KKJA to publish book on journalists
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) is planning to publish a book on the colourful lives of journalists.
Its chairman, Yong Ted Phen, said the association had presented Long Service Awards to honour 30 members who have served in the industry for more than 25 years in conjunction with its silver jubilee last year.
“We plan to compile the stories of these veterans into a book to share with readers the lives of journalists and how the industry has evolved over time.
“Through words and pictures, we shall tell stories of our triumphs, hardships and bittersweet memories.”
He hoped that the advisors and sponsors of the associations would render their strong support to make the project a reality.
Yong said that during the presentation of 33 study awards to members’ children who have scored good academic results and extra-curricular achievements here yesterday.
The event was graced by the Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Kota Kinabalu, Zhang He, KKJA legal advisors Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai and Kapitan Chin Tek Ming, honorary advisors Datuk Michael Lui, Kapitan Li Su Fook, Kapitan Lim Vun Chan and Eliza Goh, Asia Times proprietor Datuk Tiong Tan Hua represented by Joe Tiong, KTS Trading Sdn Bhd Sabah area operation manager Wong Kee Mee, Lee Shaw Yun representing Sin Chew Daily News, Datuk Chin Shu Ying and Dr Joseph Lee.
He also thanked the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu for sponsoring the study awards over the past few years.
“The study award indeed motivates our children to score better results and strive harder in extracurricular activities.”
On another note, Yong expressed his gratitude to KKJA members for their encouragement and support for the past three years that enabled the committee to carry out their duties smoothly.
Yong was reelected as chairman for a second term, while the rest of the committee were elected without contest as well.
“The new committee lineup is a mix of old and young faces.
“Experience of the older committee members is valuable in running the association but injecting younger, more dynamic members into the team is also vital to ensure KKJA remains relevant.
“We pledge to do our level best in carry out our association’s affairs in the next three years,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zhang said the study award aimed to reward the recipients for their hard work for the past year and he hoped that the students would continue to work hard towards achieving their goals.
He said some journalists still had to work even though yesterday was Labour Day.
“Your job may be tough yet it is a respected profession because journalists are an important driving force in economic progress.”
Zhang said many journalists might spend more time at work than with their family.
Nonetheless, he believed that the sense of professionalism and passion journalists had for your job would certainly have a positive lasting impact on their children to work as hard as their parent to contribute to the betterment of the society when they grew up.
He thanked the media fraternity for supporting and assisting the Chinese consulate.
“The consulate will continue to maintain its close rapport with KKJA.”
Zhang also congratulated Yong on being reelected to chair the association.
“I hope the association led by Yong will continue to achieve new heights.”