Ten An (second left) presents the eldest mother award to Chen while from left, Stephen, Liang and Susan look on.
KOTA KINABALU: The diverse cultures and natural beauty of Sabah should be made into films to promote the “Land Below the Wind”, said Minister of Health and People’s Wellbeing Stephen Wong Tien Fatt.
He said many people around the world had little knowledge about Sabah and the location of the State.
“Most foreigners are only familiar with Kuala Lumpur or Malacca in Malaysia,” he said this when gracing the 23rd anniversary, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations cum the 12th executive committee installation ceremony of Kota Kinabalu Huang Clan (Jiang Xia) Association Sabah here on Monday.
Stephen was also seeking to elevate the status of women, a matter which he would bring up in the State Cabinet meeting.
He said women development was under his ministry’s purview.
On another note, he said Datuk Wong Ten An was a role model for Sabahans as he not only helmed the Kota Kinabalu Huang Clan (Jiang Xia) Association Sabah, but also led the United Association of Chinese Clans Sabah and Huang Association of Malaysia.
The United Association of Chinese Clans Sabah and Huang Association of Malaysia had 19 and 43 member associations respectively.
Meanwhile, Stephen said Ten An’s wife, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, is working alongside him as the secretary of the three associations.
He said the three associations played an important role in uniting clan members.
Meanwhile, Ten An said Kota Kinabalu would play host to the World Huang Clan Association golf tournament 2019.
Additionally, he said the Kota Kinabalu Huang Clan (Jiang Xia) Association Sabah would be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020.
“We plan to hold the Huang Association of Malaysia’s conference cum 43rd anniversary celebration at that time as well.”
He said the Huang clan associations in the country were not only limited to interacting in their own circles, but could also get connected with the World Huang Clan Association through the Huang Association of Malaysia in search for cooperation and opportunities.
On the other hand, Susan expressed her gratitude to the founders of Kota Kinabalu Huang Clan (Jiang Xia) Association Sabah, namely the late Tan Sri Wong Chik Lim and her father, the late Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Kwok.
“Although both of them have passed away, their contributions to the association have never been forgotten.”
She also thanked Stephen for gracing the event, adding that the latter’s appointment as the Minister of Health and People’s Wellbeing was a pride for the Huang clan.
She further voiced her appreciation to the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide, for his support to Chinese cultural activities.
Susan also thanked her 88-year-old mother, Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mui, for her continuous support for the association’s events and activities.
On another note, she urged the public to participate in the Mooncake Carnival and Lantern Parade at Gaya Street on September 29, and the Mooncake Carnival at Taman Foh Sang on October 5.
Also present at the event were World Huang Clan Association secretary general Huang Wen Chin, Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt, Special Officer for the Ministry of Works Dr Roland Chia, Kota Kinabalu Huang Clan (Jiang Xia) Association Sabah honorary advisor Datin Mary Wong and spouse Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah and the association’s deputy president Datuk Wong Hai Ming.