MCCCI chairman Lee Khoi Yun (third left) presents a souvenir to Julaihi. From left are Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, president of The Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Datuk Ter Leong Yap, organising chairman Lee Choon Seng and China’s consul general in Kuching, Liu Quan.
MIRI: Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and with its rich history, experiences and capable members, it has a bigger role to play.
“Since its formation in 1925, MCCCI has proven its capability to drive the local economy to prosper as what we have witnessed today. However, there is no reason to stop there. The international market has more to offer, and the chamber has to prepare young people to face the tougher challenges,” Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion), said in his speech at MCCCI’s 90th anniversary dinner held here last Saturday.
“Give the younger generation a chance to prove their capability. MCCCI has the responsibility to guide, train and encourage them to be humble, hardworking, innovative, creative and persistent as these are the elements that could lead the latter to success.
“I am sure that tough training is, well, tough, but in time it is the best way to prove one’s ability to do something big in the future,” said Julaihi who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to officiate the event.
He added that though Miri has prospered to what it has become today, thanks to the oil and gas industry, timber and palm oil plantations; tourism industry also plays an added role in further strengthening the economy, making Miri’s status as a resort city the more appealing.
“However, all these do not happen by itself. It is, of course, through the concerted efforts of the business community, working hand-in-hand with the government that make Miri such a prosperous and beautiful city.
“In fact, the role of government is to create conducive environment for businesses to operate and flourish; and provide facilities to attract investment. But it is for the business community to take advantage of such opportunities and facilities; otherwise you will be left behind,” he said. The MCCCI’s 90th anniversary dinner at a local hotel was attended by hundreds of business community members from Sabah, Peninsula Malaysia, Brunei and Miri.