Association wants to unite all Zhangs

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KAPIT: Federated Zhang Clan Association Sarawak president Datuk Tiong Su Kock says the association plays an important role to unite the Zhang clan for greater unity and co-operation.

FOR CLAN UNITY: Chong Shin Khin (seated third left) together with Kapit Zhang Clan Association chartered committee and Tiong Su Kock (seated fourth left) after the sworn-in ceremony.

“We’re far apart due to geographical division and in the context of modern living we must look beyond the horizon. Zhang clan association is an important platform for members to stay united,” he said.

Tiong regarded the association as a one-stop umbrella to bring all members together.

“Local clan associations formed in the state, national and the world could connect through networking in today’s borderless world. We’ve an important task to carry out and that is to preserve Zhang clan’s heritage,” he said at the gathering cum committee installation banquet last Sunday evening at civic centre.

Some three hundred fifty guests, including 88 prominent Zhang leaders from Sarawak, West Malaysia and China, attended the event.

Tiong commended the chartered committee for their tirelessness efforts to unite the clan members together and formed the association within a short period of time.

“Unity is strength, today you have some one hundred members and I hope in near future the number will increase. We must recruit all Zhang members together as number is strength,” he said.

He appealed to all members to work closely with the committee to achieve the association’s goal.

Tiong later disclosed that Federated Zhang Clan Association Sarawak will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this coming June.

He invited members to participate in the grand celebration, which also coincides with the opening of Zhang Clan Museum.

“If you have any old photos, exhibits or records of our past ancestors and their migration track, please contribute to the museum for the benefit of the future generation,” he urged members.

At the function, he also announced a grant of RM5000 for the association to fund its activities.

Meanwhile, chairman Chong Shin Khin extended his warm welcome to the guests to Kapit.

“Kapit is unique with lots of tourists’ attractions. There is no hurry to go back, spent one or two days to explore the beauty of this town,” he said.

The event also saw the installation of committee members for 2011/2012.

They are chairman Chong Shin Khin and assisted by Tiong Chai Sie; secretary Tiong Ping and assisted by Teo Chai Po; and treasurer Teo Thian Chai.

Others include Teo Kuan Huat and Tiong Sing Chai for General Affairs, Teo Boon Kui (Publicity), Tiong Leh Kiong (Welfare), Tiong Chen King (Recreation) and Tiong Ting Hock and Tiong Yon Hua for Education.