Firecrackers go off on the excavator after Hee Toh (in the excavator) performed the ground-breaking.
KUCHING: The Foochow Association Kuching held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new building at a 1.55-acre site near Kuching City Mall, Jalan Stephen Yong yesterday.
Association president Wong Tiong Hock said the ceremony was a significant milestone that brought the association closer to realising its vision of having its own building.
“The plan to establish an association building has been on our minds for over 10 years and today is a historic day because this dream can finally come true,” he said.
“We are truly thankful to permanent honorary president Datuk Wong Hee Toh for contributing this piece of land for the development of the new association building.”
Wong said the new five-storey building, costing an estimated RM17 million, will have one level for a car park, while the top floor will be able to accommodate 200 tables for functions.
He urged members to remain united regardless of differences and focus on the development of the Foochow community.
“Let’s together uplift the Foochow spirit by showing our determination and perseverance to develop this association for the betterment of the Foochow community,” he said.
Meanwhile, association treasurer and Building Committee chairman Datuk Yii Chi Hau said they are still far from reaching the funding required.
“However, we are taking a bold and brave step to start the project now in order to avoid inflation and construction will be done phase by phase,” he said.
Both Wong and Yii have pledged RM1 million each for the new building.
Among those present to witness the ceremony were Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Federation of Kuching and Samarahan Divisions Chinese Associations Sarawak president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong and the People’s Republic of China Kuching consul-general Liu Quan.