Accolades for inspiring achievers | The Star

Outstanding people in various fields honoured at Chinese assembly hall’s 20th anniversary event

MARKING two decades of impactful community engagement, the Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) brought grandeur to Kuala Lumpur’s Pudu ICC as it hosted the Chinese Elite Dragon Award (Ceda).

The grand event at HXC Grand Ballroom attracted nearly 1,600 prominent figures in local politics, businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and foreign dignitaries.

Distinguished individuals in the Chinese community were recognised for their significant contributions to the nation and community.

MCAH leaders with office bearers, award recipients and guests on stage to cut the 20th anniversary cake at ICC Pudu in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: GLENN GUAN/The Star

Outstanding leaders of the community in various fields received awards in eight separate categories.

Former Cabinet minister Tun Michael Chen and businessman Dr Tor Lam Huat received the Outstanding Chinese Lifetime Achievement Excellence Award while Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai was honoured with the Outstanding Chinese Entrepreneur Excellence Award.

Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong received the Outstanding Chinese Community Leadership Award.

The Outstanding Chinese Exemplar of Filial Gratitude Award was given to Puan Sri Catherine Chang while Kuan Chee Heng, popularly known as Uncle Kentang received the Outstanding Chinese Social Responsibility Leadership Award.

Chen (in wheelchair) being presented the Outstanding Chinese Lifetime Achievement Excellence Award by (from left) Liang, Fong, Chai and Wong during the Ceda event.

Country’s former diver Cheong Jun Hoong received the Outstanding Chinese Sports & Culture Hall of Fame Honours Award along with singer Jeryl Lee Pei Ling, Lee Nai Kong and Ben Heng Boon Hian.

Datuk Anna Teo and Datuk Ada Poon Yin Hoong were honoured with the Outstanding Chinese Women Entrepreneur Award while the Outstanding Chinese Rising Star Award was presented to Vincent Nee Aik Chiang and Jasmine Ho Pui Shen.

MCAH president Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai said the recognition was not only significant for the recipients but also served as encouragement for more individuals to contribute to society and actively engage in various sectors.

Former national diver Cheong receiving the outstanding Chinese Sports and Culture Hall of Fame Honours award from Chai.

“It becomes a source of inspiration for more people to participate in community development, contribution and dedication, thereby promoting harmony in society.

“The establishment of the Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall is geared towards providing a platform for communication and unity in the multiracial landscape of Malaysia,” he added.

Also present during the gala event were MCAH vice-president Datuk Alex Wong, Ceda organising chairman and MCAH executive council member Liang Foo Kuan, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, MCAH Lifetime honorary president Datuk Liew Poon Siak, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, officials from the European Union, Poland, Croatia, Czech republic and Cambodia as well as leaders of NGOs and associations.