By: JT
KOTA KINABALU: Former Api-Api Assemblywoman Datuk Seri Christina Liew commended the President of the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK), Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen for her steadfastness in hosting the International Women’s Day celebration and Appreciation Dinner to honour women from the 15 Chinese clan associations affiliated to USCCAKK since 2019.
Susan mobilised the Women Section led by Tay Siew Hua to organise the annual event for the eighth consecutive year at the Sabah Hakka Hall on Friday night.
“To my knowledge, Datuk Susan has been consistent in observing International Women’s Day in recognition of women’s contributions to society and the state since she became the President of USCCAKK in 2019,” noted Christina, who founded the Sabah United Chinese Women Association in 1995.
In her address, Susan acknowledged the former Api-Api Assemblywoman as a prominent woman leader and Most Outstanding Woman 2024 named by her Association in conjunction with International Women’s Day that year.
“Datuk Seri Christina is known to be a longtime friend and supporter of the Women Section of USCCAKK. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment,” she said.
Other distinguished ladies present included Puan Sri Joanne Ho (wife of the President of Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah, Tan Sri T.C. Goh), Datin Seri Stella Yong (wife of former Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee), Datin Foo Choon Pang (wife of the Chairman of Asia Times), President of the Sabah Plumbers Association Carmen Wong, and Advisers to the Women Section of USCCAKK, namely Datuk Nancy Ho, Kapitan Dr Tan Kai Lee, Datin Vicky Yee, ex-Kapitan Datuk Eliza Goh and Datin Mary Wong. Ho, Carmen and Dr Tan were named Most Outstanding Woman for 2023 while Yee and Goh for 2025, among other recipients.
The guests were entertained by songs, lion dance and cultural performances as well as by budding saxophonist Zara Goh Flintoft with her rendition of “Conga” and “It’s Raining Men” .
USCCAKK comprises 15 clan associations namely, Sze Yi, Teo Chew, Nam Ann, Hokkien, San Chiang, Hin Ann, Tai Poo, Northern Chinese, Ann Koai, Lung Yen, Foo Chow, Eng Choon, Hainan and Kwong Siew.
