Ding (centre) with the lecturers and students.
SARIKEI: Students and lecturers of the Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Rajang Campus here celebrated ‘Pesta Angpow’ Thursday in conjunction with the Chinese New year 2017.
Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing who officiated at the event said although the Chinese New Year celebration had officially ended on the 15th day of the Lunar Year or ‘Chap Goh Mei’, Malaysians were still extending goodwill wishes for the auspicious period.
“It is never too late to celebrate an occasion especially when it carries the noble objective of promoting unity and harmony among our society of diverse background,” he stressed.
He urged the people to continue to preserve the existing harmony and unity among the various races as it was the main contributing factor to the country’s progress and prosperity.
“The rich culture and customs of our people of different races and religions are unique in our country and an envy of other countries which we must capitalise on to strengthen our unity,” he pointed out.
IPG Rajang Campus director Dr Lambat Lindong said that among the objectives of the celebration were to emphasise to the students on the importance of unity in a community of diverse background; establish relationship between the students and lecturers and expose the students to the rich culture of our diverse society.
“It is also aimed at reminding us to be always mindful of the profound importance of unity, harmony and mutual respect and to regard all the cultural celebration as reflection of our very special Malaysian socio-cultural ecosystem,” he pointed out.
According to the organising chairperson Hong Moi Huong, though the celebration was a little bit late, they had started preparing for it since June last year.
That was because they wanted to ensure the celebration would reflect the 1 Malaysia concept which involved students and lecturers irrespective of their racial or religious background apart from showcasing the culture, she added.
Among those present were campus’s deputy director Kamarul Ariffin Din, head of Students’ Affairs Mat Kamal Abdul Majid and head of Management Unit Adib Farhan Safian.