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.