WATCH THE NATIONAL DAY PARADE ON TV

Watch the National Day 2021 celebrations scheduled on the morning of August 31 at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Putrajaya this year! Preparations are in full swing for the celebration with full SOPs in place, albeit at a smaller scale. However, no spectators will be allowed this year, so set your alarm and be sure to catch the parade to be broadcasted live on the official TV channel from 7:30am onwards.

National Day 2021 Parade, Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Putrajaya

IDRISSI CHARITY COLOURING CONTEST

Idrissi International School invites kids to color, draw and paint the future of Malaysia that they wish to see in conjunction with the 64th National Day of Malaysia. The Coloring Competition is open to all Malaysians from ages 3 to 17 years, based on four different age categories. Categories A, B, and C will need to color the drawing given, while Category D will be required to draw and color based on the chosen theme. The registration fee of RM10 per person will be donated to a hospital to support the costs of medical supplies and aids. Participants will stand to win cash prizes worth RM2,000 are to be won. To register, click here.

Idrissi International School, www.idrissischool.edu.my

FLY THE MALAYSIAN FLAG

Celebrate Merdeka by flying the Jalur Gemilang at home! Here's your chance to show solidarity and a sense of unity as Malaysia celebrates its National Day in lockdown. Firstly, where can you get hold of the Malaysian flag? Hop online and find them on Mr D.I.Y.,  Lazada or Shopee, and they'll deliver it right to your doorstep. Just remember to hang them upright in the correct manner, and you're good to go! Or even better, get the kids to make their own Malaysia flag, as there's nothing better than a homemade version! Check out this easy guide here.

Mr D.I.Y., www.mrdiy.com

Lazada, www.lazada.com.my

Shopee, www.shopee.com.my

VIRTUAL TOUR AT MINNATURE MALAYSIA

Get to know Malaysia a little better by taking a virtual gallery tour with MinNature Malaysia. Join founder, Cheng Huat online in this 3-part series of "Celebrate Malaysia" happening from August 31 to September 16, 2021, as he takes you on a visual experience of amazing sights and scenes of Malaysia depicted in stunning miniature re-creations inspired by Malaysia's rich and diverse history and culture. For tickets, click here.

MinNature Malaysia, www.minnature.com

MERDEKA WRITING COMPETITION

Budding authors, grab this chance to join the Merdeka Writing Competition, with the theme Kindness organized by Malaysian writer and editor Brigitte Rozario.  Kids from ages 10 to 14 years are invited to join in this fiction writing contest with a word length of 1,500 to 2,000 words. The contest ends on August 30, 2021, and winners will stand to win book vouchers and a chance to join the Junior Writers Programme in 2022.

Brigitte Rozario Merdeka Writing Competition, www.facebook.com/brigitterozario.writerandeditor

CITTA MALL MERDEKA ARTS & CRAFTS VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

CITTA Mall, www.facebook.com/CITTAMall

MALAYSIAN MOVIE NIGHT

Since movie theaters are still off-limits, organize a Malaysian movie night at home! Get the popcorn and soda ready, and tune into Netflix for some Malaysian-made movies to get in the spirit of Merdeka. Catch notable local productions like the epic fantasy film Puteri Gunung Ledang, family drama The Kid From The Big Apple, political drama Rise: Ini Kalilah, or sweet love story Mukhsin.

Netflix, www.netflix.com

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP 2021

MALAYSIAN FLAVORS AFTERNOON TEA

Celebrate Merdeka with this Malaysian-themed Afternoon Tea set by New World Petaling Jaya Hotel consisting of delightful treats like Durian Berliner, Pulut Tai Tai with Coconut Kaya, Traditional Layered Cake, Satay Ayam Minang, Sardine Mousse, “Sata” wrapped in Banana Leaf and other fusion creations. The set is priced at RM$138 nett, and is available for order from August 19 - 31, 2021 via self-collection or home delivery, but do order at least a day in advance.  For more kuih options, there's also Baba Beng and Little Nyonya By MK.

New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, +603 7682 0000 / +6010 216 3810, www.petalingjaya.newworldhotels.com

Baba Beng, www.facebook.com/mybababeng

Little Nyonya by MK, www.facebook.com/littlenyonyabyMK

BATIK PAINTING