Birkin International Hotel welcomed 35 children and their 15 caretakers from Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj (RAYSAS) for a special iftar celebration at the newly opened Birkin Kitchen. The event was a memorable occasion that brought the spirit of Ramadan to life with a blend of tradition, community, and compassion.
RAYSAS, an orphanage established in 2002 in Pantai Puteri, Melaka, was created to support orphans and underprivileged children. Initiated by Y.A.B. Tun Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, the then Chief Minister of Melaka, RAYSAS was constructed with a RM2.57 million investment funded through contributions from MAIM, the Negeri Melaka Dakwah Trust Fund, and public donations. Built on endowed land donated by Y.Bhg. Datuk H.M. Shah and his family, the orphanage has since expanded its mission to provide shelter and education to children, currently caring for 31 residents under MAIM’s care.
The evening kicked off with a beautiful azan recital by Haiqal Shamien from RAYSAS, signaling the break of fast, followed by Maghrib prayers. The heartfelt moment set the tone for the rest of the evening’s celebrations.
Adding an extra sparkle to the occasion, renowned Malaysian songstress Datuk Nora Ariffin graced the event with her soulful performances. She mesmerized the audience with her famous ballads, including ‘Dilema,’ ‘Desa Tercinta,’ and the evergreen ‘Suasana Hari Raya.’ Her performances provided an uplifting and emotional experience for the children, filling the air with joy and inspiration.
In a gesture of warmth and solidarity, the hotel’s staff also serenaded the children with a heartfelt Raya song, creating a festive atmosphere. To add a cultural touch to the celebration, the children were treated to a captivating traditional Ghazal performance by Kumpulan Muzik Asli Dendang Irama, further enriching the festive spirit.
Simon Tan, General Manager of Birkin International Hotel, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “At Birkin International Hotel, sustainability extends beyond our operations. It’s about our responsibility to the community. We strive to build meaningful, long-term relationships with those we serve, and our commitment to corporate social responsibility is not just limited to festive events.”
Ustaz Atqullah Muhammad, Manager of Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj, expressed his gratitude: “For many of our children, Ramadan is a time they spend without the support of family. Events like this bring not just a meal, but a sense of joy and belonging. We are truly grateful for the generosity and compassion shown by Simon and the team at Birkin International Hotel.”
After the iftar, the children were presented with festive hampers, a thoughtful gesture that added to the spirit of the season. Following this, the children, along with the hotel team, enjoyed a delicious spread of traditional dishes from the “Bufet Suasana Kampung” at Birkin Kitchen. This pre-festive feast featured home-cooked classics such as “Grang Asam Tetel,” “Ayam Kampung Berempah,” “Paru Goreng Berempah,” “Perut Masak Lemak Rebung,” and the ever-popular “Birkin Briyani.” Each dish was carefully crafted with heartwarming spices to evoke the comfort and nostalgia of family meals, reinforcing the theme of togetherness and tradition.
Birkin International Hotel continues to demonstrate its dedication to sustainable giving and social responsibility, reinforcing its position as a leader in the hospitality industry. By embracing such initiatives, the hotel not only provides an excellent service but also makes a significant impact in the lives of those in need, spreading joy, love, and the spirit of Ramadan to all.
The iftar gathering exemplified the true meaning of community and shared values, reminding everyone that the season of Ramadan is about more than just breaking fast—it’s about coming together to create lasting memories and uplift each other.
