作者： Foong Pek Yee

Navigating and thriving in a world of endless possibilities

Lim Chai Hock : There is a lesson in every turn.  When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

By Foong Pek Yee

Aug 23, 2024
It is like any other morning for Lim Chai Hock; all set to work, learn and add value to his work place.
The project manager’s task that day is to drive his boss Datuk Dr Low Tuck Kwong to the project site for a visit.
But little did he know  he is about to learn a life lesson from the vehicle they are travelling in.
“The  brand new 4 -wheel – drive is making unusual sounds.
“My boss said to me, Lim, how can I trust you with million dollar project when you cannot take care of the vehicle.
“This taught me the importance of taking care of small things as it reflects how big things are being managed.
“The  problem at hand must be resolved quickly . And not look for excuses ,” recalls Lim, 65,  of the incident, adding that the lesson he learned remained relevant till now.
Dr Low , 76, is  the founder and president of PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia where  Lim now is a director and chief operating officer.
The Chancellor Procession: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)  president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, guest of honour and  PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia’s chief operating officer Lim Chai Hock and  UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik arriving for the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 1  in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar on Aug 16, 2024.
Speaking at the opening of the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman ( UTAR)  39th convocation ceremony , Lim who is the guest of honour shares how he learns, navigates and thrives in this ever evolving world.
Armed with secondary school education, Lim says he joined the work force and did self study to move up the corporate  ladder.
“I consulted with experts, seniors and colleagues when faced with work related issues.
“And I read books  mostly related to my field of work to enhance my knowledge and skills.  We must always add value to our work place.
“The lesson is keep learning in order for us to continue to innovate  and  adapt to an increasingly challenging  current and future economy,” says Lim, underscoring the fact that life long learning is indispensable.
Leadership :  UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (front row, seated). Front row, from left are ; UTAR council  chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  guest of honour Lim Chai Hock and UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat.  Dr Ling declared the opening of the UTAR 39th convocation Session 1  on Aug 16, 2024.
Lim shares that being diligent, honest, sincere and respectful of  people  has gained him the recognition and respect from his seniors, peers and subordinates alike.
“Be humble, honest, sincere, persistent and thankful ; and people could lend you a helping hand during crucial times that possibly change your life,”  says Lim.
From a  humble background, Lim says he  is fortunate to have people who had supported and guided him, and he is eternally grateful to them.
He says  his form teacher, the late Mr Tan Guan Yoong  had helped him financially when he was in Form One.
Lim says he also learned  the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance in pursuing one’s career or objectives  when he worked with a Japanese consulting engineer.
And most of all, Lim says his supportive and understanding wife has allowed  him to focus on building his career.
Lim is  grateful that his former boss and mentor had promoted him though he did not have the formal engineering qualification.
And he is grateful to Dr Low whom he has worked  for 40 years ;  for his trust in him and the opportunities for him to progress to where he is today.
While  Lim did not get the opportunity to go to college, he  reaffirms the importance of  having a tertiary education amidst a  prevailing belief among some people that the gig economy and  rapidly changing technology have rendered tertiary education  irrelevant or redundant.
As proud day :  Graduates, their parents and loved ones at the UTAR 39th convocation session 1 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik on  Aug 16, 2024.  
Lim reminds graduates that the knowledge, skills and values they acquired in UTAR  has prepared  them beyond just getting a job or for personal advancement.
” They also empower you to think critically, innovate and  contribute and give back to society. ” and he urges graduates to keep connected to the university.
He also emphasizes the need to have a compelling purpose in life: be it for our family, community or humankind as it serves as an important and powerful form of motivation.
And Lim ‘s advice to the graduates who are raring to start a new chapter in life  : ” March into the future with courage, courtesy, righteousness, integrity, respect for the elders and self improvement as elements of your moral compass.
.” A world of endless possibilities is awaiting you in the future.”
UTAR 39th Convocation session 1
https://youtu.be/jVWLV7QNtqI

Let the results speak

 

And the road ahead: Professor Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat has always emphasized on the need for  graduates to be  grounded on good values;  like diligence, perseverance, integrity,  gratitude, compassion and respectful of people in order to navigate and thrive in an increasingly challenging world.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 22, 2024

Tens of thousands of young people have walked past this door,  and embarked on a journey to hit their next major milestone in life.

And last week, another 2,218 graduates from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman( (UTAR) followed suit at  the university’s  39th convocation ceremony at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia.

Good virtues:  Dr Ewe got graduates to bow to their parents and loved ones in recognition of their love and support which culminated in this momentous event.

Congratulating the graduates,  UTAR president Dr  Ewe  says they are among  some 86,900 who graduated from UTAR since its first convocation in 2005,  and they are a force to be reckoned with in bringing development and progress to the nation and beyond.

A non-profit university set up in 2001 and opened doors a year later, UTAR is aimed at providing quality and affordable education  to all deserving students.

The reputable institution is known as “a university by the people for the people” as it is built on public donations from people from all walks of life.

A noble cause: Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (seated) is instrumental in securing a government approval to set up a private university in July 2001. He spearheaded the university’s development with the support of notable MCA leaders and personalities in the business and education sectors.  On stage with him are (front row, from left), UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  guest of honour Lim Chai Hock who is PT Bayan Resources Tbk  Indonesia’s  chief operating officer and UTAR president Professor Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

In June  2002, UTAR opened its door to its first batch of 411 students at its temporary campus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Today , UTAR has nine faculties, three institutes and four centres operating in two campuses – Kampar and Bandar Sungai Long in Selangor, Malaysia.

And  UTAR’s flagship, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Hospital  (UTAR Hospital) in Kampar that offers modern and traditional complementary medicine (T&CM) is fully operational.

Like UTAR,UTAR Hospital is built on public donations and it is a non-profit hospital to provide quality and affordable medical care to the people.

Dr Ewe pledges that UTAR will remain a” university by the people for the people” , noting that the university  has given out internal financial help to thousands of students  in need since its inception.

” RM202.4 mil internal scholarship and RM17.2mil internal interest free loan were given  to 23,000 students.

“Apart from this,  another 1,100 students also got external financial help; comprising RM 25.3  mil external scholarship and RM4.7mil external loan,”  says Dr Ewe at the opening of  the 39th  convocation ceremony  Session 1 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in Kampar, Perak.

Dr Ewe notes that the amount of financial help stated  above did not include the PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional) loan from the government.

Dr Ewe says UTAR graduates have an employability rate of between 95% and 97%  within the first six months of convocation.

And Talentbank’s  National Graduate Employability Index 2024 shows that Malaysian employers have ranked  UTAR  among the top three local universities.

Pride and joy: Graduate Lai Jen Weng with his family. From left; his mother Foong Pek Yan, father Lai Hock Yee and elder brother Lai Jen Hong.

While UTAR’s position in terms of rankings and awards have been very  impressive locally and internationally ,  Dr Ewe says  the university has also put in place training programs to nurture and equip its students to face an increasingly evolving and challenging world.

UTAR Awards

https://news.utar.edu.my/images/001-Landscapervcopy_1557903142.jpg?n=1557903169296set

UTAR 39th convocation: Session 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVWLV7QNtqI&t=5649s

 

Important landmark:  Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar.

Picture perfect:  Graduates, their families, loved ones and friends relaxing and posing for pictures outside the Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Good training: UTAR students set up booths to sell food, drinks and souvenirs  during the convocation ceremony.

Programs that focus on soft skills and community outreach are well-received by the UTAR graduates, he adds.

In tandem with increasing connectivity and globalization,  Dr Ewe says UTAR has also put in place programs to nurture its students into global citizens.

To this end, UTAR has MoU (memorandum of understanding) with about 695 partners comprising  local and foreign universities and economic and industrial organizations.

与夏天的约会

拉曼大学医院的工作人员对中医的良好反应感到满意。（照片取自拉曼大学新闻）

冯碧仪 Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

译者：黎镇荣 Lai Jen Weng

一种受欢迎的夏季疗法——三伏贴——最近让许多人纷纷前往位于霹雳州金宝（距离怡保约35公里）的拉曼大学医院。

这是一种中医治疗方法，旨在丰富和畅通我们体内的气流——这是中医认为健康的基础。

这种疗法由中医师执行，他们会在患者体内寻找针灸点，并在这些针灸点上涂抹药用
草药膏。

根据中医的说法，三伏贴源自中国清朝（1644 – 1911），在夏季特别有效（七月至八
月）。


强调要点：一位中医师与他的患者。


咨询进行中：来自不同年龄组的患者对中医表现出兴趣三伏贴通常用于治疗涉及关节、骨骼、肌肉、免疫系统和呼吸系统的健康问题。

三伏贴也适用于治疗因不稳定的天气条件（如极端炎热或潮湿天气）所引起的健康问
题，这种情况在当前气候变化的背景下越来越普遍。

根据拉曼大学新闻报道，拉曼大学员工以及学生的三天疗程的费用为30令吉，公众为
50令吉。

7月25日，前200名来自金宝的患者获得免费接受治疗。

第一次治疗的日期为7月25日，接下来是8月14日及23日，地点位于拉曼大学医院的中医科。

这优惠活动由拉曼大学、广西-马来西亚中医药中心以及广西中医药大学第一附属医院联合推出。

A date with Summer

 

 UTAR Hospital staff is happy with the good response to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Photos from UTAR News

By Foong Pek Yee

Aug 7, 2024
A popular summer treatment – Sanfutei– saw folks making a beeline to UTAR Hospital (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Hospital) in Kampar, Perak, about 35 km from Ipoh recently.
It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment that enriches  and smoothens  the flow of qi (energy)  in our body system -a basis for good health according to TCM.
The procedure is administered by a TCM practitioner who identifies specific acupuncture points on the patient’s body  and applies  medicated herbal paste on the  points.
According to TCM, Sanfutei ,dated back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in China, works particularly well during summer (between July  and August).
Making a point: A TCM practitioner with his patient.
Consultation in progress: Patients from different age groups show interest in TCM
And Sanfutei is commonly used to treat health issues involving joints, bones, muscles, the immune system and the respiratory system.
It is also good for treating health problems arising from erratic weather conditions like extremely hot or wet spells  which is increasingly common in the wake of climate change nowadays.
UTAR News reported that the price for the three -day treatment is RM30 for UTAR staff and students,  and RM50 for the public.
It was free of charge for the first 200 patients from Kampar on July 25.
The first day of treatment was on July 25, followed by Aug 14 and 23, 2024 at the Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) section in  UTAR Hospital.
 The offer is a joint effort by UTAR, Guangxi-Malaysia TCM Centre and the First Affiliate Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese  Medicine.

I can be better

Bernice Khai Ern Ooi is all for practice and perseverance as she scales for greater heights in a talent- driven music industry.
By Foong Pek Yee
Aug 2, 2024.
Bernice Khai Ern Ooi  has what it takes to be an international violinist.
With her impressive academic achievements and track record in the talent-driven music industry , she says she needs to practise more to strengthen her skills.
It is about getting better and better, and be prepared and ready to take up every opportunity that comes her way.
” Be open and professional and take up opportunities. And practice to give my best performance ,” says Bernice who has Master of Music in Violin Performance, Highest Distinction from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
The 38- year- old Malaysian violinist took up violin at the age of six.
She  had her primary education and early secondary education in  Yuk Chai Chinese Primary School, Taman Megah and  Catholic High School, Petaling Jaya respectively and went abroad to study when she turned 15.
After completing high school at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, United Kingdom, she proceeded to the United States to do violin in Indiana University Jacobs School of Music from 2007 to 2010.
Bernice did studies with Mark Kaplan and Federico Agostini and she is a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and the Music Faculty Award.
She got her Bachelor of Science in Violin Performance and Mathematics, High Distinction in 2007, Master of Music in Violin Performance, Highest Distinction in 2009 and Performer Diploma in Violin Performance in 2010.
Bernice is now  a  Second Violin with the Royal Swedish Orchestra in Stockholm, Sweden.
It is a full time job with a tight schedule since 2017,  with an average of 15 performances a month, she says.
She rides a bicycle  to work (about 8.5km one way) and this is her exercise to keep fit!
World Renowned: Bernice with part of the Royal Swedish Orchestra. 
Bernice has also performed as a Guest Assistant Principal Second Violin at the Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra, which is about 160km southwest of Stockholm.
Distance is certainly  no barrier for Bernice’s musical pursuit.
She returns to her home in Malaysia  about twice a year for her concerts and to be with her parents.

Home grown : In Malaysia, Bernice is the Concert Master, Malaysia Bach Festival Orchestra since 2016.

All ears: Ensemble Virama with Bernice (left ) performing for students in Yuk Chai Chinese Primary School in Taman Megah. 
She also co founded  Ensemble Virama  (in Malaysia) and is a core member.
This July is her latest trip to Malaysia where she has a line up of concerts, including one in Taichung, Taiwan before she returns to Stockholm on Aug 4.
Ensemble Virama performed in Taichung, Taiwan on July 27, 2024
Ensemble Virama performed in Kuala Lumpur on July 23 – 24, 2024
Bernice’ s orchestra experience since 2005 saw her performing in United Kingdom, Japan and the United States and in Malaysia’s Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra..
Among others, she was a Core Member, Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra  in Japan between 2011 and 2014.
Applause: The Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra performing at the Hyogo Prefecture Parliament in Japan.
Bernice is into Chamber Music and Teaching since 2006.
In Stockholm, she does Lunch Chamber concert series, the Golden Foyer, Royal Swedish Opera since 2018.
On Festivals, Beatrice took part in about 10 Festivals in United Kingdom and United States between 2006 -2016.
This is just part of her list of accomplishments in the last two decades, and is still counting.
While the road is not exactly smooth all the way, she sees beauty in everything she does.
Bernice who had more than  20 auditions  – an exercise that comes across as difficult and  impersonal – says there is  always something to learn from it.
Vibrant and bubbly, Bernice who studies, works and stays abroad for over two decades is active in  church work and has her circle of friends.
She is one of the leaders of the Women’s Ministry in Calvary Stockholm.
Photos and videos: courtesy of Bernice Khai Ern Ooi.
.

Celebrate each and every milestone

Lee Jae Phang at the Symphonic Finale Concert at Wells Cathedral in July 2012. He won the prestigious annual Concerto auditions at the Wells Cathedral School (WCS). 

At 13, Lee Jae won a full scholarship to study as a specialist pianist at WCS in Somerset, England, UK.

He got his first diploma in piano at the age of 11.

By Foong Pek Yee
Aug 1, 2024
Lee Jae says learning and playing music is a journey with new and interesting discoveries – an enriching process that goes a long way.
He has a Master in Music Performance with Distinction  from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester in 2017 and admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music with Distinction.
Under expert guidance: The conductor was Christopher Adey. Lee Jae the pianist with the Wells Cathedral School Symphony Orchestra.
A Malaysian concert pianist, teacher, accompanist and chamber musician, Lee Jae has performed in many countries, including the United Kingdom (UK),  Germany, Austria, Italy, Beijing, Hong Kong, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Lee Jae won the ‘1st Beethoven Performance Award of the BPSE & Beethoven in Altaussee Festival 2016’ prize in Austria.
His deep love and fascination for Beethoven’s music saw him recorded almost all of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas and published them on his YouTube channel – these sonatas being ranked amongst the highest Himalayan peaks of a pianist’s repertoire.
Lee Jae who was in the  UK for more than a decade saw him receiving many awards, scholarships, funds and winning many competitions.
And performing in orchestras and the many masterclasses Lee Jae had with world renowned  musicians  have been proven to be  invaluable in his musical pursuit.
A great start: A young Lee Jae with his professor at Wells Cathedral School (WCS)
At 13,  he  won a full scholarship to study as a specialist pianist at WCS.
Musical skills can be acquired in stages with the  teaching and coaching of a good teacher/mentor.
While learning music requires hard work and perseverance, Lee Jae describes  it as  a journey to be enjoyed as we learned new things, made discoveries and progress.
Playing music can be likened to doing a jigsaw puzzle in a way.
There is a sense of purpose in our pursuit.
Every completed picture, be it a ten-piece or 1,000 piece puzzle gives us a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
And the same for music.
Recently,  Lee Jae has completed a series on the ABRSM  Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 1 to 8. The series will be updated in this post.
Enjoy!
Making progress: Lee Jae doing a series on ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026
Photos and videos: courtesy of Lee Jae Phang.
ABRSM  Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 1 
ABRSM Piano  2025 & 2026 Grade 2
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 3
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 5
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 6
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 7
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 8

一位非凡的男人和他的中医故事

余东旋在马来亚通过锡矿和橡胶发了财。在至少两次生死劫难中幸存下来，他过上了豪华的生活，并拥有11位妻子、13个儿子和11个女儿，同时也回馈社会。在他的人生中（1877-1941），他拥有许多地产，包括新加坡和香港的豪宅。但他留下的持久遗产却是他在两岁时从父亲余广送他的礼物。（照片由来自务边博物馆的彭西康提供。）

冯碧仪 Foong Pek Yee

2024年7月17日
译者：黎镇荣 Lai Jen Weng

 

对余家来说，7月23日是一个吉祥的日子。

余广的独生子余东旋，出生于1877年7月23日。

1879年7月23日，余广为了庆祝他儿子的两岁生日，并在距离怡保约17公里的务边开设了一家中医药店。

这家店名为“仁生”，意为“仁泽众生”，旨在帮助成从中国抵达务边以及附近地区的移民族来开采锡矿。

那时候是正值马来亚的锡矿热潮。

但由于许多人不久后就陷入困苦、孤独以及挫折并开始吸鸦片而上瘾。

余广并使用中医治疗他们的成瘾和健康问题。

“感恩和回馈社会是中国文化的一个重要的部分，”务边博物馆创始人兼馆长彭西康说。

85岁的彭先生是《记忆之旅：务边华人开拓者故事（1850-2000）》的作者，每当谈到哥彭时，他总是充满自豪。

他说他非常感激余家将一排沿着务边的余广街的单层店铺捐赠给务边博物馆。

“这是一个拥有历史的地方，价值无可估量。”

“仁生”药店原本的位置距离博物馆步行可达，现在那里是一栋现代的混凝土建筑而已被一家银行占据。

在19世纪末，这些位于务边余广街的单层建筑曾是余广的马厩。

在21世纪，这些位于务边余广街的单层店铺如今是务边博物馆。

一切与务边相关的故事：彭西康，85岁，曾在务边担任教师和校长。从1990年代到2008年，他担任务边国会议员和住房与地方政府部长丹斯里陈祖排博士的特别助理。

在那个动荡的时代背景下，余家也面临了不少挑战。1891年，年仅14岁的余东旋幸存下来，免于皮疹的折磨，而这一皮疹却夺去了余广（1853-1891）的生命。两年后，余广的第二任妻子文云嫦（1857-1893）在船上神秘去世，而余东旋和她10岁的养女足意奇迹般幸存下来。

据伊尔莎·夏普在《正义之鹤：余东旋的生平与遗产》一书中描述，三人当时正在拜访位于中国佛山的余家的祖居地，并在登船前举办告别晚宴。

有关食物中毒的指控曾出现。

但命运让聪明、精明且交际广泛的女商人文云嫦已经为余东旋接受英语教育做好了安排。

她认为，余东旋从风水师祖父余鹤松（1822-1886）那里接受的几年传统华文教育不足以使他应对生活中的挑战和成就伟大事业。

余东旋于1892年至1898年在槟城和怡保接受了英语教育。1898年，年满21岁的他，准备继承已故的父母的遗产，却发现他的叔叔们已耗尽了家业。

幸运的是，余东旋和足意设法通过出售她的珠宝而成功挽救仁生药店。

他对教育和中西文化的接触让他在殖民时代的生活中占据了优势。

在余东旋20多岁时，他迅速成为锡矿和橡胶行业的著名富翁，并继续回馈社会。

他和几位大亨联手发起了反鸦片和反赌博运动。

余东旋也捐资助学，帮助需要的人。

他喜爱弹钢琴，自身也是中国戏曲的忠实粉丝。

1910年，余东旋将“仁生”更名为“余仁生”，并将其生意扩展到新加坡。

虽然在他的人生中，余仁生可能对他不是一个大收入来源，但余仁生和中医却是他留下的持久遗产。

从最初的“仁生”到后来的余仁生，公司逐渐发展成为中医领域的领导者，目前估值为28亿令吉（8.08亿新币）。

“仁生”或“余仁生”自创立145年以来，在华人社区中发挥了至关重要的作用。

除了中医服务外，其店也曾帮助许多文盲的移民工人与他们在中国的家人通信并汇款。当时唯一的通信方式是通过书信。

余仁生自创立以来持续主导中医行业，并成为一个家喻户晓的品牌，以其严格的质量控制赢得了信任。

余仁生的产品和服务范围也不断改变，以适应现代生活，包括草药/滋补汤包、饮品以及中国节日礼篮。

2024年6月5日，新加坡亚洲新闻台报道，位于日本的一家财团——三井物产和乐敦制药——已以6.95亿新元（24亿令吉）收购了余仁生。这笔交易占据了86%的份额，使余仁生的估值达到约8.08亿新元（28亿令吉）。

根据2024年6月5日的亚洲新闻台报道，余仁生在新加坡、香港和马来西亚运营超过170家零售店和30家诊所。

余仁生国际集团主席余义明，也是余广的曾孙，表示这家成立145年的公司期待与乐敦制药和三井物产继续共同前行。

虽然余东旋在马来亚、新加坡和香港的锡矿和橡胶生意中积累了大量资产，但余仁生仍然在他和家族的一些成员心中占据着特殊的地位。

余东旋于1941年5月11日在香港离世，而日本军队于同年圣诞节当天进攻了香港。

The Winds of Change

 

Symphonic Beyond conducted by Dr Low Chee Meng sets the stage for a rousing, highly energetic, electrifying performance –  befitting the orchestra that turned 14  in January.  Founded in 2010 with a grant from the SiWu Education Trust Fund, the Kinta Valley Wind Orchestra (KVWO) has gone from strength to strength, observes Sook Mei who is a founding member of the orchestra that comprises people of all walks of life; mostly working adults and school or college students.  Photos by Sook Mei.

By  Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com.

July 19, 2024

Themed Winds of Pop,  KVWO’s annual concert was all about the different kinds of pop music; from the 70s era to the  K-Pop wave.

From the 1980s Cantopop Medley , The Symphonic Beatles, Greatest Hits of Jay Chou , ABBA Gold, Puteh Ramlee  to K-Pop Feel So Good;   the  overwhelming response from the audience at the RTM Auditorium, Ipoh  on July 7 has again underscores the fact that music is borderless and transcends time.

The rest of the repertoire  includes Santana- A Portrait, Billie Jean, Coldplay Symphony, Say Shava Shava and A Song by Jacky Cheung (arranged by Mateo Ng)

 

Upbeat:  (from left) Hong Pick Sum, Natalie Liew, Sook Mei, Mateo Ng, Dr Low Chee Meng, Lean Lip Kok and Craig Fam

Looking back, Sook Mei says KVWO, the brainchild of the late Datuk KK Lim who wished to have a community band,  has come a long way.

The KVWO  was set  up by the Kinta Valley Symphonic Society (KVSS)  in 2010.  Both organizations are based in Ipoh, Perak.

KVSS  got a grant from  the SiWu Education Trust Fund to set up KVWO

“The last two years saw KVSS added three new groups under its wings;  KV String Orchestra, KV Chinese Orchestra and KV Symphonic Voices,” says Sook Mei who is into piano.

Like any organization, KVSS and KVWO have their fair share of ups and downs, but Sook Mei is glad that it has emerged stronger.

The good news is some  members of the orchestra  went on to  further their studies in music and rose to become professionals, including lecturers in colleges.

Sook Mei is also proud to note that  Natalie Liew,  one of the two conductors at the concert, joined KVWO about 10 years ago as a player.

Dr Low Chee Meng was the guest conductor for the event.

Natalie Liew conducting Puteh Ramlee.

Sook Mei says KVWO is  more active than before after the Covid- 19 movement control order got lifted.

It held its annual concert in July 2022, followed by an Outreach performance at the Imperial International School in Menglembu, Ipoh.

Year 2023 saw KVWO having a joint concert with KLPac in Ipoh’s SMJK Ave Maria Convent, followed by a performance in Ipoh Parade Shopping Mall in July,  annual concert in November and a Christmas performance in December.

The orchestra kick off  this year with a performance in DR Park.  The  Ipoh City Council had invited KVWO to do a Chinese New Year Celebration  at the park’s new amphitheater.

KVWO was also invited by elected government representatives Jenny Choi and Howard Lee to perform in SJKC Chung Tack, Kampung Simee.

“I would say that over the years KVWO has grown from strength to strength and has made a name for itself within the community of Ipoh and beyond,” says Sook Mei who was president of KVSS in 2015 and 2018.

Big thank you : Kinta Valley Symphonic Society KVSS president Jeffrey Cheong Kok Yew ( (far right) and the concert organizing chairman Keith Lwee (third from left) with guest performers on stage.

Part of Asian Dhol playing drums.

Billie Jean with Michael Jackson impersonator Mervin Yong

He lives and breathes music

A typical day for Eric Lee is an  hour of jogging in the morning followed by  three hours of music practice.  This distinguished conductor and trombonist sees perseverance, discipline and focus as not only a must in a person’s musical pursuit but also an integral part of character building.

By Foong Pek Yee
July 18, 2024
The 45 minutes audition over the phone that won him a scholarship to study in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is still vivid in Eric’s mind.
It was in 1997 , and he  got a full scholarship to study trombone in HKAPA- Asia’s top performing arts centre.
The three -year- stint in Hong Kong saw him participating in Master classes with prominent figures like the American Horn Quartet, Luur Metals, Spanish Brass Quintet, Roger Bobo and James Da Sanol.
He also studied with renowned trombonists like John Swallow, Scott Hartman and Jan Mortensen and conducted with Mark Shanahan.
At 52, Eric was first introduced to trombone at age 13 when he joined the Catholic High School Symphonic Band.  He was a student at the Catholic High School in Petaling Jaya.
He never looked back since then.
In 1994, he founded the PJ Youth Symphonic Band as a platform for young musicians to develop their skills
For six consecutive years, starting 1996, Eric was selected to represent Malaysia in the Asia Youth Orchestra (AYO) that saw him performing  in 40 cities across 20 countries.
The tours include performing in prestigious venues  like the Royal Concertgebouw and the Sydney Opera House and the opportunity to perform under esteemed conductors and with renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Mischa Maisky.
This  certainly is a dream for many young and aspiring musicians.
Eric subsequently founded the Philharmonic  Winds of Malaysia (formerly known as the Symphonic Winds of the National Symphony Orchestra)  and the National Band Director Association of Malaysia.
Upon his return from Hong Kong in 1999, Eric made his conducting debut with the Kuala Lumpur Symphony Orchestra for the production of “Johan and Si Belang,” which is Malaysia’s version of “Peter and the Wolf”.
Later that year he conducted a critically acclaimed local production of “The Sound of Music”.
 Eric is  currently the president of the  National Band Director Association of Malaysia and the principal trombone of the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia.

The leader:  Eric is the Band Director for the Catholic High School in Petaling Jaya and Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor which won multi champion and gold awards in Malaysia and internationally. Eric  is also a recipient of Malaysia’s Anugerah Seni Negara (National  Young Music Director  Award) for young music directors in 2006.

To lead and serve : Eric who is currently the Artistic Director  and Resident Conductor of the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia sees music as a platform to do good.

In harmony: Eric conducting a rehearsal for Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia.

The nation’s pride:  The concert themed ” Discover Malaysian Folk Song” by Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia.

 Music is borderless : Eric conducting the Austria upper army band.
Also a regular guest player with several orchestras at a regional level, Eric has appeared as a  guest principal with orchestras like the Macau Symphony Orchestra, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra,  Bangkok Opera.
Apart from that, Eric is  frequently invited to adjudicate international band competitions and conducts workshops and concerts across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Beneath all the glamour, education remains Eric’s enduring legacy in the music world – his dedication to performance and leadership training goes a long way in inspiring countless young musicians all around the world and elevating  the standards of symphonic music in Malaysia.
He is set to continue to help shape the musical journeys of students in Malaysia, ensuring the continued growth and excellence of the nation’s musical talent; testimony to this is his remarkable achievements in leading and developing wind bands, chamber music, and orchestras.
And Eric has a family orchestra together  with his wife Chew Yi Chien who is a pianist and violinist, and their sons  15-year -old Marques and 10-year-old Kyle who plays  the trombone and trumphet respectively.
Yi Chien, 44,  is the music department head at Mont Kiara International School.
Eric says Yi Chien’s unwavering support for him has enabled him to focus on his musical pursuit.

 

An extraordinary man and his TCM story

Eu Tong Sen made his fortune in tin and rubber in Malaya. Cheated death on at least two occasions, he went on to lead a luxurious lifestyle with his 11 wives, 13 sons and 11 daughters,  and give back to society at the same time.  During his life time (1877 – 1941) he owned many properties including mansions in Singapore and Hong Kong. But his lasting legacy turned out to be a gift from his father Eu Kong when he turned two.  Photos courtesy of Phang See Kong from Gopeng Museum.

By Foong Pek Yee

July 17, 2024
For the Eu family, July 23 is an auspicious date.
Eu Kong’s first born and only son, Eu Tong Sen, was born on July 23, 1877.
And on July 23, 1879, Eu Kong set up a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shop in Gopeng, about 17 km from Ipoh, to celebrate his heir’s second birthday.
Aptly named  Yan Sang ( meaning compassion and life) , the shop was aimed at helping migrant workers from China who arrived in Gopeng  and nearby areas by the thousands  to work in the tin mines.
It was the big tin rush in then Malaya.
But hardship, loneliness and frustrations soon set in for many of them who then took opium and got addicted to it.
Eu Kong used TCM to treat their addiction and debilitating health.
” Being grateful and giving back  to society is an integral part of Chinese culture,”  says Gopeng Museum founder and  curator Phang  See Kong.
Phang, 85, who is the author of a  book titled ” A Meander down Memory Lane: Stories about the Chinese Pioneers in Gopeng, Perak (1850 – 2000), beams with pride whenever he talks about Gopeng.
He says he is very grateful that the Eu family  has donated a row of single storey shoplots along Jalan Eu Kong in Gopeng to house the Gopeng Museum.
” This is a historical place and  is priceless.”
The site where Yan Sang shop was once located is walking distance from the  museum. It is now a modern concrete building and occupied by a bank.
 In the late 19th century:  these single storey units along Jalan Eu Kong in Gopeng were stables for Eu Kong’s horses .
In the 21st century: These single storey  shoplots along Jalan Eu Kong in Gopeng houses the Gopeng Museum.
Anything Gopeng: Phang See Kong, 85, was a teacher and headmaster in Gopeng. From the 1990s to 2008 he was the special assistant to Gopeng Member of Parliament and Housing and Local Government Minister  Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh.
Against the backdrop of a turbulent era, the Eu family had its fair share of challenges.
In 1891, the 14 -year old Tong Sen survived a skin rash that killed Eu Kong( 1853 – 1891).
Two years later, Eu Kong’s second wife  Mun Woon Chang  (1857- 1893) died mysteriously on board a  ship while Tong Sen and her 10-year-old adopted daughter Zu Yi miraculously survived.
The trio  were on a visit to the Eu’s ancestral home in Foshan, China and had a farewell dinner  shortly before they boarded the ship to Malaya, according to a book by  Ilsa Sharp,  titled Path of the Righteous Crane: The Life and Legacy of Eu Tong Sen.
There were allegations of poisoned food.
But fate had it that Mun – a shrewd, sophisticated and well-connected  businesswoman- had already put in place her plans for Tong Sen to receive  English education.
She felt that the few years of classic Chinese education Tong Sen received from his fengshui master grandfather Eu He Song  ( 1822- 1886)in his formative years was not enough to prepare Tong Sen to navigate life and do  great things.
Tong Sen had his English education in Penang and Ipoh from 1892 to 1898
Turning 21 in 1898 and ready to inherit the estate from his late parents, only to discover that his paternal uncles had already depleted the business.
Fortunately Tong Sen and Zu Yi who had offered to  sell her jewellery to salvage Yan Sang managed to  do so.
His education and exposure to Chinese and Western culture had given  him an edge on life in the colonial era.
In his 20s, Tong Sen  rose to become a prominent tycoon in tin mining and rubber  and he continued to give back to society.
Among others, he and several tycoons  joint force to spearhead an anti-opium and anti-gambling movement.
Tong Sen also donated to education and the needy.
He played the pianola and a big fan of the Chinese opera.
In 1910, Tong  Sen renamed Yan Sang to Eu Yan Sang (EYS) and expanded it to Singapore.
While EYS might not be a big revenue earner for Tong Sen  during his life time,  EYS and TCM  is his lasting legacy.
From its early days as Yan Sang and then EYS, the company has evolved to be a leader in TCM,  and the company is  currently valued at RM2.8 bil (SGD808 mil).
Yan  Sang  or EYS  has played a vital role in the Chinese community since its inception 145 years ago.
Besides TCM services, the shop also doubled up as a place to help migrant workers, many being illiterate, correspond with their families in China and remit money home. The only means of correspondence then was by   letters.
EYS continues to dominate the TCM sector since its inception, and it is a household name and a trusted brand for its quality-control.
Its range of goods and services has also evolved to meet modern day living; from herbal/tonic soups packages, drinks to Chinese festive  hampers.
On June 5,  2024, Singapore’s ChanelNewsAsia (CNA) reported that  a Japanese consortium – Mitsui & Co and Rohto Pharmaceutical -has acquired Eu Yan Sang for SGD695 mil (RM2.4 bil).
This is 86% of the deal that values Eu Yan Sang at about SGD808 mil ( RM2.8 bil)
EYS operates more than 170 retail stores and 30 clinics in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, according to the CNA  report on June 5, 2024.
Eu Yan Sang International chairman Richard Eu, also Eu Kong’s great grandson says the 145 year old company is looking forward to “continuing our journey with Rohto Pharmaceutical and Mitsui”.
While Tong Sen  was a tycoon with vast assets in Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong via his business in tin mining and  rubber,  Eu Yan Sang remained close at heart for him and some members in his family.
Tong Sen  passed away in Hong Kong on May 11, 1941 ;  and  the Japanese troops descended on Hong Kong on Christmas Day that same year.
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