BINTULU: Children should be encouraged to get involved in traditional games such as xiangqi or Chinese chess because it can improve their values, creativity and social skills.
In making the call Bintulu MP Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing said is important to preserve cultural values and heritage, especially among Chinese youth.
He said this in a speech read by his Special Officer, Steven Kong at the closing ceremony and prize presentation of the Sarawak XiangQi Tournament 2023 and the 22nd Primary and Secondary School XiangQi Tournament as well as the appointment of the Sarawak State Federation of XiangQi Association board members on Saturday night.
He hoped that organising such tournaments will allow children, especially the younger generation, to learn about and appreciate their ancestors’ cultural heritage through exposure to traditional games.
“Xiangqi is one of the traditional games of Chinese society but I regret that many modern Chinese parents have gradually forgotten the culture of Xiangqi, and only know a little about how to play it.
“What’s more, most of today’s children’s entertainment is mobile applications, social media, computer games, etc which have little to do with healthy board games that require the use of the brain and thinking,” he said.
During the ceremony, Tiong, who is Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, announced a grant of RM10,000 to the Sarawak State Federation of XiangQi Associations for its annual activities.
