(From third left) Sim, Lam and Pock Yau receiving a scroll from artist Li Xiao Jin at the Federation of Taipu (Chha Yong) Associations gala dinner. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Three-day business networking event doubles as fundraiser
THE Federation of Taipu (Chha Yong) Associations (FTA) organised a gala dinner in conjunction with their 50th anniversary.
The dinner in Petaling Jaya was held under the umbrella of the inaugural World Dabu Alliance, a three-day business networking event in which the majority of participants were descendants of Hakka migrants from Dabu county, China.
FTA youth wing advisor Raymond Khue, 34, said in addition to the participation of 19 Taipu associations in Malaysia, the dinner was also attended by delegations from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong and China.
Prior and subsequent to the gala dinner, participants attended trade forums and visited the production bases of well-known local Hakka companies.
There was also a three-day, four-night tour to Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya.
(From left) Artist Meteor Lim and Pock Yau with a painting presented to Chor.
Khue said the first Taipu association in Malaysia was formed in 1807 in Melaka.
“The original intention for the formation of these associations was to foster kinship and to render aid, where necessary, to fellow kinsmen.”
FTA executive advisor Datuk Yong Seng Yeow said the need for kinship was necessary because some of the migrants in the old times were minors travelling without their parents.
Kinship, he said, was a crucial factor in ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
“Hardship was a uniting factor among Taipu migrants and because of this, they are a tough lot, not to mention thrifty as well,” said Seng Yeow.
As the community progressed and flourished, the FTA was formed in 1973 to unite Taipu associations in various states.
Guests at the gala dinner which included showcase of cultural performances (below).
Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim and Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung were guests of honour at the event.
In his speech, FTA president Yong Pock Yau expressed gratitude to past presidents of Taipu associations who had worked hard to ensure the wellbeing of their kinsmen.
“In these modern times, though they continue to organise various types of welfare, education and cultural activities, efforts are also being channelled to chambers of commerce and for the setting up of industrial and commercial groups to pave a better future for future generations,” said Pock Yau.
FTA vice-president and event organising committee chairman Bibi Lam said the event was also a fundraising effort to raise RM5mil so that the association could purchase property and earn passive income from rental.
“The revenue earned is one of the ways Taipu associations can sustain themselves,” said Lam.
She added that the gala dinner was not just a business networking opportunity but also to express thanks to ancestors for their blessings.
In his address, Sim said the event held special significance as it coincided with National and Malaysia Day celebrations.
“In the past 66 years, the Chinese community as a whole has shown their loyalty and commitment including through their contributions to the Malaysian economy,” said Sim.
During the customary toast, association chiefs drank out of bowls instead of glasses.
Other highlights included an art auction and an attempt at the longest calligraphy scroll to be listed in Malaysia Book of Records.
The scroll was placed at the cocktail area where guests were invited to write messages of goodwill and congratulations.
