The 15th World Hakka Convention

[CHUNG Yoon-Ngan <chungyn@mozart.joinet.net.au>]

The 15th World Hakka Convention
4-11-1999 to 7-11-1999 Kuala Lumpur

Dear Hakka Friends,

My childhood friend and his wife visited me. They stayed for 
12 days and have just left for KL. They brought me all the 
magazines, books and newspaper cuttings about this convention.
My hometown, Pusing, folks are so happy about this convention because 
it was opened by the Malaysian Prime Minister and Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr
Jeffrey Cheah who is a Pusing boy. I knew Dr Jeffrey Cheah since he 
was a baby.

Here is the message from the Prime Minister of Malaysia,
Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad.

I am delighted indeed that the Fifteenth World Convention is being held in
Malaysia and that 1,200 delegates from all parts of the world are
participating in four-day programme. This is clearly another indication
that the country has securely established itself as an international
convention centre attracting leaders from a variety of fields.

Over the years, Malaysia's Hakka community of about 1.5 million has grown
into a cohesive force displaying not only vibrancy and entrepreneurship
but also making its mark in the different professions. Ever since the days
of Yap Ah Loi, that great Hakka leader who pioneered the nation's tin
industry, the community has had several outstanding citizens both in the
public and private sectors. And in politics as well.

I am confident that the Federation of Hakka Associations of Malaysia,
under the leadership of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah will continue
to serve the interest of the nation in a variety of areas including
tourism, culture, education and investments.

I wish the Convention every suceess in its deliberations and offer my
personal good wishes to all delegates. I trust that they will take with
them pleasant memories of their stay in Malaysia on their return to their
respective countries.

Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad.

The opening speech from Dr Jeffrey Cheah (Pusing boy).

On behalf of the federation of Hakka Association of Malaysia, it is my
singular honour to, first of all, welcome and say "thank you" to our
Honourable Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat, Dato Seri Dr Mahathir 
Mohamad for kindly consenting to declare open this 15th World Hakka
Convention.

It is also my privilege to be able to say "Welcome to Beautiful Malaysia"
to our more than 1,000 delegates from Hakka Associations around the world.

I note too with appreciation the presence of so many representatives from
our very own federation of Hakka Associations of Malaysia who have
contributed in numerous ways, including generous cash donations, towards
the success of this convention.

In particular, my thanks go to the Convention Organising Committee under
the very able Chairmanship of my friend, and deputy President of the
Federation of Hakka associations of Malaysia, Datuk, Ng Teck Fong.

The Committee has spent a lot of time, effort and energy over the last tow
years to ensure the success of the Convention.

Apart from serious Convention business which includes a seminar on
Hakkalogy, provinsion is made for our visting delegates to savour the
sights, sound and hospitality of our multi-racial, multi-cultural society.

My sincere wish and indeed that of the Organising Committee is that our
deliberations will be fruitful and directed towards promoting greater
cultural and economic co-operation among the different Hakka communities
all over the world.

Thank you.