Kuching Teochew Association holds special exhibition to commemorate 160th anniversary

KUCHING (July 18): The Kuching Teochew Association is set to commemorate its 160th anniversary with a special exhibition titled ‘Then, Now and Next’ at Plaza Merdeka from today to July 22.

According to the association, the event marks a significant milestone in the history of the Teochew community in Kuching and aims to highlight their contributions to business, society, and nation-building in Sarawak and Malaysia.

“The 160th anniversary celebration is a special event for the Kuching Teochew Association and the exhibition is part of a year-long programme of our 160th anniversary celebration.

“It aims to foster greater awareness and interest in the community’s historical and ongoing contributions,” the association highlighted in a statement handed out during the exhibition’s launching ceremony at the atrium of Plaza Merdeka here today.

Showcasing the Kuching Teochew community’s history, achievements and progress over the past 160 years since the founding of the association in 1864, the exhibition will feature photographs with bilingual captions, highlighting the struggles, contributions and participation of the Kuching Teochews in nation-building, particularly in Sarawak.

Director of Plaza Merdeka Dato Steve Ng Thian Yew, a successful Teochew businessman, was present to launch the ceremony.

In addition to the exhibition, the Kuching Teochew Association also said that they have planned a series of activities to commemorate the milestone and promote connections among its members under the theme ‘Always be grateful for our 160 years of sustaining our Teochew clanship’.

“Among them is the 160th anniversary celebration dinner on June 16, graced by the Honourable Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, attended by both local and overseas clan members.

“We also did a few other activities last month such as the Youth Teochew Opera Cultural Camp, Teochew Delicacies Demonstration, Teochew Academic Forum, Kuching Teochew Association Historical Exhibition, Teochew Cultural Night, and the Sarawak Teochew Association Conference,” said the association.

Meanwhile on Sarawak Day, July 22, the association will host an ‘I Love Sarawak’ colouring contest, Best National Costume contest, and a calligraphy and art painting event.

These activities will start at 2pm on the Ground Level of Plaza Merdeka, featuring the artistic skills of the younger generation in the colouring contest and works of established artists in calligraphy and painting.