Yang Zhenping: Academic Arts Competition Promotes Chinese Culture, Provides Students a Platform to Showcase Talents

(Miri, 19th) Miri Teochew Association Chairman Yang Zhenping stated that the academic arts competition is a highly meaningful cultural and educational activity that not only helps promote the outstanding traditional Chinese culture, but also provides students with an important platform to showcase their talents, learn from each other, and engage in communication.

He expressed these views this morning in his speech at the opening ceremony of the "2026 National Academic Competition" Miri regional competition, hosted by the Federation of Teochew Associations Malaysia Youth League and organized by Miri Teochew Association Youth League, held at Chung Hua Middle School (national-type) (Miri Chinese) in Miri.

He said that over the years, this academic arts competition has been continuously held with the aim of enhancing the humanities literacy of the younger generation and promoting the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.

He pointed out that last year, the Miri regional competition attracted a total of 616 students, which was an encouraging result. This year, the competition has further expanded in scale. In addition to Miri, Kuching, Sibu, and Serian are also holding competitions simultaneously, demonstrating the Chinese community across Sarawak’s emphasis and support for cultural education, while also allowing more students to participate.

Yang Zhenping said the association was deeply honored to invite Permanent Honorary Advisor Dato’ Sri Lee King Seng to officiate the opening ceremony, adding brilliance to the event, and he expressed his sincere gratitude for this.

He also especially thanked Miri Chinese for generously providing the venue, as well as Principal Lai Jia Ling for her strong support and assistance, which ensured that the event preparations were smoothly completed.

He pointed out that although this competition was organized by the Youth League, the Committee, Women’s Group, and Senior Group all actively cooperated, embodying the spirit of "Teochew Family as One," ensuring the smooth progress of the event.

Meanwhile, he highly commended all participating students, believing that their enthusiastic participation is the greatest driving force for the continued hosting of the event. He also thanked all school principals, teachers, and parents for their support and encouragement, which enabled students to participate with peace of mind and fully display their talents.

He also encouraged the participating students to maintain a normal heart towards the competition, to value the process of learning and growth, to enhance themselves and broaden their horizons, and to continuously improve amidst the nurturing of Chinese culture.