MIRI: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has praised a long-standing Chinese clan association in Miri for its investment in education and its role in strengthening community cohesion.
He described its RM1 million education fund as a model of grassroots support for future generations.
In a message delivered at a Chinese New Year celebration of the Miri Zhao An Association, Dr Sim said the association had demonstrated how traditional community organisations could evolve with the times while continuing to safeguard cultural heritage.
His speech was read out by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting on Monday night (Mar 9).
Dr Sim, who is also SMinister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, extended his greetings to members and guests, saying Chinese New Year symbolises renewal, reunion and gratitude.
Founded in 1949, the Miri Zhao An Association is one of the city’s earliest Chinese clan organisations. For more than 70 years, it has served as a platform to unite migrants and descendants from Zhao’an County in Fujian province while promoting Chinese cultural traditions and social engagement.
Dr Sim singled out the association’s education initiative as a major milestone.
In 2015, the association launched a campaign to establish a RM1 million education fund, reaching the target within a year through contributions from members and donors.
He recalled attending the fund’s launch in 2016, where he also announced a financial contribution after witnessing the strong support from the community.
The fund, initially aimed at helping students from financially challenged families, has since broadened its scope.
Today it recognises outstanding academic and sporting achievements among members’ children and offers incentives such as awards for newborns, reflecting efforts to support family growth within the community.
Dr Sim said the initiative illustrated a forward-looking approach that places education and youth development at the centre of community progress.
He added that the association’s annual Chinese New Year gathering was not merely a festive event but also an important occasion for reinforcing bonds among members.
“Such gatherings allow members to reconnect, exchange greetings and strengthen the ties that have sustained the association for generations,” he said.
Also present was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man.
