17th August 2019 (Saturday) 12.00 noon – 2.00 pm

Lim Lean Teng Hall, Han Chiang High School, Penang

Yang Amat Berhormat Mr. Chow Kon Yeow,

Chief Minister of Penang

His Excellency Mr. Lu Shiwei,

Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Kok Ping,

Honorary President of ACCCIM

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Hong Yeam Wah,

Vice President of ACCCIM and

President of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Choot Ewe Seng,

Executive Advisor of ACCCIM

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

1. First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending ACCCIM’s Caring Luncheon 2019.

2. The first Caring Luncheon was held in 2017 in conjunction with the Malaysia’s 60th Merdeka Day celebration, which aims to encourage a more caring society and to raise awareness among businesses in performing corporate social responsibility (CSR). Caring Luncheon 2019 is held in Penang so that we can spread this message across other parts of Malaysia.

3. Founded on 2nd July 1921, The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) is the national level organisation of the Chinese chambers of commerce in the country. It has 17 Constituent Members located across the 13 states and Federal Territories of the nation, with direct and indirect membership of all Constituent Members numbering well over 100,000. In fact, ACCCIM is the first national-level chamber of commerce to have a complete regional representation in the country.

4. Since 2015, ACCCIM has set nine major Action Plans, which includes the creation of a caring society. Therefore, ACCCIM and our Constituent Members have always been very enthusiastic in promoting social welfare, culture, education, charity and public welfare activities.

5. Apart from organizing initiatives for those in need from all ethnic groups, ACCCIM have a good track record of providing both manpower and materials in helping those affected by natural disasters regardless of race or nationality.

6.. Throughout the year, we have continuously hosted various social activities and actively advocated the spirit of giving back to society. These include scholarships, donations to Chinese Independent Schools, charity luncheons or dinners, and festive celebrations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

7. Malaysia is a multi-racial society that is full of love and tolerance. Over the years, we have seen the establishment of many non-profit organisations that aim to contribute to the society – and these are good examples for us. However, some of these organisations struggle to operate sustainably. Worse still, there are also those who take advantage of people’s kindness by using charity as a means of cheating the public.

8. ACCCIM hopes that the Government will be able to set up a “Charities and Non-Profit Organisations Commission” to assist in the formation, operation and regulation of charitable organisations. While the tax exemption process should not be open to abuse, it could be made easier and more transparent for genuine public interest groups.

9. ACCCIM believes that non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and corporate society are important elements in national development and helping people in need. Therefore, Malaysians from all walks of life should come together and do their part for a more caring society.

Last but not least, please allow me to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, PCCC, and all of you who made this luncheon a success. Please enjoy yourselves and I would like to wish you good health and happiness. Thank you!