FROM collecting antiques, stamps, and postcards to preserving historical artefacts related to the Straits Settlements and Balik Pulau, Chin Choong Yin is a dedicated historian and a great storyteller.
He is also committed to philanthropy, actively supporting orphanages, assisting the less fortunate in his community and preserving cultural heritage.
Popularly known as CY Chin, the 50-year-old has lived in Balik Pulau his entire life. His passion for collecting historical items began in 1993, inspired by his late father, who passed away in 2019.
In an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara yesterday (March 13), Chin, who is fluent in Malay, shared how his journey of collecting and preserving history began.
“My father was my biggest inspiration in collecting old artifacts. I started after completing Form Five, and the rest is history.
“My love for history stems from him. In fact, I have preserved his collection to this day as a mark of respect and admiration. He sadly passed away in 2019, but I am committed to continuing his legacy by safeguarding these historical treasures, including written agreements from the past,” he shared.
Chin, a full-time tuition teacher in Bahasa Malaysia and History subjects, has spent an exorbitant amount of money on historical documentation.
One of his most remarkable efforts was investing approximately RM80,000 to research and publish books detailing the history of Balik Pulau.
“That RM80,000 represents years of effort in finding and documenting historical artifacts. Writing these books was not an easy task as it required thorough research over the years.
“My hope is that they will educate younger generations about Balik Pulau’s rich history,” he explained.
Apart from his passion and interest in documenting history, Chin is also sought after for his expertise in land disputes, helping to clarify historical records regarding ownership and land use.
Despite his achievements, Chin has faced hardships. At one point, he struggled financially while balancing the costs of his passion and caring for his ailing wife.
“It wasn’t easy, but perseverance and determination helped me push through those difficult times. This passion of mine may not be well known by everyone, but it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction,” he shared.
Looking forward, Chin plans to showcase a special Malaya history exhibition at SJK (C) Tar Thong in Balik Pulau on March 22.
The exhibition will feature more than 20 rare historical banknotes and other valuable artifacts.
When asked if he has plans to establish an art gallery, Chin expressed his intention to open such a centre in Balik Pulau within the next eight years.
“I hope to secure a place in the heart of Balik Pulau to attract both tourists and locals. It’s a long journey ahead, but I am determined to make this dream a reality,” he said.
Apart from his passion for history, Chin is also famous for his humanitarian efforts.
He founded the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dan Upacara Pengebumian Daerah Barat Daya, which is a welfare and funeral assistance organisation in Balik Pulau.
What began as a small personal initiative in 2020 has since grown into a well-known non-governmental organisation (NGO).
“Over the years, I have dedicated my time and effort to help those in need. Our organisation now has around 20 members, each working with the same objective to give back to the community,” he added.
Each month, according to Chin, the members contribute RM200, which will be used to purchase essential supplies for the underprivileged.
He said the organisation also collaborates with the state Welfare Department to distribute food baskets, ensuring aid reaches those in need.
When it comes to funeral rites, Chin and his team assist those facing financial difficulties, ensuring proper arrangements can be made.
“This is our way of giving back to society,” he said, adding that his late mother instilled in him strong moral values before passing away in 2011.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi