By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 18: The Kuching Teochew Association, established in 1864, is commemorating its 160th anniversary this year with a series of vibrant activities under the theme ‘Always be grateful for our 160 years of sustaining our Teochew clanship’.
This historic milestone aims to strengthen connections among its members and celebrate their cultural heritage, according to a press release.
From July 18 to July 22, the association will host a special exhibition titled ‘Then, Now and Next’, showcasing the Kuching Teochew community.
This exhibition, featuring bilingual captions, will illuminate the struggles, contributions, and participation of the Teochew community in the development of Sarawak.
The exhibition was launched today at 11am at Plaza Merdeka by Dato Steve Ng Thiam Yew, a prominent Teochew businessman.
In conjunction with Sarawak Day on July 22, the association will organise an ‘I Love Sarawak’ Colouring Contest, a Best National Costume contest, and a Calligraphy and Art Painting event.
These activities, beginning at 2pm at the Ground Level of Plaza Merdeka, will see the younger generation showcasing their artistic talents in the colouring contest, while established artists will perform in calligraphy and painting.
For the record, the celebratory activities began earlier in the year with a vibrant Chinese New Year Celebration in February.
A series of events were lined up, including a temple fair on the third day of March according to the lunar calendar, in honour of the deity Hiang Tiang Siang Ti’s birthday, a Teochew Cultural Festival, Teochew Food Festival, and a Mass Birthday Celebration for senior members.
The highlight of the festivities was the 160th anniversary celebration dinner held on June 16, graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
June also witnessed a plethora of engaging activities, including the Youth Teochew Opera Cultural Camp, Teochew Delicacies Demonstration, Teochew Academic Forum, Kuching Teochew Association Historical Exhibition, Teochew Cultural Night, and the Sarawak Teochew Association Conference. — DayakDaily
