Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew has announced a contribution of RM50,000 in support of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) Women Bureau’s programmes and activities.
She made the gesture when officiating at the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Women Bureau at the Sabah Hakka Hall on Saturday night.
“The contribution is in recognition of the important role played by the Women Bureau, not only in the Chinese community but also in the overall development of the state,” Liew said.
The Minister paid tribute to women who have made outstanding contributions, especially in the fields of tourism, culture and environment.
“They are not only excellent cultural communicators, but also practitioners of ecological protection, and an important force in promoting the vigorous development of Sabah’s tourism industry.
“With everyone’s joint efforts in the future, I believe women’s potential will be further unleashed towards achieving more progress in Sabah’s socio-economic development,” she said.
Liew reiterated that the Sabah State Government has always attached great importance to women’s rights and development, actively promoted gender equality policies, and encouraged women to show their talents in all walks of life.
“We are committed to ensuring that women have equal career opportunities in the workplace, while also paying attention to their basic and well-being needs,” she said.
Liew urged the women to continue to embrace the spirit of self-confidence, self-reliance and independence, and shine in their respective professions or positions. “All women must support each other, move forward hand in hand, and create a better future together,” she said.
During the celebration, the Minister presented the Long Service Award to five women in appreciation of their contributions to their respective organisations.
The recipients were Chiew Shuey Lean (KK Chinese Women Association), Sham Mee Mee (Sze Yi Association, West Coast), Tsen Mu Khyun (Tuaran Chinese Women Association), Siaw Shui Lan (KK Hakka Association), and Chew Sor Kin (Papar Chinese Women Association).
From another perspective, both Liew and the President of FCAS Tan Sri T. C. Goh shared the same aspiration, saying they looked forward to having more women candidates fielded in the forthcoming State elections.
Among the prominent women present were the President of the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu, Datuk Susan Wong, Founder President of the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association, Datuk Nancy Ho, Chief Editor of Asia Times Datin Foo Choon Pang, and founder of Zara’s Boutique Hotel Datuk Eliza Goh.