Chinese clan associations’ women wings vow closer cooperation in first joint gathering
KAPIT: The women’s wing of three Chinese clan associations recently held a joint gathering for the first time to foster closer relationship and cooperation among members.
Organising chairlady Kapitan Yap Hui Le said the gathering was a first where women members from the Foochow, Hokkien and Cantonese associations here organised a get-together.
“In the past, we organised activities on our own. For example, the Hokkien women’s wing would hold gatherings for its members only and likewise, the Foochow and Cantonese (women’s wings).
“Tonight, we have taken a broad step by reaching out to one another and pooling our resources together. Whether from the Foochow, Hokkien or Cantonese clan, we freely interact. This is the first step towards unity and paves the way for future cooperation,” she said.
The buffet dinner gathering was sponsored by the women’s wing of United Chinese Association (UCA) Kapit and held at a local restaurant here on Thursday evening.
Yap, who is from the Kapit Chiang Chuan Association (Hokkien), added that women must keep abreast with current issues happening around them as they play an important role in society and are more than just a ‘home manager’.
“I hope tonight’s gathering is a wakeup call for women from different clans to unite and work together. Let us actively participate in social voluntary works and work closely with the youth wing and the main body to organise such activities.”
UCA Kapit chairlady Sng Geok Yien also spoke at the function.
Among the over 100 who attended the function were Pemanca Yong Thu Fook, Penghulu Sia Shui Poh, Kapitan Kong Cheak Hee, UCA Kapit youth chief Stanley Ling, Kapit Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Ling Hung Pin, Kapit Foochow Association chairman Sii Bang Ee, Kapit Kwang Tung Association chairman Kong Sien Hua, Kapit Kwang Tung Association women’s wing chairlady Liew Mee Kiong, Kapit Foochow Association women’s wing chairlady Anita Wong, and UCA Kapit women’s wing chairlady Chua Bee Hung.