KUCHING: The Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools of Kuching Samarahan and Serian Divisions (Tunglian) is expected to raise RM60,000 from the sales of Chinese calligraphy couplets.
Twelve renowned calligraphers from Sarawak, Brunei, and West Malaysia showcased their calligraphy skills and wrote meaningful poetry lines during the Chinese New Year Inter-Cultural Calligraphy Couplets Ceremony held at SJK Chung Hua No 3 yesterday.
According to the event organising chairman Rodger Chan, the calligraphers wrote more than 2,000 couplets which was sold at RM30 each.
Chan, who is also the association’s deputy president, said that so far, the association had raised RM70,000 which included donations by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (RM20,000), Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (RM20,000), Padungan state assemblyman Wong King Wei (RM5,000), Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii (RM5,000), Batu Lintang state assemblyman See Chee How (RM5,000) and others.
“We are expecting to raise a total of RM130,000 today,” he said.
He added that the amount collected would be contributed to a development fund and be used to repair the 56 SJKCs in Kuching, Serian and Samarahan.
Meanwhile, he said the event also symbolised the welcoming of the Chinese New Year.
He explained that during the celebration, the Chinese would normally hang couplets that had meaningful poetry lines at their front doors.
Two Primary Six Bidayuh students Ezra Maria and Petyfera from the school were also given the opportunity to show to the public their calligraphy skills.
Both wrote the Chinese character “Chun” which meant Spring in English. The crowd was clearly mesmerised by their talent.
Those interested to buy one of the calligraphy masterpieces may contact the association at 082-254996.
