(Kuching, Jan 7) Kuching Teochew Association President Chen Jiafu emphasized that in the next three years, they will adhere to the original intent of their predecessors and continue developing the association's affairs in three major areas: cultural heritage and innovation, education, and member welfare.
He stated that this is not only a new beginning but also an important moment for them to move forward, dare to innovate, and jointly create the future.
He expressed gratitude to the village elders, especially the association's advisers, honorary presidents, and every village member for their hard work and selfless support, which have contributed to the brilliant achievements of the Kuching Teochew Association today.
He said that the success of the association cannot be separated from everyone's joint effort and united struggle.
During his speech at the inauguration banquet of the Kuching Teochew Association's 65th Executive Committee, 25th Youth Committee, and 12th Women's Group last night, Chen Jiafu pointed out that since its establishment, the Kuching Teochew Association has always carried the mission of inheriting and promoting Teochew culture.
He revealed that Teochew culture, with its millennia of history, is a treasure of Chinese culture.
“Its language, art, cuisine, and crafts are unique and beloved by people all over the world. As inheritors of Teochew culture, we have the responsibility to protect and promote Teochew culture innovatively amid the tides of the new era and to promote it to the world. We will focus on speaking Teochew, listening to Teochew music, and watching Teochew opera as the center of various activities to lead the 'kakinam' of Kuching, from the old to the young, to guard, participate in, and promote Teochew culture.”
He cited last year's successful series of events to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Kuching Teochew Association. This series of activities not only paid tribute to the association's history but also accumulated valuable experience for us. Through these activities, connections with Teochew people worldwide were strengthened, Teochew culture was promoted, and cultural exchanges were advanced. It is these experiences that have given us enough confidence and strength to face future challenges and opportunities.
“We not only have to protect the roots of Teochew culture but also inspire its new vitality, allowing it to shine in today's globalization and digitalization. To achieve this goal, we will rely on technological forces, promote the integration of culture and innovation, and build a more modern association platform to provide better services for every Teochew person, while also promoting the global dissemination of Teochew culture.”
Chen Jiafu pointed out that education is a century-long endeavor of cultivating people. Since the founding of Min De Primary School by early Teochew pioneers in Kuching in 1914, they have always regarded education as a central task of the association. From supporting Chinese primary schools to independent and restructured secondary schools like Kuching High School, the contributions of the Teochew pioneers are worthy of our learning and cherishing.
“In the future, we will also invest more resources and energy into education, particularly in the development of Kuching High School. In addition, we will focus on issues regarding further education for Teochew children, including pathways and costs associated with further education.”
He hopes to connect through the association platform with several domestic and international universities to assist village children in pursuing further studies abroad.
“Our cooperation model with Tianjin University in 2022 is one successful example, with more than ten students from our village and Sarawak having obtained further studies through this platform.”
Chen Jiafu hopes the new executive committee can establish an elderly group, which can provide a platform or center for activities and exchanges for older villagers.
He stated that in this activity center, villagers can organize cultural activities, taste Teochew food, and care for each other. It can also serve as a daytime care center, which would also alleviate the burden on younger villagers. Besides the three basic tasks, he expects to gradually enhance and transform the association’s affairs over the next three years.
Chen Jiafu pointed out that in the future development of the association, they will combine Sarawak's post-2030 pandemic development strategy to actively promote digital transformation to meet the demands of modern society.
He stated that the post-2030 pandemic development strategy not only focuses on the digital economy but also emphasizes social welfare, sustainable development, and cultural heritage. This provides a clear direction for future development.
“We will establish a digital platform to improve the management efficiency of the association and help members interact and collaborate more conveniently. In addition, the association will also commit to promoting the development of the Teochew culture e-commerce platform, promoting Teochew handicrafts, traditional food, and other cultural products to the world.”
Chen Jiafu pointed out that culture, education, and entrepreneurship are important forces driving social progress. They will strive to promote the deep integration of these three aspects and plan to cooperate with educational institutions in the future to establish scholarships and cultural courses to cultivate future leaders of Teochew culture. Meanwhile, the association will also support the younger generation in combining Teochew culture with business, nurturing cultural and creative industries, and aiding economic development.
He said, the younger generation is key to cultural heritage and innovation. The association will dedicate itself to building a global Teochew youth exchange network, creating a transnational exchange platform.
He stated that through annual forums, cultural activities, and entrepreneurship competitions, they will promote cooperation and innovation among Teochew youth on a global scale, allowing them to become an important force in spreading Teochew culture.
Chen Jiafu noted that last year marked the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Kuching Teochew Association. Through this series of celebratory activities, they not only demonstrated the achievements of the association in cultural heritage, education promotion, and social welfare but also accumulated valuable experience. This experience will help us better face future challenges and continue to promote Teochew culture onto a broader stage.
“Looking to the future, we will continue to uphold the spirit of 'cultural heritage, sustainable development, and courage to innovate,' promoting the integrated development of Teochew culture, education, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging the advantages of digital transformation, we are confident that in the next five years, we will break regional limitations and bring Teochew culture to a broader global stage.”
He thanked everyone for their support and trust in the association and the hard work of all members. It is your joint efforts that allow the Kuching Teochew Association to advance further on the path of cultural heritage.
He believes that under the leadership of the new council, the association will continue to work together and embrace an even more glorious tomorrow.