(From right) Ng and association advisor Tan Sri Tee Tiam Lee witnessing the oath-taking for FNAAM’s 2025-2028 committee. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
IN THE spirit of kinship, the Federation of Nam Ann Association in Malaysia (FNAAM) gathered to welcome its newly elected president and committee members for the 2025-2028 term.
The Chinese association is made up of Hokkien people originating from Nan’an, a county in Quanzhou, China.
The event, which took place at a restaurant in Bandar Menjalara, Kuala Lumpur, saw a turnout of some 100 guests.
The presence of 30 other presidents and representatives from Nam Ann associations from other states made the assembly a significant one.
Besides Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, the others had come from Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Melaka and Johor.
These included members from FNAAM’s women and youth chapters.
Also present were Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han, whose ancestry can be traced to Nan’an, and Federation of Hokkien Associations Malaysia president Tan Sri Lim Hock San.
FNAAM’s newly elected president Datuk Seri Yap Keow Keong, who delivered his speech in Hokkien, pledged to drive membership among the youth as a way to preserve the association’s continuity.
Yap said his election to the post was especially meaningful as his late brother, Kiaw Ben, had formerly held the same position.
“As we appreciate the achievements and legacies of the past committees, we must now move forward by calling on the youth, especially women, to become our members.
Yap believes he can bring about change, thanks to his experience in community work in Segambut. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
“As one who was very active in youth and sports in my community in Segambut, I believe I can bring about this change,” he said.
Yap said he intended to assemble members from the north, south and east coast regions to congregate in Kuala Lumpur to organise activities that would benefit society.
“We cannot deny that the future is for the young.
“The new era is also one that is centred on artificial intelligence (AI). For us to thrive, it is to the younger generation that we must look to,” he said.
Ng who had just returned from a trip to Nan’an, said associations such as FNAAM had an important role to play.
“One is to be able to act as a bridge between the Nam Ann clans in Malaysia and China.
“This is not only for the purpose of reconnecting with one’s roots but also in terms of trade, cultural exchange and business opportunities,” he said.
Describing Nan’an as a well developed city, Ng said it is famous for the manufacturing of building materials and toiletries.
Patrick Ang, who is from the Klang branch, said he joined the association 20 years ago, for the sake of fellowship.
“In my time with the association, we have raised funds to help the elderly and those in need,” he said.
“I have enjoyed the sense of camaraderie and support extended by my kinsmen over the years.
“When I go out of town to Johor, for example, it is not uncommon for us to have a meal together.”
For Ang, the network was an assurance of perpetual support, giving him comfort that he was not alone.
According to Lim, about half of Malaysia’s population of seven million Chinese are Hokkiens.
Some of the famous Hokkiens in Malaysia are Genting Highlands resort founder the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong and Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
