KOTA KINABALU: Some 130 overseas Chinese teenagers from six countries began their 12-day 2011 Root-seeking Winter Camp from Dec 21 in Liaoning Normal University in Dalian, China .
Representing Sabah are 11 young students arranged by the Federation of the Chinese Associations Sabah together with the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry through the part sponsorship of Mr Fred SK Lee, president of the Dalian Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
The camp, organised by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, provides the opportunity for the young students to learn Chinese culture, Chinese language, folk dances and instrument performances to experience the historical long Chinese and folk culture.
“The root-seeking camp helps overseas Chinese teenagers to deepen their understanding of China and Chinese culture while at the same time promote better communication among the Chinese teenagers from different countries,” said federation vice president Steven Liaw Chee Kok.
“It will give the participants some experience of being abroad and prepare them to be more independent and self reliance,” said Liaw who is also the chamber director for public relations, sports and entertainment.
They also have the opportunity to experience the winter snow weather which definitely provides them with a new experience in understanding the different climate change in the environment.
As the new generation, hopefully this experience will make them be more aware and conscious of the environment and climatic changes.
The delegation was earlier handed the federation flag by its president Datuk Seri Panglima Sari Nuar, who is also the president of the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, prior to their departure to Dalian.
Among the participants are Jacinth Hamisa Lee, Kristy Vun Xiao Qing, Valentina Goh Pui Nee, Soo Fui Chi, Wong Shuk Tzu, Lawrence Chu Zheng Hua, Isabecca Voo Pey Jia, Ryan Fernandez Zheng Sing Xu, Rachelle Chang Siau Oi, Isabell voo Yee Sah with their chaperone Cynthia Ho Jin Tin.