IPOH: A huge congratulatory billboard has been put up at Ipoh SOHO to celebrate Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh for being the first actress of Asian descent to win the Best Actress Award in the 95th Academy Awards.
The billboard was jointly put up by the Convent Old Girls Association (COGA) and Ave Maria Convent Alumni Association (AMCAA), to congratulate Yeoh, who was a former student at SMK Convent Ipoh.
It read, "Congratulations, we are proud of you, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian winner, Best Actress in the 95th Academy Awards.”
The billboard, which was unveiled on March 29, also depicts the glorious moment of Yeoh holding the Oscar award.
AMCAA legal adviser May Goh, who sponsored the billboard, said there had been several billboards put up to congratulate Yeoh in Kuala Lumpur, but there were none in Ipoh, where the international superstar was born.
"We want to show how proud we are as the people of Ipoh, of Yeoh's achievement.
"What she said in her acceptance speech was also inspiring to all women, that we should never give up," she said, adding that Yeoh was an exemplary figure.
Goh said she has known Yeoh and her family for many years.
"She has worked so hard for many years and never gave up. It really encourages us to do the same," she said, adding that the billboard will remain up for about three to four months.
Yeoh won the award for her leading role in the multiversal superhero comedy film "Everything, Everywhere All at Once" in March.
The 60-year-old also won Best Actress for the same role at the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award early this year.
AMCAA president Moy Ooi Thye also said she was proud of Yeoh and was inspired by her speech.
"Her speech where she encourages all women not to let anyone tell them that they have passed their prime and to chase their dreams bravely made me feel more motivated than ever.
"I will continue to pursue my passion and contribute back to society," she said.
COGA president Agnes Wong said the school was very honoured and proud of Yeoh's achievement.
"We hope that she can come to her alma mater to celebrate her achievements together with teachers and schoolmates," she added.
Yeoh's mother, Datin Janet Yeoh, who was also present, thanked both associations for their kind gesture.
Others who were present during the unveiling included AMCAA's advisor Datin Jade Ting, deputy president Chik Mun Ling, vice-president Dr Ng Zee Meant, COGA vice-president Florina Ng and committee members from both associations.
