FOR THE RECORD: Taib signing a plaque to commemorate the simultaneous opening of Meritz Hotel, Parkson, GSC and Bintang Megamall New Wing.
GRAND OPENING: Taib (third left), flanked by Ragad (second left) and Lau (fourth left), declaring open Meritz Hotel, Parkson & GSC and Bintang Megamall New Wing.
COLOURFUL CEREMONY: Taib (fifth right), Ragad (fourth right), Lau (third left), George Chan (far left) and Milly Goh (third right) cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of Bintang Megamall New Wing at Bintang Megamall yesterday.
TOWARDS BETTER COLLABORATION: Lau (left) exchanging signed MoU with Paul Chan of HELP University, witnessed by Taib (centre).
1ST ANNIVERSARY: Taib (fifth left) cutting the anniversary cake of Meritz Hotel at its opening ceremony.
MIRI: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday officiated at the simultaneous opening ceremony of Meritz Hotel, Bintang Megamall New Wing, Parkson and GSC Bintang Megamall here.
The grand ceremony was also held to mark the first anniversary of Meritz Hotel, which started operation last year.
In his speech, Meritz executive chairman Datuk Professor Lau Siu Wai, who is also chairman of Miri Housing Group, said the celebration was a indeed a proud moment for him in that he was finally able to bring new impetus to the city to move forward while at the same contributing to the country’s economic growth.
He related that his journey towards success was rough and challenging but rewarding.
“I’ve encountered setbacks three times but the worse one was in the early 1970s,” Lau recalled, saying he remained undeterred till this day.
He said by that time he had known the chief minister, and that the latter was the one who inspired him and gave him the encouragement to face the challenges.
“It is not my policy to look back. It is in this spirit, I have the chance to show to Pehin Sri what I have done up to today especially with the building of Meritz Hotel,” he said.
Lau thanked Taib for giving him the opportunity to help the government develop Miri into a vibrant and resort city.
Also present were Taib’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Lau’s wife Datin Milly Goh Siew Choo, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and wife Datuk Lorna Enan Muloon, CEO of MUI Group Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng, CEO of DSC Group Koh Mei Le, co-founder of HELP University Datuk Dr Paul Chan, CEO of Popular chain of bookstores Chou Cheng Ngok, director of Tenby International School Datuk Lim Si Boon, operations manager of Parkson Group Lee Sui Ying and other distinguished guests.