LATE TAN SRI TIONG’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY, EDUCATION REMEMBERED

SIBU, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The late Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King was a great leader whose contributions to society, education, and the nation will always be remembered, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Met by reporters after paying his last respects to the late Tiong at his residence today, he described the media tycoon as a man dedicated to community development and education.

“He had contributed a lot to society, the country and the state. He gave his full support, especially in education, helping independent and Chinese schools, as well as religious schools. I hope our younger generation can learn from what Tan Sri has done.

“We are very sad to have lost a great leader, this is not only a great loss to Sibu, but also to the nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice-president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh described the late Tiong as a visionary businessman and philanthropist, with his greatest legacy being in the media industry, owning several influential newspapers including Sin Chew Daily and Kwong Wah Yit Poh in West Malaysia, as well as publications in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and France.

“(The late) Tan Sri (Tiong) was a great man. From a poor boy in the village, he rose to become a successful entrepreneur who built a vast conglomerate involved in palm oil, timber, shipping, construction and media,” Wong said.

“It’s a great loss not just to Sarawak, but to Malaysia and the world,” Wong said, recalling his personal friendship with the late media mogul.

“He loved reading, and so do I. He would send me books and even complimentary copies of Asia Week for over 30 years, even after his health declined, he ensured I continued to receive them. That shows his thoughtfulness,” he added.

The late Tiong, who founded Rimbunan Hijau Group and known for his extensive business empire and contributions to media, education and charitable causes, passed away yesterday at the age of 90.

The encoffin of the late Tiong will be held at his residence at No. 70 Brooke Drive here at 7am on Saturday and thereafter be brought to the Xin Fu Yuan Methodist Church, Brooke Drive for his funeral service at 8.30am.

After the service, he will be brought to Tiong’s Memorial Park at Jalan Tebu, Off Jalan Teku for burial.

-- BERNAMA