Message from Tung Lay Chun, Chairperson, Restoration Committee, Shun Tak Association, Taiping

I have an affinity with old buildings since young.  So it is only natural that I take it upon myself to see that Shun Tak Association, Taiping be restored to its former glory.  After all we boast of having the oldest Shun Tak Association building in Malaysia today. Though this clan house has served its purpose for immigrants from Shun Tak province (now known as Shunde) since 1896, I can trace my roots from this building when both my paternal and maternal grandparents set foot in Malaya.

 

It is indeed an honour to lead the Restoration Committee which was formed on 15^th May, 2011.   Though our Committee is only six in number, it is a force to be reckoned with.  The enthusiasm generated is incredible.

 

We are indebted to our Advisor, Mr. Teoh Chee Keong, who is a well known figure in the field of conservation.  He is our pillar of strength. Majlis Perbandaran Taiping has been very supportive in offering invaluable advice in our restoration effort.   En. Anuar Isa from The First Galleria has  provided us with a wealth of ideas too. The Heritage Society of Taiping has also shown interest in our project.  The press has highlighted our plight on funding and the need for restoration. Special mention goes to  Dr. LF Foong, Town Councillor who is looking into the existing infrastructure and flooding during heavy downpour.

Taiping is known as Bandar Warisan i.e. Heritage Town but much needs to be done.  This charming town is steep in history.  It is hoped that we can spearhead interest in conservation of the old streetscape so that Taiping can live up to its name.  The Association’s process of restoration is moving in the right direction. When restored, we are confident that it will be a must-see on the heritage trail of Taiping. 

Tung Lay Chun

H/phone     :  019-5789057

Email         :  tunglaychun@yahoo.com

TEOH CHEE KEONG  M.Arch., B. Arch.

RESTORATION COMMITTEE CONSULTANT

 

On a chance meeting with Mr. Teoh Chee Keong during the Returning Taiping book launch and heritage talk jointly organized by National

University of Singapore (NUS) and Universiti Malaya (UM) in February,

2011, the idea of restoring Shun Tak Association ancenstral hall was mooted.  Thus a Restoration Committee was formed headed by Ms. Tung Lay Chun.

Mr Teoh is a well known conservationist who obtained his Master of Architecture from Chung Yuan Christian University, School of Design, Taiwan in 2005.  He started his first job as Design Architect at OCT Architects & Associates in Taipei from 1998 to 2000.  He then joined the Modern Architecture and Urban Research Laboratory as a research assistant from 2000 to 2005. 

He was involved in several historical building restoration works, including Taipei City Monument-Yuan Shan Villa, Changhua County Wu De Practice Hall, Taiching Railway Station and National Monument-Taipei Guest House.  His master thesis paper “Urban Modern Development in Kuala lumpur under British Residency System” has been published by Mentor Publishing Sdn Bhd in 2007.  His research interest is in the area of Cultural Heritage Conservation and Preservation Technology.  He is currently lecturing at the School of Architecture & Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur. 

We are indeed fortunate to have him as our Consultant in our Restoration Committee as his experience and involvement in preserving heritage buildings in the country is well documented.  We have benefitted immensely from his invaluable advice and guidance.