Lin Chin Pin; its chairman Lai Chiu Jung and Lai Chen Feng Li; and its country vice-magistrate Lin Ching Fu. This is the second time that First Emporium has organised such a competition, following public demand. The day also saw stage performances, including singing and dancing, as well as a presentation of Chinese calligraphy writing skills by well-known local artist Yu Chin Chai.