Chen (fifth from right) announcing a contribution of 30,000 Renminbi in support of the dragon boat race. Also present are Goh (fifth from left), Yong (4th from left) and Wong (fourth from right).
KOTA KINABALU: Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie, has announced a contribution of 30,000 Renminbi to show the country’s support for the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016.
Chen made the announcement during a courtesy call by the organizer, The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), led by its president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr T.C. Goh, J.P. here yesterday.
The federation invited the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu as a sponsor for the event.
Also present were FCAS deputy president Datuk Jimmy Yong Kyok Ming, vice president cum organizing chairperson Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen and committee members.
Chen said she and her colleagues were invited to the second Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race and the experience had left a good impression on them.
She commended the Chinese community in Sabah for their passion in preserving Chinese culture despite having blended into the multiracial society here.
“The passion and persistence of the Chinese community of Sabah in preserving their culture is highly commendable.
“We have always been supportive of activities which bring positive energy to the society.
“Hence, I hereby announce a contribution of 30,000 Renminbi as sponsorship towards the event,” she said.
On behalf of FCAS, Goh thanked Chen and the Chinese Government for their generosity.
“The contribution bears a huge significance and serves as a form of moral support for us, considering that China is the ancestral country of the local Chinese community.”
Goh also invited Chen to the opening ceremony of the dragon boat race on May 22, which will be officiated by the Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar Bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin.
Chen was also invited to join the zongzi (Chinese dumpling) offering ceremony.
Meanwhile, Wong extended an invitation to Chen to write a message for the soon-to-be-released third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 magazine.
Goh said FCAS was entrusted by the State Government to organize the dragon boat race since three years ago.
He said the event not only gained growing support from the local Chinese community, but has also achieved a 30-per cent increase in the number of participating teams.
In addition, Goh said the dragon boat race had become a sporting event for all races in Sabah whereby the participants strived for the best possible result.
The third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race will be held at Likas Bay on May 21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday.