On May 23, Chinese Consul General in Penang Zhou Youbin attended the award ceremony for the “Where Is My Ancestral Hometown?” parent-child ancestral origin recognition event organized by Sin Chew Daily. Also in attendance were Ms. Magdelyrnn Ang, Senior District Manager (Northern Malaya) of Sin Chew Daily; Tan Seri Dr. Tan Khoon Hai, President of the Penang Hokkien Association;Dato’ Pang Yun Tiam, Chairman of the Penang Hakka Association; Mr. Chow Sek Khoon, President of the Ng Fook Thong Cantonese District Association Penang; as well as award-winning students and their parents.

In his remarks, Consul General Zhou noted that the ancestors of Malaysian Chinese crossed the seas and sailed south in search of better opportunities, making important contributions to local economic prosperity and social development. He said clan associations and family genealogy organizations have long played an active role in promoting friendship within the community and strengthening ties with their ancestral hometowns in China. He added that ancestral roots tracing activities and family-oriented educational and cultural programs are of great significance in helping the younger generation better understand and carry forward Chinese culture and the spirit of perseverance demonstrated by their ancestors.

Consul General Zhou also expressed hope that more young ethnic Chinese in Malaysia would have the opportunity to visit China in person, experience the traditions and culture of their ancestral hometowns, and further carry forward the longstanding friendship between China and Malaysia.

The event attracted 4200 students and parents from the four northern states of Malaysia.