KUALA LUMPUR – The ASEAN Chinese Book of Records and Awards (ACBA) 2022 returns as a celebration of the successes from entrepreneurs throughout the ASEAN region.
Held at the Kuala Lumpur Shangri-La Hotel on June 19, the event saw more than 49 awards given out to 44 awardees from all over the ASEAN region being celebrated for their success and achievements in their fields.
The purpose of ACBA 2022 stems from the core elements which its organizers wish to highlight – the celebration of the legacies and success that contributed to the development of the ASEAN nations.
The dinner had Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Senator Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker, as the guest of honour.
During his opening speech he said “Although Malaysia’s economy continues to grow, young entrepreneurs still need government assistance. This is especially after the COVID-19 pandemic that showed how business conditions could be particularly difficult. The economic climate is also changing, and challenges come in different aspects. The success of the Chinese in ASEAN is due to the hard work, adaptability, resilience and enterprising nature brought on from China’s rapid economic development.”
Meanwhile, the Organising Chairlady and Co-Founder, Jess Ling said: “This is a good start. I hope there will be follow-up development and good results, especially in the establishment of the ASEAN Chinese Entrepreneurs Alliance. I think now is the right time. In order to promote closer ties between Chinese businessmen in ASEAN, because of the current international situation, as the war in Europe that broke out on February 24 this year is still ongoing, Asia, especially the ASEAN region with a relatively stable political situation, will become the focus of global investment, which It will bring huge business opportunities to ASEAN Chinese businessmen.”
Tan Sri Datuk Tan Seng Leong, Honorary Chairman of the ACBA, pointed out that the geopolitical situation in ASEAN is becoming increasingly important.
“The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which came into effect on March 18 this year, and the economic growth of ASEAN and China will be powerhouses. This would create more employment opportunities in the communication services, finance, oil palm products, rubber and more, bringing a more resilient economic recovery to the country.
The special guest, Dr. Darwin Yang said that he had high hopes for the ACBA 2022 this year.
He stated: “I attended the event with a learning attitude, and Liu Bang, one of the great ancestors of the Han Dynasty, was a model figure of entrepreneurship. At first he tried his best to survive, starting as one person and then gathering enough to make an army. From there, he created his glorious era. All entrepreneurs are like Liu Bang because of persistence, their hard work will not be in vain and eventually will be rewarded.”
The event saw a Chinese drum performance by Li Zheng Wei’s drum troupe along with dancing and singing performances from Meh Kim Chuan’s Dua Space Dance Theatre and Astro Talent Quest Winner (2005), Tedd Chan.
Additionally, the attendees also witnessed a delightful harmonica performance by the President of the Malaysia Chinese Cultural Association, Chong Chen Shan and an enchanting singing performance by Xie Xinya.
Among the notable awardees that night are Okhna Ly Kunthai (Cambodia) who received the ASEAN Chinese Enterprise Excellence Award for Finance & Property; Teddy Sugianto (Indonesia) who received the ASEAN Chinese Lifetime Achievement Award for Unity & Cultural Heritage; and Puan Sri Datin Sri Ela Tan (Malaysia) who received the ASEAN Chinese Enterprise Excellence Award for Beauty And Wellness.
As children are the future, ACBA 2022 organizers felt it was important to invest in Chinese educational institutions to make sure that the future generation would be shaped and molded into future leaders. For that reason, the organizers chose five schools and institutions to contribute to for this event.
Amy Seok, ACBA Founder, presented mock cheques to Nan Hwa High School, Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua, Malaysian Female Artists Society ‘Charity Fund’, Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Confucius Association, and Utar Hospital.
Another highlight of the ACBA 2022 dinner was the charity auction which saw beautiful artworks from renowned calligraphers and painters sold with the proceeds to be donated for the purpose of enhancing Chinese education.
The calligraphers and painters that contributed their art pieces are Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Wilson Yong Tung Yung, JP, Cheah Sek Meng, Dr. Kok Ming Fong, Shirley Chu Siow Eng, Cheong Mei Fong, William Yap Hock Guan, Hsu Hsiu Ju, Wong Yuk Chun, and He Xue Mei.
For more info about the ACBA 2022, visit their website at https://aseancba.com/
Join our Telegram group for the latest updates!
Read more: Unlocking the potential to create sustainable and liveable public housing through Rights To The City
Discussion about this post