RED OCCASION: SUCCESS IN EXAMINATION

My family and I had a celebration meal at Secret Recipe Restaurant in Ipoh Garden to fete Ben who scored straight As in his SPM examination.  I had given him a choice of restaurants to have the celebration and he chose this one as he said he had never eaten there before.
In olden day China, scholars who managed to garner the top places in the annual ancient Imperial Examinations would be awarded a government official post thus bringing honour to the family.  He would obtain power and fortune from the position.  It is considered a red occasion and there is much cause for celebration with red banners and lanterns being put up to welcome the successful scholar.
Nowadays, examinations still exist and they too would help present day scholars to secure good careers for their future.  However, the red banner and lanterns are not put up.  Nevertheless, there will still be the celebration feast and also the giving of Lai See (red packets) from the elders.