About 4,000 people took part in a Torch Run held in conjunction with Han Chiang’s 100 Years of Excellence’s celebration this year.
They were flagged off in front of Teochew Association in Chulia Street by Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association Board of Directors chairman Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing. With Dato’ Seri Ooi was Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association Board of Directors Honorary Advisor Dato’ Seri Ng Tee Soo.
Also present were Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) Vice Chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi, Han Chiang High School principal Miss Kung Bee Lee, Han Chiang Primary School headmistress Miss Lee Hong Choo and Han Chiang Primary School’s Parent-Teacher Association chairperson Lim Yeat Theng.
It was a carnival-like event. The participants comprised Han Chiang Alumni in Malaysia and from overseas, “Teochews”, their families, parents, students and staff of HCUC, HCHS and HCPS.
The torch bearers passed the torch from one to another over a length of 6km route. There were several pit stops.
More than 100 bicycles, 15 trishaws and two Hop On Hop Off double decker buses accompanied the torch bearers.
When the torch and runners reached HCUC campus, HCUC unveiled a streamer to congratulate Han Chiang for the centennial event.
HCHS principal Miss Kung then passed the torch to HCUC Vice Chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi, who together with other runners, ran for a few more metres.
On the way to the VIP stage in Han Chiang High School field, they were greeted by about 50 HCUC employees who did a Flashmob dance performance.
Present at the VIP stage to receive the torch were Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association Board of Directors Executive Advisor and HCUC Chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Kok Ping, Board Honorary Advisor Dato’ Seri Ng Tee Soo, Board chairman Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing and Board of Directors.
The closing ceremony concluded with a dragon dance performance.
Earlier, the Torch Run passed through Jalan Penang, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Dato Kramat, Jalan Air Itam, Jalan Trengganu and ended at Han Chiang’s three educational institutions, namely Han Chiang Primary School, Han Chiang High School and Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) in Jalan Lim Lean Teng.
The Run was promoted by the Board of Directors of Han Chiang Institutions, and co-organised by Malaysia Han Chiang Alumni Association, Penang Teochew Association and Parent-Teacher Association of Han Chiang Primary School.
In conjunction with the event, there were dance performances and a mini food fair.