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Clan Symposium at WOU
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18 July 2008 |
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Some 400 representatives from various clan associations in Malaysia and
Southeast Asia were in Penang for a three-day symposium on ‘The Evolution of
Sino-Southeast Asian Communities’. The event, which ran from 18th to 20th July,
was organised by the Penang Chinese Clan Council and the Clan Associations Youth
Committee, Penang.
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Part of the crowd at the
symposium.
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The symposium aimed to foster understanding and cooperation amongst
participating Chinese Clan members, and to offer a platform for members from
different countries to exchange views on cultural environment, tourism products,
social and economic policies, and to develop networking through friendship. The
representatives came from clan organisations in Thailand, Singapore, Laos,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, and of course, Malaysia.
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Part of the crowd at the symposium.
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The opening ceremony of the symposium at WOU was launched by WOU Chancellor
Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. Among the dignitaries present were Penang State Executive
Councillor Law Heng Kiang, Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Dato’ Kee
Phaik Cheen, and Penang Chinese Clan Council Advisor Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap
Leong Huat.
Among the other WOU guests were its Vice Chancellor Tan Sri Emeritus Prof
Gajaraj Dhanarajan, and Deputy Vice Chancellors Prof Wong Tat Meng and Dr Seah
Soo Aun.
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In his speech, Stephen Yeap said the inaugural conference last year in
Bangkok was organised by the United Clan Association of Thailand. He said the
annual conference hopes to bring forward new ideas and mechanisms to develop the
clan network. He added that the building of the Asean Community of nations can
only be realised with the support from the various governments.
Meanwhile the welcoming dinner themed ‘An Evening of Solidarity’ held on the
first day of the symposium was graced by Secreatary-General of Asean, Dr Surin
Pitsuwan, who spoke on the ‘Migration of the Chinese to Southeast Asia and the
Making of the Sino-Southeast Asian Communities’.
During their three days in Penang, the participants visited the Clan Jetties,
Little India, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Yap Kongsi, Dr Sun Yat Sen’s Museum,
Acheen Street Mosque, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, Khoo Kongsi and the Cheah
Kongsi.