Sixty Years of Taichi Heritage: Triple Celebration Promotes Chinese Martial Culture

(Miri, 9th) Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that the passing down of Taichi is not fueled by momentary enthusiasm, but by generations of persistence and dedication.

Speaking at last night's "2026 Wong Style Taichi International Forum Training Camp, Miri Taichi Association 60th Anniversary Celebration, and Grandmaster Yap Keong's 90th Birthday Banquet" held at Imperial Palace Hotel, he expressed these sentiments.

He said that it was truly a "triple celebration" that evening: hosting the international forum training camp, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Miri Taichi Association, and honoring Taichi elder Grandmaster Yap Keong's 90th birthday – all highly significant.

He welcomed Taichi practitioners from home and abroad to gather in Miri, “meeting friends through martial arts” and exchanging skills, which not only promotes the exchange of techniques but also deepens friendships and cultural ties.

At the same time, he congratulated the Miri Taichi Association and extended his heartfelt blessings to birthday celebrant Grandmaster Yap Keong.

Lee Kim Shin pointed out that sixty years is not easy for any association. Looking back to history, on July 2nd, 1966, Grandmaster Yap Keong and his wife, under instructions from Grandmaster Wong Hing Sian, came from Kuching to Miri to found the Taichi Association, starting from a simple grass hut and promoting Wong Style Taichi under very trying conditions.

He said that back then, practice took place on empty land near Elstar Building, using a grass hut as training spot. Although the environment was minimal, the trainees' passion for practicing Taichi was strong. Over many years, the association steadily developed and, in 1994, built its own clubhouse on Jalan Chuba No. 9, growing from a few dozen to several hundred members and bringing Taichi to areas like Baram, Limbang, and Brunei.

“This journey has relied on generations of persistence, especially Grandmaster Yap Keong's selfless dedication to teaching and nurturing students for many years, producing dozens of instructors and assistants, enabling many students in Malaysia and Brunei to benefit.”

He pointed out that simultaneously celebrating the 90th birthday of Grandmaster Yap and the 60th anniversary of the association symbolizes the union of life and legacy, with profound meaning.

Lee Kim Shin emphasized that the transmission of Taichi relies on "those willing to teach and those willing to learn." Only through the master-apprentice tradition, generation after generation, can traditional culture continue.

He also praised the Miri Taichi Association for not only promoting Taichi and physical health over the years, but also actively giving back to society, demonstrating a strong sense of social responsibility, which is key to sustainable development.

He said that Taichi emphasizes balance, the combination of strength and gentleness, and the harmony of motion and stillness. This not only embodies its martial philosophy but is also wisdom for life and conduct. In today’s fast-paced world, people need Taichi even more to move their bodies and calm their minds.

“Taichi is by no means an outdated practice. On the contrary, its significance is ever greater in modern times, especially in an era advocating healthy living and deserves wider promotion.”

He also hopes the younger generation will become more involved with Taichi, as its inheritance is not only about technique but also discipline, perseverance, respect for teachers, and other virtues of Chinese culture.

Additionally, he pointed out that this international forum training camp provides an excellent platform for Taichi enthusiasts from different places to exchange with each other, allowing people from various countries and regions to connect through Taichi, build friendships, and let visitors learn more about Miri and Sarawak.

He noted that the 60th anniversary is an important milestone, but not an endpoint. The future depends on the younger generation to carry on and develop further.

Finally, he congratulated the Miri Taichi Association on its 60th anniversary, wished the forum training camp a complete success, and wished Grandmaster Yap Keong good health and longevity. He looks forward to the continued passing on of the torch, the further prosperity of the association, and the flourishing of Wong Style Taichi in Miri.