Oldest NGO to host lecture on Sabah Chinese experience

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KOTA KINBALU: A courtesy meeting took place between the United Sabah and FT Labuan Hakka Association (USFTLHA) president Datuk Jimmy Tham Yuk Leong and The Sabah Society (SS) president Dr. Elaine Kong, recently.

Also at the meeting were George Hong (vice president) and Datuk Chan Chew Lun (a past president).

The main objective of the meeting was to officially invite the largest Chinese association in Sabah to participate in a public lecture entitled: ‘From Huagong to Citizens: The Chinese Experience in Sabah’ by Professor Danny Wong Tze Ken, a Professor of History and Director of the Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, and renowned KK-born authority on Sabah’s history.

The migration of the Hakka community to Sabah, dating back to over a century, has fueled a significant contribution in terms of progress to the state.

As the community forms an estimated 60% of the Chinese population in Sabah, it would be a good opportunity to ensure that members of the Hakka Association are encouraged to attend.

This lecture is organised by The Sabah Society, which is the oldest non-governmental organisation in Sabah, and is gaining wide interest from the Chinese community in Kota Kinabalu.

It will be conducted in both English and Mandarin, with a slide presentation of vintage photographs.

In addition, photographs of historical Jesselton and Sandakan will be on display in the foyer.

The public lecture will be held on Thursday, 7 September at the Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, at 7.30 pm. Admittance is free of charge.

The Sabah Society was founded in 1960 by a group of colonial officers, and the first president was E.J.H. Berwick, the director of agriculture in the then British North Borneo.

Some other prominent figures who served as presidents over the last 57 years are, Datuk Chin Phui Kong, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Richard Lind, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the late Datuk Mohd. Yaman Mus, Datuk Dr. Lai Kuen Fong, and Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin.

Elaine is the third lady president after Patricia Regis and the late Zahra Yaacob.

Since 1960, the Society has published, every year without fail, the Sabah Society Journal, which contains articles on all aspects of Sabah. The Society also organizes regular talks by specialists, both local and foreign, on varied subjects.

The motto of the Society is ‘To Know Sabah’. You are invited to join as a member of Sabah’s learned Society. For more information, please contact Monica at Tel: 088-250443.