Focus Group Discussion on Research on Community Development and Sustainable Tourism Karst Limestone Hill in Kinta Valley

 25 Aug 2025:

Kajian Pembangunan Komuniti dan Pelancongan Lestari Karst Bukit Batu Kapor Lembah Kinta.

Ipoh City Watch President cum Region 5 Chairperson from Lions Club of Perak Silver State was invited as one of the panel members of a research carried out by University Malaysia Sabah in collaboration with Ipoh City Council under the Ministry of Higher Education grant. It was facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liew assisted by Dr. Marcela.

In his opening speech, Ipoh Doughnut Economy CEO, Dr. Zulqarnain Mohamad gave an introduction of Ipoh Donought Economy spearheaded by Ipoh City Council, making Ipoh as the first city in Asia adopting this economic model  The model is about balancing between Development and Planetary Health ensuring a Sustainable Environment.

The study which compliment the efforts of Ipoh Doughnut Economy will look into problems and impact of extensive quarry activities to find out the cause and effect and the mitigating efforts. We also did a SWOT analysis of the current situation.

Dr. Richard Ng was fortunate to be invited as an NGO represetive on behalf of Ipoh City Watch / Lions Club of Perak Silver State.

Lions Club of Perak Silver State 20th Charter Anniversary and 21st Installation of BOD Members

 24 August 2024

Lions Club of Perak Silver State celebrated its 20th Charter Anniversary cum 21st installation of BOD members on the 24th August 2025. The club was chartered in 2005. It was held at Kon Thai Restaurant, Jln Sultan Nazrin Shah, Ipoh from 11.00am to 2.00pm.

Guest of Honour, District 308B2 Governor Lion Tan Say Cheong graced the occasion. It was also attended by Multiple District GET Coordinator PDG Lion Loy Kwee Keow, Ist VDG Lion David Seow, 2nd VDG Lion Simon Tan, PDG Dato'. Dr. V. Jeganathan, PDG Jennifer Kim and spuse as well as other Lions Dignitaries and Club Presidents and represtatives from 21 Lions Clubs.

Among the highlights of the event include the Induction of 13 new members by 2nd VDG Lion Simon Tan. It was truly a 1 Malaysia team with members from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Sikh. These members are being groomed as part of the Branch Club Ipoh Rising Star.

The event also saw the Installation of 12 BOD members by President Dr. Adeline Tham, the first of its kind under the "Back to Basic" philosophy mooted by DG Lion Tan Say Cheong.

Region 5 Chairperson, Dr. Richard Ng presented the Education Bursary to Sarmili Thinakaran, the daughter of our member Lion Thinakaran Sarangbanly for her outstanding achievement in the STPM 2024 exam scoring a CGPA of 4.0.

Earlier, Immediate Past President Lion Wong Tong Meng presented the Club's Appreciation Award to members who have provided great community service during his tenure. He also awarded two Lion of the Year awards to; President Dr. Adeline Tham and Regions 5 Chairperson, Lion Dr. Richard Ng.

Lion Jansen Ng Kar Weng was tasked to do the Flag Salutation before the start of event, as part of Lions Clubs tradition. It was then followed by Roll Calls by Lion Chow Kin Yew.

Organising Chairperson Lion Jemmy Lam presented the Mementos to our guests. These mementos are specially made from dsicarded plastic rice bags involving a team of people. The plastic bags were collected by Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Berhad (KOHIJAU), cut and cleaned by Region Chairperson Dr. Richard Ng, weaved by Lion Tina Leong and creatively turned into mementos by IPP Lion Wong Tong Meng of RIV Design. This is our club's ennvironment project to help reduce plastic from ending up in the landfill and cause climate change.

The success of this event was the efforts of the hardworking organising committee. We wish to thank the folllowing committee members;

1. President Dr. Adeline Tham

2. OC Jemmy Lam

3. IPP Wong Tong Meng

4. RC Dr. Richard Ng

5. Secretary Tina Leong

6. Treasurer Girlie Lim

7. Jansen Ng

8. Thinakaran

9. Mahathevan

10. Boey Wang Mun

11. Farah

12. Patrick Wong

13. Chow Kin Yew

We also wish to thank all our sponsors and contributors;

1. Ipoh Home Cafe

2. Supermax Enterprise

3. KOHIJAU

4. Dato Ng Eng Hock

5. The Loyal Academy

#WeServe  #Back2Basic  #Lead2Serve  #Serve2Lead

#Rise2theOccasion 

Perak Shun Tak Association 98th Anniversary and 48th Installation of the Executive Committee Members

9 August 2025:

Last night about 500 people from various Chinese Associations attended the Perak Shun Tak Association 98^th Anniversary. Also during the same night the Exco Members led by its President Mr. Yoong Yew Quin took an oath of office for the Fiscal Year 2025 – 2028.

Perak Shun Tak Association was one of the three major Cantonese Associations in Perak besides Perak Nam Hoi Association and Perak Pun Yue Association and often known as Nam Pun Shun group. I have the honour of being elected as one of the two Vice Presidents. I am committed to help the association as my grandfather originated from Shun De Village in China and came to Ipoh during the early days. My mission is to discover more of my ancestor with the hope finding our roots and create a linkage for our future generations.

These associations played a vital role during the early 20th century when they were formed to represent the Chinese migrants brought in by the British from Guangzhou District in China who came to the Larut District and later to the Kinta District Perak due to tin mining activities.

The Cantonese migrants include those from the Shun De village played a significant role especially for Paloh (former name of Ipoh). They brought along with them various skills which include;

* Carpentry & woodworking — skilled carpenters, cabinet-makers and joiners who built shophouses, temples, clan-halls and domestic furniture.

* Building trades (bricklaying, masonry) — worked on construction of town buildings and infrastructure as builders and bricklayers.

* Artisanal metalwork & goldsmithing — blacksmiths, gold- and silversmiths who supplied tools, hardware and jewellery.

* Mining labour & mine-related skills — many Cantonese worked as tin-mine labourers, overseers and small-scale mining entrepreneurs (supporting Ipoh’s tin boom).

* Small-scale trade, shopkeeping & commerce — shop owners, provisioners and middlemen linking Chinese suppliers to colonial markets. Clan associations also helped members find work and credit.

* Shoemaking, leatherwork and other crafts — a range of domestic crafts and repair trades that supported daily urban life.

* Culinary skills – Shun De villagers are well known for their gastronomy skills even until today

 

History & Significance - Origins and Establishment

The Shun Tak Association was formally registered in 1893 under the name Shun Tak Wui Kun, making it one of the earliest Chinese clan associations (or “clubs”) in Taiping.

It was established by artisans originating from the Shun Tak district (today’s Shunde District, Guangdong Province). Its registration aimed to support migrants by organizing social, cultural, and religious events like lion dances, mass prayers, and martial arts—activities seen by colonial administrators as “club” functions.

It served as a welcome point and support hub for newly arrived immigrants from Shunde, providing aid, job referrals, gatherings, and cultural connection.

The building, located at 36 Jalan Kota, Taiping, was constructed in 1896 and is recognized as one of Malaysia’s oldest Shun Tak associations—reportedly the second oldest branch after those in China. 

Ipoh Welcomes the World: TUI BLUE Haven Resort Draws 186 Foreign Guests from 19 Countries

Ipoh, Malaysia – [7 July 2025]

In a remarkable boost to Ipoh’s growing reputation as a global travel destination, TUI BLUE Haven Resort has recorded 186 international guests from 19 different countries this weekend on 5th and 6th July alone. This significant milestone reflects a rising international interest in Ipoh and reaffirms the city’s potential as a premier tourism hub in Malaysia.

TUI BLUE Haven Resort, operated under the prestigious TUI Group – the world’s leading travel brand, offers a unique resort-style experience nestled in the tranquil natural beauty of Ipoh’s limestone hills and lush landscapes. It is currently the only TUI-affiliated resort in the city, strategically positioning it as the preferred choice for international travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion.

“This surge in foreign guest arrivals highlights Ipoh’s transformation from a hidden gem to a must-visit destination,” said Peter Chan Toh Pew, the CEO of TUI BLUE Haven Resort. “Our guests come for the nature, heritage, and wellness, and they leave with unforgettable memories of Malaysian hospitality.”

Key Factors Behind the Rise

• TUI’s global network and exclusive travel packages promote Ipoh to travelers across Europe and Asia.

• The resort provides custom-tailored experiences including heritage tours, wellness treatments, and culinary delights.

• Its multilingual staff, international cuisine, and scenic surroundings cater perfectly to global travel expectations.

• The influx coincides with the European summer travel season, backed by strategic tour operator partnerships and chartered group travel

Ipoh: Malaysia’s Emerging Global Destination

Once known for its colonial charm and tin-mining history, Ipoh is now making headlines as an affordable, peaceful, and authentic travel alternative to major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Tourists are drawn to the city’s:

• Rich cultural heritage and architecture

• Natural wonders including hot springs, caves, and parks

• Vibrant food scene and traditional markets

• Relaxed, small-city atmosphere with high quality of life

A Boost for Local Economy and Tourism

This influx of foreign visitors is expected to benefit not only TUI BLUE Haven Resort, but also local businesses, restaurants, cultural attractions, and tour operators in Ipoh. It reinforces the need for continued investment in sustainable tourism, better infrastructure, and international marketing.

On behalf of Ipoh City Watch I wish to congratulate you Mr. Peter Chan for your far sighted vision in putting Ipoh on world map. The State Government and Ministry of Tourism as well as Perak Tourism and Ipoh City Council should be proud of this and provide more support to Haven All Suites Resort so that more can be done to lift up Ipoh as the destination for Tourists especially from oversea to come to Ipoh. The effect of this is tremendous in terms economy, social and environment.

Lions Club of Perak Silver State and Loyal Academy organised Chinese Calligraphy Contest at AEON Station 18

 8 February 2025:

Lions Club of Perak Silver State and Loyal Academy and several NGOs organised Chinese Calligraphy Contest at AEON Station 18. The event was organised in conjunction  with Chinese New Year to promote Chinese Calligraphy and Preserve Chinese Culture.

Congratulations to LCPSS President Lion Wong Tong cum CEO of Loyal Academy for the great job. Also present include Lions Clubs District 308B2 Zone 14 Chairperson, Lion Dr. Richard Ng. 

The event was graced by Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee. Also present include AEON Northern Region Manager Encik Kamarul and AEON Manager Encik Badrul and Marketing Manager Mr. Eric Ng. 

More than 100 students participated in the competition which also saw the participation of non-Chinese students participation which is a good sign that Malaysia is truly unity in diversity.