Association to use ‘bowling diplomacy’ to enhance ties, learn from others

SIBU: Sibu Kwang Tung Association will use its ‘bowling diplomacy’ approach to foster ties and strengthen friendship with other associations in and outside Sibu.

Association president Yap Hoi Liong said inline with this approach, it will hold bowling competitions involving other associations in the state.

“It’s a way for our association to grow. We’re young, after all. We still have a lot to learn from other associations,” he said during a dinner for the association’s youth section and the Federation of Kwang Tung Associations Malaysia at a local restaurant here on Thursday.

The dinner gathering was preceded by a dialogue session between the association and the federation.

According to Yap, Sibu Kwang Tung Association comprised Kwong Wai Siew Association, Sibu Hakka Association, Teochew Association Sibu and Sibu Hainan Association.

“Our association held a bowling competition recently which was participated by members from the four associations.

“Following the success of this competition, we decided to form ‘Sibu Kwang Tung Association bowling team’,” he enthused.

He said team members will be given ample training as preparation for competitions against other associations in and outside Sibu.

Yap also invited members of the federation to the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) which will be held from July 18-27 at Sibu Town Square.

Meanwhile, federation chairman Yang Kee Chuan said the visit to Sibu Kwang Tung Association was part of their scheduled visits to different Kwang Tung associations in Malaysia.

“We started the visit on March 23, and should be able to complete it in two months. Sibu is our second leg in Sarawak. We’ve covered associations in Peninsular Malaysia. We were in Kuching before we come here. Our next stops are Kapit, Kanowit, Bintulu, Baram, and Sabah,” he said.