Written by: Ruey Chong-Enanoria

About this time last year when we were celebrating Chinese New Year, Yin and Marcus told me that they were planning a short visit to Brunei. It would be their first time back in a few decades and would be the first time for their children and Isabelle. And many years since Patt Moi Kuku has been back in Brunei. Yin and Marcus wanted to bring their Mum back so that she can share her memories with her children and 4 grandchildren and together create some new memories together in Brunei. Questions were asked – How long should they stay in Brunei? What is there to do? Who can they visit? How long to stay in KB, BSB? What hotels should they book? Are there Orang utans? The most exciting question was – Do you think we could organise a Chong family reunion?

Over the next few months, a date was chosen, family members from around the world were notified, flights were booked and a mini committee was formed in Brunei – Irene Shim, Manda Chong, Jennifer Chong and Chong Ruey Ru. They vetted BSB venues and menus for months and a few short months before the reunion, a quick change was made to hold it in KB so that it would be easier for our Gen 2 seniors.

Let us go back in time. In the late 1920’s a man and a woman reluctantly left their home in China due to difficult circumstances and made their way to Brunei. They did not know each other in China, and to be honest, I don’t even know how or where they met. Chong Wan Thiam and Lim Ah Yapp somehow met in Brunei and started a family together – I call them our Gen 1. They had 8 children together – our Gen 2 – Chong Nyuk Chin, Chong Kyun Nyuk, Chong Min Chong, Chong See Kui, Chong Kui Yin, Chong Kui Lan, Chong Ah Jew (Johnny Chong) and Chong Patt Moi.

On the 4th January 2026, over 70 people gathered together for the reunion. We had 7 x Gen 2, 30 x Gen 3’s, 31 x Gen 4’s and 4 precious Gen 5’s – Elyceus Liaw, Audrey & Naomi Wang and Cyrille (Jenny Liew’s grandson from New Zealand). A small segment of the Chong family tree that Chong Wan Thiam and Lim Ah Yapp planted in Brunei. The Chong family has spread around the world to live in New Zealand, UK, Australia, and possibly other parts of the world and many came back for this reunion. We had a wonderful time that day reconnecting, recollecting, introducing partners/children. The day was made easier with lanyards – each family had a different colour and we also had a number from 2-5 on our lanyards. Everyone with a number 4 on their lanyard knew that they were cousins and had to address anyone with number 3 on their lanyard as Aunty/Uncle. It made navigating the sea of unfamiliar faces a little easier. I will forever cherish the memories of the day of reconnecting with cousins that I haven’t seen in many years and meeting their precious grandchildren for the first time. Of seeing nephews and nieces that I haven’t seen in person for a very long time.

Enjoy the photos, please do leave a comment – we would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you to Kevin Shim Sen Chong for this video compilation! You and Edward took some great photos!

From Yin Ching Chen – “We are truly grateful to everyone who came together for this reunion. Seeing our big, beautiful family in Brunei all in one place is something we will always treasure. The photos truly capture the fun, laughter, and joy we shared on the day, making these memories even more special and unforgettable.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this reunion together. it took a great deal of effort, and we are deeply appreciative of all the planning and care that went into making it such a success. We are also especially grateful to our elders who were able to attend. Their presence was incredibly precious, as they represented our second generation and reminded us of the roots from which our family has grown.

We hope this tradition continues with the next generation, so they too can experience the strength and warmth of our family bond. We will always remember and honour the courage and brave decisions of our ancestors, whose journeys and sacrifices made this beautiful life we share today possible.

We also look forward to welcoming our family in Australia and sharing many more fabulous and precious times together. Wishing everyone a very happy Chinese New Year, filled with good health, joy, and prosperity.”