SARIKEI: Datin Mary Wong Mee Ha @ Wong Pick Hung – more popularly known as Datin Mary Masing – has been named this district’s Most Exemplary Woman this year.
The active proponent of women’s empowerment earned the honour through her tremendous contribution to society via participation in numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Her prominent roles include being the head of the district’s Sarawak Federation of Women Institute from 1984 to 2000; SFWI Sibu/Sarikei/Kapit/Mukah/Matu/Daro chairwoman (2006-2008, 2009-2011 and present 2012-2015 tenure).
Outside SFWI, she has been appointed to hold positions in various bodies such as a panel member of Juvenile Court from (1984-2012) and Marriage Court (1984-2012); Family Planning (chairwoman, 2000); Parish Catholic Church (chairwoman, 2011-2014); Foochow Association (advisor, 2000-2014); Girls Guide (chairwoman, 2001-2014); Sarikei Chinese Women Association (advisor, 2000-2014); Foochow Association (advisor, 2000-2014); Wong Clan Association (advisor, 2000-2014); Sarawak Church Association (treasurer, 2014); National Association for Prevention of Drugs, or Pemadam (life member), as well as board of management member of SMK St Anthony, St Clement Kindergarten and SK St Anne.
She was also instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the district’s SFWI headquarters, which was realised in 2000.
Recognition-wise, Mary received SFWI Gold Medal in 2007 and Sarikei Division Exemplary Youth 1990/1991 Award.
She was presented with the Most Exemplary Woman award by political secretary to Chief Minister, Kenel Jeraee who represented Tanjung Manis MP Datuk Norah Abdul Rahman at the closing of the district-level Women’s Day celebrations at Sri Nyelong here yesterday.