Liu (left) presents a mock cheque to Yii (right).
KUCHING: Women should sharpen their leadership skills in order to play more pivotal roles in this knowledge-based economy.
Federation of Kuching-Samarahan Chinese Associations executive advisor Chai Tze Kin, who made the call, observed that women leaders among its affiliates had done a good job in organising community programmes.
As such, he believed they could achieve more if they strived to pursue relevant knowledge and skills and ventured into new frontiers.
“Since the early 80s, some women in the country have become formidable players in nation building. They have actively taken part in not just nation building, but also various social events.
“This is indeed a breakthrough, and our women do make major human capital to boost the overall development of our country,” he said at the Parents’ Day dinner organised by the federation’s Women section here on Saturday.
Chai was pleased the government had been giving women many growth opportunities, especially in the public and private sectors.
He said the fact that an increasing number of women were holding higher-level positions in the government and private sector spoke well of women’s capabilities and contributions.
“Because of this, therefore, I hope our women section will recruit more members to strengthen the federation while providing a platform for more women to showcase their talents.”
Chai also called on the younger generation to take good care of the elderly members in their families, warning that they would reap what they sowed sooner rather than later.
“Let us all fulfill our filial obligations. If you do not set a good example by treating your parents right, chances are your children will follow suit.”
Meanwhile, Federation of Kuching-Samarahan Chinese Associations Women chief Liu Moi Kiaw asserted “there are no ugly women, only lazy ones.”
She believed every woman would look presentable, if not beautiful, had they put in some efforts towards this end.
“Many married women spent most of their time looking after their husbands and children, thereby neglecting their own image.”
Liu added women should apply makeup whether they were at home or out on the street and even dress up to look presentable to uphold a good image.
At the dinner, the Women section handed over RM80,000 to the federation for their new premises, which is worth more than RM4.6 million.
Among those present were the federation’s president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong, treasurer Datuk Yii Chi Hau, executive advisor Michael Teo and organising chairperson Georgina Chong.