THE board of directors of SJKC Kuang Yu received a significant boost today when Mei Hotel director Datuk Cheng Mei Man and her two sons donated a total of RM1 million for its school building project in Batu Kawan.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed the cheque presentation from Cheng to Datuk Goh Kim Heong, the chairman of the SJKC Kuang Yu school board of directors at Komtar today, commended Cheng and her sons, Lee Chia Wei and Lee Chia Hon, for their generous contribution.
The school board’s goal is to raise RM18 million, and thus far, they have successfully raised RM14 million.
Chow said: “It is not easy to raise RM1 million these days. On behalf of the Penang state government and the Kuang Yu Primary School, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to Datuk Cheng Mei Man and her two sons.
“The school construction project is expected to commence at the end of this year, with classes starting in 2027.
“I believe that the continued assistance and support from the Batu Kawan community will ensure the smooth progress of this project and allow it to be completed on schedule,” Chow said in his speech.
State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, who was also present, described the donation as a great encouragement to the school.
“Thanks to Datuk Cheng for inspiring others. As a female entrepreneur, she is so generous and selfless. I hope this be an example for other companies to emulate,” Law said.
Cheng explained that she and her sons wanted to contribute to the development of Chinese education while instilling values in the young generation.
“Although I have lived in Penang for 10 years, I do not only carry out charity here but also assist needy groups in other places, like Singapore, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
“It is meaningful and a blessing to give,” she said.
The school board secretary, Ng Wooi Cheong, said they would call for an open tender in two weeks and expect piling works to start in December this year.
“We will hold an art exhibition at the EcoWorld Auditorium in Batu Kawan in January next year to raise funds for the school’s construction,” Ng said.
Also present at the cheque presentation ceremony was Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud