Chan (centre) celebrating his birthday with lecturers from Universiti Malaya’s Chinese Studies Department. With him are (from his right) department head Associate Professor Dr Fan Pik Wah and Pejati vice-chairman Heng Kay Song; and (from his left) Pejati chairman Lee Sek Yui and former chairman Datuk Ng Tong Hai. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
A SON’S tribute to his late mother added an emotional touch to a celebration marking the 70th birthday of Universiti Malaya alumnus Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy – an event hosted by the university’s Chinese Studies Department in recognition of his lifelong contributions to Chinese education and literary scholarship.
During the dinner, held in Kuala Lumpur on May 3 Chan paid heartfelt tribute to his late mother who worked tirelessly in the canteen of SJK (C) Khai Mun Pagi to support their family of 12.
He shared that he had always celebrated his birthday alongside his mother.
“After her passing, I rarely celebrated my birthday. I am deeply grateful to my mother, who gave me the gift of life, even at the risk of her own.
“When I was told the Chinese Studies Department wished to organise a celebration for me, it took me a long time to say yes,” he added.
An orchestral performance at the dinner.
Chan’s birthday falls on May 17.
The former Transport minister explained that he ultimately agreed because he regarded the schools he attended as having played a vital role in shaping his life.
“In many ways, these institutions are like a second mother to me. They taught me valuable life lessons that helped me persevere.
“Now it’s time for me to give back, and serving my alma mater is a meaningful way to do so,” he said.
Nearly 200 guests, including distinguished figures from the fields of education, culture and business, attended the celebration.
The evening featured lively music and dance performances, as well as a special poetry recital paying tribute to Chan’s contributions to education.
As a highlight, Professor Cheng Haw Chien from Renmin University in Beijing, China, presented Chan with a painting symbolising longevity.
Chan began his academic journey at Tunku Abdul Rahman College in 1974, pursuing his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). He graduated with first-class honours in Chinese Studies from Universiti Malaya in 1979 and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the same university the following year. Over the decades, he has held numerous public and academic roles.
Dr Ang Tian Se, a retired professor and mentor to Chan from the Universiti Malaya’s Chinese Studies Department, conveying good wishes to Chan.
Chan was MCA vice-president in 1999. He also served as deputy minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia, deputy minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and deputy Finance minister.
After retiring from active politics, Chan followed his passion for business and academia.
He is currently serving as an adjunct professor at Universiti Malaya.
He now serves as chairman of the board of SJK (C) Khai Mun Pagi and was recently appointed chairman of the board of governors at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), succeeding Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.
Chan shared that his lifelong passion was the study of Dream of the Red Chamber, and his greatest hope is to help Universiti Malaya become a prominent centre for Redology research beyond China.
In 2007, he lent his support to a decade-long effort to translate the Chinese literary classic into Malay.
Violinist Matthew Yap playing a song for the ‘birthday boy’.
The project, led by the late Dr Seng Yan Chuan, Dr Khor Boon Eng and Dr Chia Jee Luen of Universiti Malaya, was completed in 2017, making the novel more accessible to Malay-speaking audiences across the region.
“Chan’s encouragement and guidance were pivotal,” said Dr Chia, a senior lecturer at the university’s Hong Lou Meng Research Centre, which was also established with Chan’s support.
“The translation has enabled many, including Malay scholars, to appreciate this literary masterpiece – on par with Shakespeare in world literature,” Dr Chia added.
Chan has also donated rare editions of Dream of the Red Chamber, Redology publications, and classical Chinese texts to the Universiti Malaya Library and the university’s research centre.
As honorary president of Pejati – the Chinese Studies alumni association – he has played a key role in strengthening academic and alumni ties.
“Thanks to strong alumni like Chan, the department has become a model for others.
“Pejati’s support ensures we continue to thrive,” said Dr Chia.
Today, the department’s Master of Chinese Studies (coursework) programme attracts hundreds of applicants annually, with a balanced mix of local and international students.
