DEWAN Sri Pinang was filled with moments of pride, joy and celebration today as smiles, handshakes, hugs and bouquets greeted the 304 individuals who received state awards at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the 85th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
The four-day investiture ceremony, which began on July 11 (Saturday) and took a break on July 12 (Sunday), will conclude tomorrow, with another 316 recipients set to receive their awards, bringing the total to 1,165.
Among the distinguished recipients today were Dato’ Saw Chang Heng, 69, and Dato’ Chan Fock Seng, 75, who were conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which carries the title “Dato’ Seri”.
Saw, who founded PENPEC Group in 1993, is a prominent businessman who has successfully expanded the company into a retail network operating more than 120 petrol stations and 80 convenience outlets throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
Besides leading the company, he also serves as a liaison between the Government and petrol station operators, encouraging compliance with regulations while supporting the sustainable growth of the retail industry.
He is also deeply committed to education and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Governors of SJKC Han Chiang, as well as vice-chairman of the boards of directors of Han Chiang’s primary school, secondary school and university in Penang.
In community service, Saw actively collaborates with the Penang office of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) through the organisation of Rahmah Sales programmes aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden among the people.
He also serves as vice-president of the Teochew Association of Penang, a member of the 88 Kapitan Penang Welfare Association, and an honorary adviser of the Tzu Yun Koong Moral Uplifting Society Penang.
On receiving the award, Saw said he was deeply honoured and grateful to be conferred the DGPN by Tun Ramli.
“My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my family, friends, colleagues, business partners and everyone who has supported me throughout the years. This honour belongs as much to them as it does to me.
“Moving forward, I hope to leverage my experience, network and resources to contribute even more to the community, particularly through education initiatives and social welfare efforts. I believe that by working together with government agencies, educational institutions and community organisations, we can create more opportunities, uplift lives and build a stronger, more caring society,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chan, executive director of Chong Company, was recognised for his contributions to the housing industry and community.
He previously served as chairman of the REHDA Penang Technical Committee under the Special Projects and Economic Development (SPEAD) component, where he participated in discussions with government departments and agencies to formulate policies and guidelines related to property development.
Apart from the housing sector, Chan has also contributed to the development of the hospitality and industrial sectors. He remains actively involved in charitable work, community activities, sports and school welfare initiatives.
“I’m honoured to receive this award. I have been involved in the housing industry for more than 50 years.
“Chong Company has implemented affordable housing and low-medium-cost housing projects for the people of Penang, as well as public facilities such as market complexes and food centres that provide business opportunities for small traders in Penang,” he said.
Also celebrating his achievement was Goh Kim Heong, who received the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title “Dato’”.
The chairman of the SJKC Kuang Yu board of directors played a significant role in the establishment of the new SJKC Kuang Yu following its relocation from Kuala Muda to Batu Kawan.
Goh expressed his appreciation to the SJKC Kuang Yu board of directors and the Penang state government for their recommendation, as well as to Tun Ramli for conferring the award upon him.
“This honour does not belong to me alone, but is also a recognition of the entire team at the SJKC Kuang Yu board of directors. I sincerely thank everyone for their continuous support, trust and collective efforts over the years.
“It is not only an acknowledgement of my past contributions to society and education, but also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with it. Moving forward, I will continue to uphold my commitment to serving society and contributing to education, while playing my part in the development of Chinese education,” he said.
He added that although he initially had no experience in association leadership or school construction, he believed that with a willingness to learn and take on responsibilities, even the most challenging tasks could be accomplished.
“The new school building of SJKC Kuang Yu has reached where it is today because of the collective efforts of many predecessors, colleagues and caring members of the community.
“I would also like to encourage more young people not to be held back by a lack of experience, nor shy away from taking on responsibilities. Experience is gained through practice, while abilities are developed through challenges.
“As long as one is willing to take the first step, society and Chinese education will continue to be passed down and thrive with the participation of more young people, creating a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Among the award recipients who drew attention was Fearghal Patrick Hennessy, a Caucasian recipient who was conferred the DSPN award.
The 53-year-old Irishman, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Madeleine Brosnan, said he was delighted to receive the honour, describing it as a recognition of the company’s contributions in Penang over the past decade.
“I’m very happy to receive the award. It represents what the company has been doing here for 10 years already. We make medical devices and help save lives.
“We also work with the community, especially in mental health programmes, and support initiatives involving the Orang Asli community and old folks’ homes. We will continue to do more for the community,” he said.
VitaHealth (Malaysia and Singapore) chief executive officer Dr Beh Kheng Suan, who has been a strong supporter of the Penang State Sports Council, was conferred the Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT) award.
Her company has not only provided nutritional supplements but also financial support, particularly to the state Sukma team.
“First of all, I’m very proud to receive this award. As a healthcare provider, my company aims to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, and I believe this is the right path we have chosen,” said Dr Beh, who was accompanied to the state investiture ceremony by her mother, Lim Choy Choy.
For Vimalesvaran S.N. Letchumanan, 61, receiving the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) award was a momentous occasion.
The founder of event management company GDG Resources expressed his appreciation to Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan and S.S. Manimaran for recommending him for the award.
Besides being a singer and adviser to the Travel Riders Motor Club, Vimalesvaran also serves as treasurer of MPKK Taman Brown.
Reflecting on the recognition, he said: “I have been waiting for an award for 30 years, and I have no words to describe my feelings. This is the happiest day of my life,” said Vimalesvaran, who was accompanied by his wife, Juley Gopalan.
Faizul Azlan Zulrailan, a 42-year-old civil servant, was elated after receiving the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM) award. He was accompanied by his wife, Nur Melissa Lezamudin, at the ceremony today.
“This award has inspired me to serve the community with greater vigour,” said Faizul, who has been working as a clerk for 20 years.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En