via KBCHMS Alumni & Friends Book Donations
(Seated, from left:) Wang Keok Yin, Law Fah Ngin, CCMS Principal Loo Kuan Lein, Shawn Cassidy Narcis, Ruey Chong Narcis, Chiew Chee Phoong, Chong See Kui, Chong Min Chong . photo by: BT/Daniel Wood.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
CHINESE schools in Brunei this week will be receiving a donation of books at their schools, courtesy of individuals from the Chinese community in Brunei as well as well-wishers from Taiwan.
Chung Lian School in Sg Liang, Chung Hwa School in Labi and Chung Ching Middle School (CCMS) in Seria were the first recipients yesterday morning, with each school’s principal personally receiving the books, the majority of them printed in Taiwan.
Highlighted among the titles donated was the book The Treasure of the Puni King汶萊國王的寶藏 (literal translation, Puni being the ancient name used by China to identify Brunei). Written by Taiwanese author Debora Ou Ying Chuan, the book is a compilation of essays written by students of Chinese schools in Brunei, based on her teaching visit two years ago.
It is considered the first Chinese literature to be produced by the collective efforts Chinese schools in the country. The book, along with other Taiwanese academic titles, was handed over by Chiew Chee Phoong, on behalf of well-wishers from the Taiwan Graduate Association of Brunei.
Toastmasters International Ruey Chong-Narcis told The Brunei Times that part of the book contribution was made available due to the departure of a friend to Singapore, who left behind a book shop with numerous titles. She was visiting the Chinese schools yesterday with her spouse Shawn Cassidy Narcis and father Chong See Kui.
“From what we understand, the Chinese schools have limited resources in terms of books as they rely on private funding to keep operational… the situation is more difficult in some of the more rural schools such as Chung Hwa in Labi where the student population is lower,” said Chong.
Other featured donations were two literature books co-authored by retired law practitioner Law Fah Ngin and his wife Wang Keok Yin, who also attended the handover ceremonies.
All the individuals involved with the book donation have had strong ties with the academic institutions they are helping, believing in the concept of “paying it forward”. The benefactors in a statement to the press hoped that “this contribution of books will help the schools and students appreciate the power of the written word, joy of learning and receiving”.
About 5,000 academic and literature books in Mandarin, English and Malay would be handed over to seven Chinese schools in Belait, Tutong and Temburong.
The Brunei Times
Memories of The Way We Were 