Teochew community in S’wak achieved success thanks to strong organisational support, says See

KUCHING (July 23): The Teochew community has achieved significant success due to their emphasis on strong organisational support, said Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How.

According to him, the Teochew in Sarawak have realised they need an organisation to take care of them in order to be successful.

He noted they were the earliest group among the Chinese community in Sarawak to establish a clan association.

“Even though there were other Chinese groups in Sarawak who came earlier than the Teochews, they were the first to form an association which is now 160 years old.

“Today, the Teochew Association in Sarawak is also the strongest in the state. They have a large member base and their Youth wing is particularly strong,” he said in an interview with the media today.

See, who is of Teochew descent himself, expressed pride in the achievements of the Teochew community in Sarawak and highlighted their remarkable accomplishments in education and business.

After the interview, See officiated the prize-giving ceremony of the ‘I Love Sarawak’ Colouring Contest, Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition organised by the Kuching Teochew Association at Plaza Merdeka here today.

The event featured a colouring contest, a Best National Costume contest and a Calligraphy and Art Painting Exhibition.

“This event promotes cultural heritage and artistic expression among the younger generation while on Sarawak Day, it is fitting to see our youth and artists showcase their talents and love for our state,” he said.

Some 60 children displayed their artistic skills in the colouring contest while eight established artists, namely Dr Tan Phoi Tsze, Chua Shiu Peo, Liew Kiong Fui, Liew Boon Poh, Sim Kwang Meng, Chai Ching Lee, Goh Chun How and Tan Chin Lui exhibited their beautiful works in calligraphy and painting.

Also present were Kuching Teochew Association president Chiew Boon Seng, organising chairman Tan Kay Hock and Function Advisor Dato Sim Kiang Chiok.

From July 18-22, an exhibition titled “Then, Now and Next” showcased the Kuching Teochew community featuring photographs with bilingual captions that highlighted the struggles, contributions and participation of the community in the nation-building of Sarawak.

The exhibition also emphasised the history, achievements and progress of the Teochew community in Kuching over the past 160 years.