Dr Sim hails Miri Chawan Association’s long‑standing role in education and culture

MIRI (March 10): The Miri Chawan Association has played a significant role in the development and progress of various sectors, including education, while actively promoting Chinese culture since its establishment more than seven decades ago.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said this long-standing commitment is reflected in the association’s consistent emphasis on education, particularly in nurturing the younger generation.

He noted that the association, established in 1949 and among the earliest clan associations in Miri, launched a fundraising drive in 2015 to set up a RM1 million education fund.

“The association successfully achieved the target within just one year. Today, the education fund not only assists underprivileged children of members, but has also been expanded to cover various areas, including incentives for excellence in sports and academics, as well as newborn incentives to encourage larger families among members.

“This truly elevates the purpose and impact of the education fund to the highest level,” he said in his speech at the Miri Chawan Association’s Chinese New Year dinner held at a leading hotel here on Monday.

His speech text was read by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting.

Touching on the Chinese New Year celebration, Dr Sim said it is one of the most important traditional festivals for the Chinese community, symbolising not only a new beginning but also the values of reunion, gratitude and hope.

“Tonight’s Lunar New Year fellowship dinner is not merely a joyous gathering, but also a meaningful occasion that brings together the bonds of kinship and hometown ties.

“Everyone can come together amid busy lives to exchange greetings and renew friendships. This is precisely the important role and significance of the association,” he said.

Also present at the dinner were federal Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man, organising chairman David Yeo Ang Lim and Miri Chawan Assocation chairlady Lim Mui Eng.