Taiping 150th Anniversary Commemorative Album “Past and Present” Officially Launched
In 2024, Taiping will proudly celebrate its 150th founding anniversary—a milestone of great significance not only for its residents but for all Malaysians. Having weathered challenges and demonstrated resilience, Taiping has established itself as a thriving town with a lasting impact on the nation’s economic and cultural landscape.
To commemorate this historic occasion, Truth Media and the Filial Piety Culture Foundation are jointly publishing Taiping at 150 – “Past and Present.” This commemorative volume, carefully curated through interviews, surveys, research, and historical exploration, offers a comprehensive account of Taiping’s people, culture, economy, and heritage over the past century and a half. Henry Chan as the representative of The Crafting Music has also been interviewed and included into a 4 pages summary in this book.
The book is set for release in August 2024, with an official launch and commendation banquet planned for September. Since June, Truth Media’s editorial team has been actively gathering content, culminating in a press conference on November 17 at Taiping Sentral Mall, which marked the official start of the project. The event drew over 190 attendees, including local officials, community leaders, and representatives of century-old associations, temples, clan houses, and chambers of commerce. A memorandum of cooperation was also signed by supporting partners such as the Taiping Municipal Council and several cultural associations.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Lim Hooi Hia, founder and editor-in-chief of Truth Media, emphasized the breadth of the project—capturing perspectives ranging from high-ranking officials to everyday citizens. She encouraged the community to actively contribute, inviting residents to recommend themselves or others as part of the book’s documentation.
To ensure accuracy and depth, the project is supported by an honorary advisory panel featuring distinguished figures, including:
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Mr. Yau Teck Kong, Chairman, Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies
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Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, Chancellor, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
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Mok Soon Chong, Vice-Chancellor/CEO, New Era University College
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teoh Chee Keong, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering Technology & Built Environment, UCSI University
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Mr. Wong Khang Yen, Executive Director, Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad
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Mr. Teoh Ah Ba, President, Taiping Hokkien Association
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Dato’ Lee Aik Kheow, DPMP AMP, President, Kwang Tung Association North Perak Taiping
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Mr. Tan Chee Fatt, President, Taiping Chinese Assembly Hall
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Mr. Chan Ah Tiam, Director, The Crafting Music Sdn Bhd
The press conference was further graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries:
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Dato’ Seri Wan Mohd Isa bin Dato’ Seri Hj. Wan Mohd Razalli, S.P.M.P, D.P.C.M, P.J.K., Orang Besar Jajahan Larut Matang & Selama
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Tuan Khairul Amir Bin Mohamad Zubir, President of Taiping Municipal Council
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YB Wong Kah Woh, Member of Parliament for Taiping
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YB Teh Kok Lim, State Assemblyman for Aulong
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YB Ong Seng Guan, State Assemblyman for Pokok Assam
With its blend of historical reflection and forward-looking vision, Taiping at 150 – “Past and Present” promises to be a landmark publication—an enduring tribute to Taiping’s legacy and its bright future.
