Latest news with #BukitAssek
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sibu still best town outside Greater China in preserving Chinese culture, says Tiang
(From seventh left) Ting, Chieng, Tiang, Lau and others participating in the ribbon cutting to launch the Food Festival and Cultural Street at the BCF on Friday. SIBU (July 4): Sibu remains the most comprehensive and complete guardian of Chinese culture outside of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. He praised the unity among the town's Chinese community, noting that people from different dialect groups celebrate together with openness, inclusiveness, and mutual respect. 'They are continuing our cultural legacy, rejecting extreme racism, and working hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart to accelerate the Sarawak government's development policies for ethnic unity that has become a unique attraction,' he said during the launch of the Food Festival and Cultural Street, held in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 at the Sibu Town Square last night. Also present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting and United Chinese Association (UCA) president Lau Ing Siong. Tiang said the Chinese community must take collective responsibility for preserving their ancestral folk culture, which he described as deeply rooted and irreplaceable by modern technology. He emphasised the need to uphold and promote the community's history and heritage, highlighting that the century-old legacy of the Chinese in Sibu offers a rich and memorable cultural experience. He expressed hope that the event would further strengthen community bonds and contribute to a vibrant, dignified celebration of culture, helping to realise Sibu's vision of prosperity. Tiang also noted that the BCF, now in its 22nd year since it began in 2003, continues to grow in prominence. 'Every year, the number of visitors and group performances bring new highlights to both locals and international tourists, not only boosting Sibu's cultural branding but also showcasing the rich diversity of Sibu and Sarawak – in ethnicity, culture, and religion – a core value Sibu residents are proud of,' he said. He called on leaders of various associations to use the festival to highlight their dialect groups' unique cuisines, with English translations provided where possible to aid international visitors. 'I believe only by branding and packaging our cuisine well can we preserve its cultural value and uniqueness,' he said. Although the BCF spans just 10 days, Tiang expressed confidence that it would offer an engaging and authentic Chinese cultural experience. BCF 2025 Chinese culture Michael Tiang Sibu
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep: Sibu Phase 4 flood mitigation project awaits final approval
(From sixth right) Joseph, Chieng, and Ramli join others for a photo call during the programme at Masjid Al-Muhajirin Sentosa. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 9): The design for Phase 4 of Sibu flood mitigation project is complete and currently awaiting approval from the Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA), said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng. Joseph expressed hope that the tendering process will commence this year, enabling the project to begin in 2026. 'Now it's subject to SPA approval, then we can proceed straight to tender. I hope we can tender it this year and start work next year,' he said. He highlighted that Phase 4 of the project addresses a vital 'missing link' between Jalan Aman and Kampung Hilir, and aims to protect approximately 618 hectares of central Sibu, including Bukit Assek. He said this to reporters when met during a sacrificial meat distribution event at Masjid Al-Muhajirin Sentosa yesterday, held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha. Also in attendance were Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bukit Assek chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon and mosque chairman Ramli Hussin. During the event, Joseph contributed one cow to the sacrificial ceremony, which saw a total of seven cows slaughtered for distribution to families in need. 'We respect the values of Islam, particularly compassion, charity, and helping the poor. These are universal values shared by all, regardless of religion, background, or race,' he said. This year's distribution targeted the underprivileged families, reinforcing the celebration's message of solidarity and support across the community. flood mitigation project joseph chieng lead Sarawak Planning Authority
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sibu Phase 4 flood mitigation project awaits final approval - Bukit Assek rep
(From sixth right) Joseph, Chieng, and Ramli join others for a photo call during the programme at Masjid Al-Muhajirin Sentosa. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 9): The design for Phase 4 of Sibu flood mitigation project is complete and currently awaiting approval from the Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA), said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng. Joseph expressed hope that the tendering process will commence this year, enabling the project to begin in 2026. 'Now it's subject to SPA approval, then we can proceed straight to tender. I hope we can tender it this year and start work next year,' he said. He highlighted that Phase 4 of the project addresses a vital 'missing link' between Jalan Aman and Kampung Hilir, and aims to protect approximately 618 hectares of central Sibu, including Bukit Assek. He said this to reporters when met during a sacrificial meat distribution event at Masjid Al-Muhajirin Sentosa yesterday, held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha. Also in attendance were Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bukit Assek chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon and mosque chairman Ramli Hussin. During the event, Joseph contributed one cow to the sacrificial ceremony, which saw a total of seven cows slaughtered for distribution to families in need. 'We respect the values of Islam, particularly compassion, charity, and helping the poor. These are universal values shared by all, regardless of religion, background, or race,' he said. This year's distribution targeted the underprivileged families, reinforcing the celebration's message of solidarity and support across the community. flood mitigation project joseph chieng lead Sarawak Planning Authority
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep rewards 49 SPM high achievers with RM10,800 in incentives
Top scorer Divine Dnurani Nagi Julia receives her award from Chieng for achieving 9As in SPM 2024 during the SPM 2024 Student Excellence Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony. Also seen are Lau (left) and Doreen Tiong. SIBU (May 15): A total of 49 students from Bukit Assek who scored 5As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination were awarded cash incentives today in recognition of their academic achievements. The awards were presented by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek at the SPM 2024 Student Excellence Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony at SMK Bukit Assek here today. 'This is a remarkable improvement from last year when only 13 students achieved 5As or more. The increase reflects stronger academic performance and greater support from families and schools,' he said A total of RM10,800 was disbursed this year—up from RM3,900 in 2023—as part of Chieng's education incentive programme. He also announced a revised incentive structure for the 2024 SPM candidates: RM100 for scoring 5As, with an additional RM100 for every A beyond that. 'For example, a student who scores 9As will receive RM500. It's both a reward and a motivation to push for higher results,' he explained. Chieng credited the success to the collective efforts of students, teachers, and parents. He emphasised that academic excellence is the result of a supportive learning environment and strong community values. He urged this year's Form Five students to draw inspiration from the recipients and aim high. 'To those who received awards today—this is just the beginning. Stay focused, stay humble, and keep striving for success,' he said. The ceremony concluded with Chieng thanking teachers and parents for their dedication while calling for continued collaboration to elevate education standards in Bukit Assek. Meanwhile, SMK Bukit Assek's senior assistant Lau Chik Kong also congratulated the students and highlighted the school's improved academic performance. 'Our school's Grade Point Average (GPA) has improved to 3.99 in SPM 2024, compared to 4.94 in 2023. All 15 subjects offered showed improvement,' said Lau in his speech. He cited subjects such as Chemistry, which improved significantly from 4.00 to 1.43, Biology (from 4.79 to 3.62), and Mathematics (from 7.14 to 3.81) as evidence of overall academic progress. Out of the 182 students who sat for the exam, four achieved 9As, six scored 8As, eight got 7As, nine earned 6As, and 22 students secured 5As. 'These achievements are the result of the dedication of our teachers, support from parents and guardians, and the commitment of our students,' he said. Lau also thanked Chieng for his continued support and encouragement, adding that the incentive programme not only motivates students but also fosters a culture of excellence in the school community. Bukit Assek joseph chieng lead SPM 2024 top scorers
The Star
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Sibu dad hopes daughter's gift of sight inspires others
(From left) Kim Hock, Chieng and Dr Nanthakumar at the event highlighting organ donation in Sibu. WHILE coping with his daughter's death, a father has found solace in her final act of generosity – the donation of her corneas. Prior to her death in 2022 due to a stroke, Kho Sze Yii, 30, had pledged to donate her corneas to give someone else the gift of sight, her father Kho Kim Hock, 70, said. 'Through her gift, her eyes live on and continue to see the beauty of this world,' Kim Hock said through tears as he was consoled by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng at an event highlighting organ donation. During the Hospital Sibu Organ Donation 5km Fun Run in Permai Lake Garden, hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu presented Kim Hock with a medal to recognise the selfless act. Kim Hock shared that Sze Yii's cornea donation had enabled his family to find peace. 'It brings us comfort to know that the recipient is able to see loved ones, to see the sunrise and beauty of nature,' said the Johor-born Kim Hock, who operates a coffeeshop in Sibu, Sarawak. He is calling on Malaysians to consider becoming organ donors. 'We hope more people can follow my daughter's example. 'Talk to your family. Sign up,' he said. 'You never know which part of you might change someone's world,' he added. Kim Hock also advised people to take care of their health and go for regular checkups. Dr Nanthakumar said the transplant of Sze Yii's donated corneas was successfully carried out in the same year as her passing. He expressed hope that Kim Hock's story would inspire others. 'Stories like this help break the stigma around organ donation,' Dr Nanthakumar added. — By ANDY CHUA
