FCAS President lauds dragon boat racing as a unifying sport

23 March 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President, Tan Sri T C Goh, praised dragon boat racing as a sport that can foster cultural diversity and national cohesion.

He said that the sport, which is organised by FCAS and other Chinese organisations like the Federation of Chinese Associations Tawau (FCAT), not only showcases Chinese heritage and culture, but also encourages integration and unity among Malaysians of different ethnicities.

He expressed his full support to FCAT for resuming its 36th dragon boat race, which was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. He also agreed to lend six dragon boats to FCAT, as some of their boats were damaged.

He also commended FCAT for its efforts in promoting Chinese culture and tradition, including hosting the annual dragon boat race. He also congratulated FCAT for winning the third place in the ‘800-meter mixed group category’ at the International Dragon Boat Race hosted by FCAS last July.

Goh added that, the main objective of organising the dragon boat race is to promote Chinese culture and cultural recreational sports that enhance physical and mental well-being, as well as integration and unity among Malaysians of different races and cultural backgrounds.

He made these remarks during a courtesy call by a delegation of FCAT leaders led by its President, Kol Datuk Dr Lim Teck Kiong at the FCAS Secretariat here yesterday. Also present were FCAT’s Life Honorary President Datuk Soon Then Fook, its Deputy President Voo Tshin Nyen, Vice President Koh Teck Kiang and committee members Tong Yun Fah, Chong Shu Vun and Chong Chee Ping; FCAS Vice Presidents Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, Kapitan Lim Vun Chan, Chang Jeng Yung, and Treasurer-General Chen Ee Sheng.

Dr Lim briefed Goh on the preparation work for the 36th dragon boat race, which is scheduled to take place at the Sabindo Beach in Tawau on June 11, at 8am. The organising committee is headed by Henry Wong Chen Khiong.