THE new Teong Guan Association Committee 2022-2023 today paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and shared their development and upcoming programmes.
During the 30-minute courtesy visit, the delegation, led by its chairman Datuk Jessen Ang, introduced the members of the association to Chow.
Ang said the association was now engaging with the federal authorities to recognise its longest Chinese singing competition, which has taken place for the past 41 years.
“We hope that it can enter into The Malaysia Book of Records.
“The event was only halted for two years when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Over the years, it has been held each year.
“The next competition will be held on June 25 at the Penang Chinese Town Hall in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling,” he said.
Apart from that, Ang said the association has been contributing financial aid to 56 schools and a few charitable bodies in Penang.
“We will assist SJK (C) Chung Hwa 2 in Butterworth for refurbishment in view of the upcoming Phor Thor Festival.
“In total, we have given out a total of RM40 million to many schools,” he said.
Chow expressed his gratitude to the association for its assistance.
Teong Guan Association deputy chairman Loh Yat Cheng also proposed that a prayer session be held on July 31 (the 3rd Day of the Seventh Lunar Month) to commemorate the ferry fatal tragedy on July 31, 1988.
“Let us mourn and express our condolences to the deceased on this day,” she said, adding that it also coincides with Phor Thor Festival.
Chow noted Loh’s suggestion and said he would bring it up to the attention of state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng.
Among those present were its adviser Datuk Lim Yam Koi, vice-chairman Cheah Chin Aik, vice-president Tan Eng Leong, deputy secretary Loo Hooi Wang and Youth president Franco Tan.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting