St Ann’s Parish Centre, a hub to serve the wider local community

(First row, from left) Tan Kai, Friar Nelson Evarinus Sipalan, Friar Joseph Lee, Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh, Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez, the Rector of St Ann’s Church, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, and others. - Foto: Alverdtekoster Anyap

KOTA PADAWAN: The newly completed St Ann’s Parish Centre now serves as a hub for youth and the community to gather, learn, build character, and contribute to society.

Located within St Ann’s Church here, the parish centre was officially opened by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Datuk Simon Poh, in a ceremony attended by worshippers on Saturday afternoon.

Following the officiation, Poh led a blessing ceremony to consecrate the new facility.

Among those present were Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman, Tan Kai.

Construction of the parish centre began on February 16, 2023, and was completed in November last year at a total cost of RM6.7 million.

Poh described the new parish centre as a blessing, highlighting its role in supporting religious activities, faith formation and youth development.

The new parish centre with 14 classrooms, an administration office, a religious article shop and a cafeteria. – Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap

“The church welcomes thousands of worshippers every Sunday, but we also needed a dedicated space for gatherings, religious activities, and learning about the Christian faith,” he said when met by the Sarawak Tribune.

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“Today, we have a new building with 14 classrooms which is sufficient for faith formation sessions, youth programmes, character development, and other activities.”

He added that the new facility would also contribute to the wider community by promoting values such as harmony, peace, forgiveness and cooperation, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“This parish centre will serve as a catalyst for people to deepen their faith and contribute to the betterment of society in Sarawak and Malaysia.

Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh (third right) receives a fruit basket as a souvenir from Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez (second right), the Rector of St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan. – Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap

“We are shaping future generations, and with these new facilities, we can do so much more,” he said.

Poh also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Government, through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), as well as private donors for their financial support in making the project a reality.

https://www.sarawaktribune.com/st-anns-parish-centre-a-hub-to-serve-the-wider-local-community/#google_vignette

St Ann Parish expands with RM6.7 mln office, classrooms for growing faith community

Mar 8, 2025 @ 17:53

 

PADAWAN, March 8: St Ann Parish marked a historic milestone today with the official inauguration and blessing ceremony of its new administrative office and religious classrooms, built at a cost of RM6.7 million, to enhance services for its growing faith community.

The event was officiated by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Simon Poh, who underscored the parish’s dedication to fostering spiritual growth and education.

“Faith flourishes through the dedication of our community—through time, talent, and resources. 

“This project embodies the generosity of those who believe in strengthening faith and ensuring a brighter future,” he said in a media release today. 

The newly constructed facility features 14 religious classrooms designed to accommodate more than 25,000 parishioners from 51 villages and nine residential areas. 

The relocation of the administrative office from Baruk to this modern space is expected to streamline parish operations and improve efficiency.

This achievement was made possible through generous contributions, including RM2 million from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) and RM200,000 from Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang. 

In addition, a RM1.7 million parking facility project is currently underway to enhance accessibility for worshippers.

The ceremony also included the handover of the Occupancy Permit (OP), cultural performances, and the blessing of the newly established spaces.

With these new facilities, St Ann Parish is now better equipped to support religious education, youth engagement, and spiritual formation. 

The parish remains committed to its mission of serving the community and welcomes continued support to ensure its role as a centre of faith and learning for future generations. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/st-ann-parish-expands-with-rm6-7-mln-office-classrooms-for-growing-faith-community/#google_vignette

2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖正式启动 6月30日截止提名

08 03, 2025

（古晋8日讯）由马来西亚国际青年商会（JCI Malaysia）主办的2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖（Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians，TOYM）正式启动，提名活动将于3月2日开放，并持续至6月30日。今年的颁奖典礼将在美里举行。

美里国际青商会首度主办 杨珺婷担任筹委会主席

此次活动由美里国际青商会首次主办，并由筹委会主席杨珺婷领导。她表示，该奖项旨在表彰18至40岁之间的优秀青年，鼓励他们在各自领域突破创新，为社会带来积极影响。

她提到，马来西亚十大杰出青年奖源自国际青年商会的全球十大杰出青年奖（TOYP）项目。该项目最早由美国青年商会主席Durwood Howes于1930年创立，并于1983年被国际青年商会正式采纳。马来西亚国际青年商会（JCIM）于1985年将其引入马来西亚，并设为年度计划，以表彰国内优秀青年。

十大类别表彰青年领袖 获奖者将代表大马角逐国际殊荣

杨珺婷表示，2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖涵盖十大组别，包括商业、政治、学术、文化、环境、人道主义、科学、医疗创新等领域。最终获奖者将代表马来西亚，参与全球十大杰出青年奖竞选，与来自57个国家的青年领袖角逐国际殊荣。

“我们希望通过此奖项发掘更多青年领导者，为他们提供更大的国际舞台，展现马来西亚青年的才华与影响力。”

全国巡回推广 9月19日美里铂尔曼酒店举行颁奖典礼

为推动提名活动，主办方将举办全国巡回路演、报名讲座及论坛等系列活动，并于3月3日举行盛大新闻发布会。经过严格筛选，最终30名入围者将于8月公布，并受邀参与媒体专访及宣传。

获奖者不仅将获得2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖的奖杯及证书，名字还将列入“马来西亚十大杰出青年奖名人堂”，并接受本地及国际媒体专访，为其事业及社会贡献带来更大曝光度。

颁奖典礼将于9月19日在美里铂尔曼酒店（Pullman Hotel, Miri）隆重举行，届时各界嘉宾将齐聚一堂，共同见证年度十大杰出青年的诞生。

提名详情有

意提名者可联系以下负责人获取更多详情：

Candy Yong：012-7387299

Angela Chong：014-9319838

https://intimes.com.my/news2a/index.php/2018-07-09-11-40-04/2018-07-09-11-46-38/item/99435-2025-6-30

Raya Street Market, an inclusive community platform for Raya sales

Raya festivities kick off at The Podium in Kuching as Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (middle) officiates the opening of the Raya Street Market, featuring local crafts and delicacies.

KUCHING: The bustling Raya Street Market at The Podium here is drawing attention, not just for its diverse range of products, but also for its inspiring inclusivity.

Its official launch was done by Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, marking the beginning of a vibrant community market in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

According to Lo, the event serves as a platform for home-based businesses and individuals with disabilities to showcase their products and gain entrepreneurial experience.

“I see many products here, and I even see the deaf and differently-abled individuals coming to sell their products as well.

“This is a programme worth our support,” he said at the launching today.

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (middle) poses for a group photo with vendors after officiating the Raya Street Market at The Podium, Kuching.

The market features 32 vendors offering a variety of traditional and modern Raya essentials, including handicrafts, artisanal fashion, and special Ramadan delicacies.

In addition to promoting local businesses, the Raya Street Market also champions sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable packaging and eco-friendly practices, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Meanwhile, Managing Director of Woo Woo Whimsy Enterprise, Shalane Matthew, shared the motivation behind initiating the programme.

“I felt it was time for me to give back.

“People always talk about change, but you have to make it happen to see its impact.

“When I had the time, I realised it wasn’t that difficult – it’s not impossible, you just have to try,” she explained.

“I always bring them along.

“We usually have visually impaired individuals participating as well, but unfortunately, they couldn’t join us this time due to their own activities, especially as today is International Women’s Day.”

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang visits vendors’ stalls, browsing traditional and handicrafts at the Raya Street Market.

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (left) engages with vendors while playing the traditional game ‘congkak’ at the Raya Street Market.

Aside from differently-abled vendors, many stall owners run small businesses from home.

“This market is a platform for them to gain experience, understand how business works, and bring their products out for sale,” she added.

The Raya Street Market is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, offering a unique shopping and cultural experience for both locals and tourists.

https://www.sarawaktribune.com/raya-street-market-an-inclusive-community-platform-for-raya-sales/

砂青年受邀角逐2025马来西亚十大杰出青年奖

08 03, 2025

（古晋8日讯）峇都吉当区议员拿督罗克强今日呼吁砂拉越青年积极参与2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖（TOYM），借此全国性平台展示自身成就，并为社会贡献力量。

罗克强在新闻发布会上表示，该奖项是马来西亚极具影响力的青年表彰活动，旨在表扬在各自领域取得卓越成就的年轻马来西亚人，同时激励更多青年追求卓越，为社会带来正面影响。

“马来西亚十大杰出青年奖不仅是一个荣誉，更是一个激励平台，鼓励年轻人勇敢追梦，并在全国舞台上发光发热。”

鼓励砂青年积极参选

他特别感谢马来西亚国际青商会及筹委会团队为该活动的付出，并希望看到更多来自砂拉越的优秀青年踊跃参选。

“砂拉越拥有众多创新者、企业家和社会变革者，他们正在推动马来西亚的发展。此奖项提供了难得的机会，让他们获得全国乃至国际的认可。”

他鼓励各领域的青年，包括商业、科学、体育及社会工作者，勇敢分享自身励志故事，争取更广泛的肯定。

设十大重要奖项组别

2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖将涵盖十大组别，包括：

1. 商业、经济及企业成就

2. 政治、法律及政府事务

3. 文化成就

4. 道德及环境领导力

5. 学术领导及成就

6. 科学及技术发展

7. 个人成长及成就

8. 医疗创新

9. 人道主义及志愿者领导力

10. 儿童福祉、世界和平及人权贡献

罗克强指出，获奖者除了荣誉，还可享有以下优势：全国及国际认可：在全球舞台上展示成就、拓展专业人脉：与行业领袖及政策制定者建立联系、职业发展机会：开启更广阔的未来之路、社会影响力提升：扩大个人或组织的影响力。

“这是你们闪耀的时刻！”

他强调，该奖项不仅是一个荣誉，更是一个改变人生的平台，鼓励砂拉越青年勇敢站上全国舞台，为自己争取荣耀，也为国家留下深远影响。

“这是你们闪耀的时刻！分享你的故事，激励他人，让世界看到你的努力和成就。”

https://intimes.com.my/news2a/index.php/2018-07-09-11-40-04/2018-07-09-11-46-38/item/99436-2025

2025年马来西亚十大杰出青年奖项提名现已开放，欢迎符合资格的青年报名参选，共同见证砂拉越青年在全国舞台上的辉煌成就。

峇都吉当区议员罗克强（左三）分发围巾及卫生帽给予摊贩。左起为7哩Prince商业中心斋戒月市集筹委会主席兼巴达旺市议员马迪及巴达旺市议会主席陈开。

斋戒月的文化盛宴 砂各族人民共度神圣时刻

ByJeeridyne

• #mandarin, Berita Sarawak, Mandarin, Perniagaan
• March 6, 2025
• 1:29 PM

（古晋5日讯）峇都吉当区议员拿督罗克强形容，斋戒月不仅是穆斯林的神圣月份，也已成砂各族人民共同参与的文化盛事，体现砂多元族群和谐共处的精神。

他指出，每逢斋戒月，不仅穆斯林社区踊跃参与市集，华裔同胞、伊班族、比达友族等其他族群也会积极前来选购美食，分享节日的欢乐与温馨气氛。

他认为，这不仅是一个市场交易的场所，更是促进各族人民互动与团结的重要纽带。

罗克强巡视位于7哩Prince商业中心斋戒月市集，接受记者访问时如是说。陪同巡视者包括巴达旺市议会主席陈开及多位巴达旺市议员。

他说，现场的斋戒月市集共设有40个摊位，贩售各式各样的美食，吸引大量民众前来选购。
“古晋巴达旺管辖区如马当、7哩、10哩等地也设有多个斋戒月市集，这进一步反映砂经济的蓬勃发展。

罗克强认为，斋戒月市集的繁荣不仅意味着斋戒月经济的活跃，也展现砂整体经济的向好趋势。人们购买力增强，商贩收入稳定，这一切表明我们的经济正稳步增长。

罗克强提到，砂拉越是全国财政盈余最多的地区，砂政府将这笔盈利用于推动各项发展项目，创造更多就业机会，并提高人民的收入水平。

“所有发展成果并非偶然，而是源于我们共同努力、团结协作及砂政府的卓越领导。”

他希望，砂人民珍惜当前的和谐环境，尤其是在砂总理拿督巴丁宜丹斯里阿邦佐哈里的英明领导下，继续携手并肩共创美好的未来。

峇都吉当区议员罗克强（右六）等人为7哩Prince商业中心斋戒月市集主持剪彩仪式。

https://www.tvsarawak.my/2025/03/06/%E6%96%8B%E6%88%92%E6%9C%88%E7%9A%84%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E7%9B%9B%E5%AE%B4-%E7%A0%82%E5%90%84%E6%97%8F%E4%BA%BA%E6%B0%91%E5%85%B1%E5%BA%A6%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%A3%E6%97%B6%E5%88%BB/