web analytics

Kwong Siew Perak Marks 10th Anniversary With a New Home

Nearly 600 guests gathered for Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak’s fundraising dinner at Super HLT Restaurant on 9 May 2026.

Held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration of Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak, the evening was more than a festive gathering. It was a meaningful occasion that reflected a decade of dedication towards preserving Cantonese heritage, strengthening community ties, and building a lasting home for future generations.

arrival of guest-of-honour Howard Lee (in batik shirt)
arrival of guest-of-honour Howard Lee (in batik shirt)
group photo of the VIPS
group photo of the VIPS

Organised together with the association’s women’s and youth chapters, the event welcomed guests from across Malaysia and Singapore, including representatives from various Kwong Siew associations and affiliated organisations.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, turning the dinner into a memorable reunion for many.

guests from Singapore
guests from Singapore
speech by Organising Chairperson Mr Chow Chee Peng
speech by Organising Chairperson Mr Chow Chee Peng

Ten Years of Heritage and Community

Over the past decade, Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak has grown steadily into an active and meaningful platform for the Cantonese community in Perak.

As a non-profit organisation, the association brings together Cantonese individuals as well as women married to Cantonese men, creating a welcoming space where traditions, language, and cultural values continue to be appreciated and passed down.

presentation of achievement award to Kwong Siew Perak committee member Jane Wong (R) as a new MBA graduate
presentation of achievement award to Kwong Siew Perak committee member Jane Wong (R) as a new MBA graduate
Deputy Organising Chairperson Cindy Chow (R) with the evening's emcee
Deputy Organising Chairperson Cindy Chow (R) with the evening’s emcee

While heritage preservation remains an important pillar, the association has also become a close-knit support network that encourages friendship, cultural exchange, and stronger intergenerational connections.

Its 10th anniversary, therefore, represented not merely the passing of time but a celebration of the people and experiences that have shaped the association’s journey over the years.

some of the guests pose for a wefie
some of the guests pose for a wefie
the Super HLT Restaurant ballroom is filled with almost 600 guests
the Super HLT Restaurant ballroom is filled with almost 600 guests
the singer duets with one of the VIP guests
the singer duets with one of the VIP guests

Setting the Tone with Symbolic Ceremonies

The celebration officially commenced with symbolic ceremonies that added significance and meaning to the occasion.

Sponsors were invited on stage for a ceremonial lighting of lamps, representing hope, unity and a bright future ahead for the association. This was followed by a symbolic three-time banging of the gong led by organising chairperson Chow Chee Peng alongside distinguished guests, marking the official opening of the dinner.

lighting of lamps by sponsors
lighting of lamps by sponsors
banging of gong three times
banging of gong three times
banging of gong three times
banging of gong three times

These ceremonial moments created a strong sense of togetherness in the hall, reminding attendees that the evening was not solely about celebration, but also about collective effort and shared aspirations for the future.

Among the notable guests present was Honourary Life President Mr. Ho Sai Chong J.P., whose longstanding support and contributions to the association continue to be deeply valued by members.

speech by Honourary Life President Mr. Ho Sai Chong J.P.
speech by Honourary Life President Mr. Ho Sai Chong J.P.
speech by president of the Federation of Kwong Siew Association of Malaysia
speech by president of the Federation of Kwong Siew Association of Malaysia
a pledge of support from representatives of all Kwong Siew associations and affiliates
a pledge of support from representatives of all Kwong Siew associations and affiliates

A Permanent Home in Bercham

One of the evening’s key objectives was to raise funds for the purchase of a shophouse in Bercham, which now serves as the association’s headquarters and central gathering place.

A Sale and Purchase Agreement for the property has already been signed, marking a major milestone for the organisation. However, the association is still working towards easing the financial burden tied to the purchase, including several personal loans among friends that helped make the acquisition possible.

For members, the Bercham property carries far greater meaning than simply being an office or activity venue. It symbolises stability, continuity and a permanent “home” where future generations can gather to celebrate their heritage, organise community programmes and strengthen relationships within the Cantonese community.

The fundraising dinner became a collective effort fuelled not just by financial support, but by an emotional investment in the association’s future.

The event was graced by guest-of-honour YB Howard Lee Chuan How, Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor, who showed his support for the association’s ongoing efforts.

speech by guest of honour YB Howard Lee Chuan How, Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor
speech by guest of honour YB Howard Lee Chuan How, Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor
an appreciation memento is presented to guest-of-honour YB Howard Lee (L)
an appreciation memento is presented to guest-of-honour YB Howard Lee (L)

During the dinner, he contributed RM5,000 to the association through the Ipoh Timor parliamentary constituency allocation fund. The contribution was warmly received by members and organisers alike, further reinforcing the importance of supporting grassroots community organisations that continue to foster cultural identity and social unity.

Deputy Organising Chairperson Cindy Chow (R) chats with guest-of-honour YB Howard Lee

An Evening of Fellowship and Celebration

Beyond the official ceremonies and fundraising efforts, the dinner itself was filled with joy, lively conversations and heartfelt moments.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous course dinner while reconnecting with friends, meeting fellow members from different regions and strengthening longstanding relationships. The celebratory mood continued throughout the evening with entertainment by professional singers, whose performances added energy and vibrancy to the event.

cake-cutting ceremony and champagne toasting
cake-cutting ceremony and champagne toasting
speech by Balee Lee
speech by Balee Lee
singing performance with a guest (L)
singing performance with a guest (L)

For many attendees travelling from outside Perak and Singapore, the gathering also became an opportunity to rediscover old friendships and reconnect through their roots and traditions.

The atmosphere throughout the night reflected the very essence of the association itself – one built on unity, mutual support and a strong sense of cultural pride.

A Meaningful New Chapter Ahead

The celebrations extended beyond the dinner hall, as many visiting guests stayed overnight in Ipoh to attend the official opening of the association’s new Bercham headquarters the following morning.

As Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak enters its next chapter, the newly acquired property stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, collective effort and community spirit.

president of the Federation of Kwong Siew Association of Malaysia (R) pledges his support of Kwong Siew Perak President Mr Chow Chee Peng
president of the Federation of Kwong Siew Association of Malaysia (R) pledges his support of Kwong Siew Perak President Mr Chow Chee Peng
Kwong Siew Perak President Mr Chow Chee Peng (seated L) and his wife on his left, pose with some guests
Kwong Siew Perak President Mr Chow Chee Peng (seated L) and his wife on his left, pose with some guests
members of Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak women's chapter close the event with a singing performance
members of Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak women’s chapter close the event with a singing performance

What began as a fundraising initiative ultimately became a heartfelt reminder of the importance of preserving heritage while creating meaningful spaces for connection and belonging.

Ten years on, the association continues to thrive not only because of its achievements, but because of the people who remain committed to carrying its vision forward together.

View the full photo album on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE.

Event: Persatuan Keturunan Kwong Siew Perak (2024) Fundraising Dinner
Venue: Super HLT Restaurant, Ipoh
Date: 9th May, 2026
Time: 7pm

With love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *