China govt supports CNY events
KOTA KINABALU: The China government, through its consulate here, donated RMB30,000 (about RM18,000) to the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) in support of its annual Chinese New Year (CNY) Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival & Cultural Village Exhibition.
Consul General Chen Peijie in handing over the cheque to USCCAKK president Datuk Susan Wong, praised the NGO for doing a good work in organizing the events to inherit, promote and develop the unique Chinese culture.
Chen said the token was to support and encourage the local Chinese community to continue efforts to preserve and promote the core values of Chinese culture, especially among the young.
She also accepted an invitation to be the guest of honour for the 2017 Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival & Cultural Village Exhibition on the opening and closing ceremonies as well as be the judge of the cultural village tea tasting and traditional pastry competition, to be held at the Likas Sports Complex indoor stadium, on January 17, 2017.
Wong thanked Chen and the China government for their support and promised to strive for better results during the courtesy call.
Other than taking part in the unicorn, dragon and lion dances, 15 associations under USCCAKK will again feature the traditions and customs of the different Chinese clans such as costumes, cuisine, pastries and tea tasting, to compete and win the highest honour.
Also present were vice president Chua Kui Ting, committee members Datuk Clement Yeh, Datuk Chua Soon Phin, Ling Fii Yue, Chia Foo Soon and Choi Kwok Cheung
The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. On January 17, the cultural exhibition will be open to the public from 10am after the opening ceremony; the unicorn, dragon and lions dance will start at 1.30pm, and closing ceremony at 3pm.