Sarawak Chinese Association Spring Festival Gala Lim Sook Chiang: Passing on the Spirit of Unity

(Miri, 8th) The Sarawak Chinese Association held the "2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival Gala" last night at the 5th floor banquet hall of Miri Imperial Palace Grand Hotel, where representatives from over 20 ethnic groups in Miri gathered together to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Special guest and the association's permanent honorary advisor Dato Lim Sook Chiang was originally scheduled to attend and deliver a speech, but was unable to be present due to other commitments. His speech was read on his behalf by the association's administrative advisor, Tan Bang Soon.

In his speech, Lim Sook Chiang pointed out that the Year of the Horse symbolizes strength, loyalty, courage, and agility, implying that people should move forward bravely and stay true to their original aspirations in the new year. He cited the idioms "success upon arrival" (马到成功) and "take the lead, galloping forward" (一马当先，万马奔腾), emphasizing the importance of leadership, unity, and collective progress.

Lim Sook Chiang stated that Sarawak's diverse and inclusive culture is not just a slogan, but a way of life, which is the cornerstone of long-term social stability, unity, and prosperity. He praised the Sarawak Chinese Association for its commitment to passing on Chinese culture since its establishment, while also actively promoting exchanges among various ethnic groups to foster social harmony. Since the establishment of the "Borneo Cultural Festival" in Miri, the association has worked alongside different ethnic groups, drawing them closer together and building genuine friendships through culture, cuisine, crafts, and shared celebrations.

He pointed out that in the 2025 Borneo Cultural Festival, the Sarawak Chinese Association set multiple Malaysian records and established the "Bridge of Unity" as an iconic tourist attraction beloved by tourists and students. In addition, the display of ethnic crafts led to the publication of "Exploring Sarawak Ethnic Crafts," demonstrating the association's ongoing efforts in cultural transmission.

Lim Sook Chiang emphasized that tradition is not just about form, but is about stories and values passed from generation to generation. He called on everyone to cherish mutual trust and friendships and to collectively pass on culture. Looking ahead, the association will invite cultural troupes from Yunnan, China and Kalimantan, Indonesia to participate in the 2026 Borneo Cultural Festival, further promoting cultural exchange between Sarawak, the region, and the international community.

He wished that all ethnic groups in Sarawak would continue to enjoy peace, stability, and harmony, with the people enjoying good health and thriving careers, and that the new Year of the Horse would bring immediate success.