SIBU FOLK PAY TRIBUTE TO TIONG’S HUMBLE, SUPPORTIVE LEADERSHIP

SIBU, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Dr Toh Teck Hock, head and consultant paediatrician at the Clinical Research Centre Hospital Sibu, remembers the late Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, executive chairman of Rimbunan Hijau Group and a philanthropist, as a humble leader who consistently encouraged youth development and community service.

Dr Toh, who knew Tiong during his teenage years in the Scouts movement, said Tiong was widely remembered in Sibu at the time as ‘Senator Tiong’ when he served in the Senate and as chairman of the Scouts Association in Sibu.

He said Tiong was approachable and supportive, often attending Scouts events, presenting awards and personally visiting training camps that he helped sponsor.

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“Despite his tall and strong build, he was remarkably down-to-earth and humble, even towards a young teenager he might not have known well. That kindness left a lasting impression on me,” he said in a Facebook post.

Dr Toh also recalled Tiong’s assistance in 1996 when he and his university friends sought to publish their first book, Under the Southern Cross, while studying in Melbourne. Tiong stepped in to cover the printing costs without hesitation.

“Without Tan Sri’s generosity, our dream as idealistic university students might never have been realised. His contribution to our book was just a drop in the ocean compared to the many causes and communities he quietly supported,” he said.

Dr Toh last met Tiong during the official opening of the Agape Centre in 2010.

“Thank you, ‘Senator’ Tiong, for your humility, generosity, and faith in young people’s dreams. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

The Sarawak timber and media tycoon died yesterday at the age of 90. Members of the Sibu community, especially those who had worked in the logging industry, have been conveying their condolences to Tiong’s family via social media.

On the ‘Berita Sibu’ Facebook page, Mengong Jaman, who worked at Rimbunan Hijau Gabon (Bordamur), Gabon, West Africa for 15 years, remembered Tiong as a good person who managed his employees well.

Yut Janggu, 56, who cleaned Tiong’s office near Sibu Gateway in 1986, said she remembered him as a very kind person who used to give her food supplies.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Tiong Clan Association has established a funeral committee to support clan members worldwide who plan to attend the funeral service of the late Tiong, which will be held on November 15, beginning at 8 am.

In a statement, the association said it would help with wreath orders, hotel bookings, transportation and reception services for those travelling to Sibu.

At the family’s request, the association will work with the Rimbunan Hijau Group to coordinate arrangements.

More information can be obtained by contacting +60 16-873 1397 / +60 16-659 4212 (WhatsApp) or via email at swkzhangclan@gmail.com.

The association described Tiong as humble, kind and dedicated to public welfare, and said that his passing was a great loss to the clan and society.

Tiong was the Permanent Honorary President and Founding President of the World Tiong Clan Association, Permanent Honorary President of the Federation of Tiong Clan Association of Malaysia, and Permanent Honorary President and Founding President of the Sarawak Tiong Clan Association.

-- BERNAMA