KOTA KINABALU: The annual international dragon boat that is being hosted by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) has received enthusiastic participation from 145 teams from four countries, announced Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong).
He said, besides Malaysia, the dragon boat race which is also included in the celebration activities for the anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, received participation from Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Goh, who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), said that the enthusiastic response following the registration deadline greatly boosted the confidence and morale of the organizers. This not only demonstrates the domestic and international appeal established over the nine editions of this event but also highlights Sabah’s success in promoting cultural, sports, and tourism activities.
Goh expressed this while leading his delegation in a courtesy call on Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Ginger Phoong Jin Zhe, during which the latter showed strong support for the event, after listening to their briefing on the event. Also in attendance were FCAS Deputy President cum Orgaising chairman of the event, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, its three Vice Presidents Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, Ng Young Wah and David Chan, Treasurer-general Chen Ee Sheng, and Central Committee member Datuk Raymond Goh, among others.
Goh also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support from the state government and various departments and agencies, as well as the enthusiastic support and registration of all participating teams. He also wished them success in achieving excellent results in the competition.
He added that FCAS will continue to strive to make the international dragon boat race an important international event in Sabah and even the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) area, further promoting cultural, sports, and tourism exchanges between local and international participants.
Meanwhile, Wong mentioned that the dragon boat race will be grandly held from the 7th to the 9th of this month, at Likas Bay here.
She reiterated that as an annual grand event, the dragon boat race is not only a sports competition, but also a cultural exchange feast, attracting enthusiastic participation from both tourists and citizens, thus significantly promoting local economic development and cultural exchange.-pr/BNN
