Chong truly anak Sarawak in field of art: Sim

KUCHING: The legacy of the late Chong Liew Syn must continue to keep the talent pool growing and future generations who appreciate the value of art.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who made the call described Chong as having an ‘anak Sarawak’ value which should be fostered.

”Since Chong started the Sarawak Fine Arts School, all of you (artists) are disciples … so maybe all of you can get together to ensure that this (value) can continue,” he said.

Dr Sim who is Chong’s former student said the value of art, culture, and music should go on, emphasising that the younger generation should be taught to appreciate Sarawak culture.

“We have talents, talents can be anywhere, it is just a matter of whether we give the opportunity, how we develop the opportunity, and more importantly how we pass it on,” he said at the launching of art shows by Chong here at the Hoan Gallery at La Promenade Mall on Friday (Jan 19).

In addition to that, Dr Sim hoped that more government-linked companies (GLC) will support artists in their endeavours.

He said with an art gallery soon to be established in Kuching, time will soon tell whether the art scene here will eventually boom.

”Each and everyone of you is a treasure to us, depending on how you want to contribute, play your role and do your part,” he said.

Chong founded the Sarawak Fine Arts School in 1975, the first private art institute to gain government accreditation in this region.

He passed away in 1999 at the age of 50.

Among those present during the launching were, Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Realty Sdn Bhd director Yu Ji, Hoan Gallery director, Hoan Kee Huang and Chong’s eldest son, Ken Loh.