Traditional Hakka Songs Delight Members

The Hakka community held their 10^th National Hakka and Traditional Singing Competition on last Friday night, 2 June 2017.

Organised by the Perak Kaying Association it was attended by well over 700 members some coming from other nearby states.

(l-r) Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, Datuk Dr Lee Yow Ching, Lai Ming Choong, Datuk Mah Hang Soon, Yip Chai Fong and Datuk Hew Choy Kon (last)

Among the VIP’s in attendance was Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Exco for health, non-Islamic affairs, Chinese new villages, public transportation and national integration committees , Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian and Puan Sri Sandra Lee, Datuk Dr Lee Yow Ching ,President of Federation of Kaying Chu Association and Datuk Hew Choy Kon.

Datuk Mah in his speech praised the Association for promoting the culture and lifestyle of the community and in doing so promoted traditional Chinese culture as well.

“There are 7000 languages and dialects in the world currently but before the end of this century half will be extinct so it is good what the Association is doing”

Datuk Dr Lee Yow Ching added that programs be set up to promote Hakka classical or traditional songs and possibly include children’s songs.

The singing competition attracted twenty one contestants singing traditional Hakka songs which saw many of the older members singing along.

Participating by watching the TV screen or just singing along was delightful.

A member, Peter Choong who attended with his Aunt and cousin sister who came from Changlun, Kedah said he was not familiar with the songs as it was too old but he nevertheless enjoy the melody.

Peter Choong with his aunt and cousin.

Overall it was delightful evening of nostalgia.

JAG