People who keep their word in Chau Doc

As a respected figure in the Chinese community of Chau Doc ward, Mr. Lai Kim Tuong is a prime example of someone who has made positive contributions to the development of his hometown.

Mr. Lai Kim Tuong (left) meets with Mr. Tran Binh Hoa. Photo: MINH QUAN

Work hard and do a good job.

For many years, the name Lai Kim Tuong has been familiar to the Chinese community in Chau Doc ward. As a member of the Chau Doc Chinese Mutual Aid Association, he has always actively cared for those in difficult circumstances. Mr. Lai Kim Tuong stated that the Chinese tradition emphasizes community solidarity and caring for the vulnerable. In his role, he is even more aware of this responsibility.

“I am fortunate to have a stable family economic situation: Along with other members of the Mutual Aid Association, I actively participate in social welfare work in the locality. If there are people in difficult circumstances who need help, I always find ways to support them with rice, money, and necessities. In cases where patients need money for treatment, I step forward to mobilize and participate in providing some support. I think this is about compassion between people to make life better,” Mr. Tuong said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, even though he was over 70 years old, he still sought permission from the local authorities to bring essential supplies to people who were unable to travel. At that time, many people were worried about their health, but he accepted the responsibility of doing good deeds with the thought, "The people need me." Mr. Tuong still displays a certificate of commendation from the People's Committee of Chau Doc City in 2022 recognizing his positive contributions to the fight against the pandemic.

Even after the pandemic, Mr. Tuong continued to support vulnerable people in society. He contributed to almost all local social welfare activities. Mr. Tran Binh Hoa, a member of the Chau Doc Chinese Mutual Aid Association, affirmed: “Mr. Lai Kim Tuong is a prime example of dedication to the community. Besides contributing to the association's activities and the local government, he also regularly provides rice and essential supplies to many disadvantaged households.”

Community solidarity

The Chinese community in Chau Doc ward currently comprises four groups: Teochew, Cantonese, Fujianese, and Chongzheng, totaling over 370 households. As the representative of the Teochew group, Mr. Tuong, along with members of the Mutual Aid Association, encourages the community to uphold the spirit of solidarity and focus on improving their living standards.

“Having settled in Chau Doc for a long time, we don't differentiate between Kinh, Chinese, or Cham people. Regardless of ethnicity, all are Vietnamese, and all have a duty to contribute to their homeland and country. I often encourage the Chinese community to comply with the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws, and the local development direction. To gain their trust, we must lead by example,” Mr. Tuong said.

Mr. Tuong often communicates with and guides the Chinese community in his neighborhood, discouraging them from listening to distorted and divisive propaganda. His built reputation has earned him trust within the community; whenever his name is mentioned, the people of Hamlet 5 speak fondly of him. Thai Quoc Vinh, Head of the People's Committee of Hamlet 5, stated: "Mr. Lai Kim Tuong is a model individual in social welfare and national unity. He participates in many activities, from contributing money to support the poor, building bridges and roads, to charitable activities in the hamlet. He is a very active individual who helps us connect effectively with the local Chinese community."

With his understanding of the traditional culture and religious life of the Chinese community, Mr. Tuong was entrusted by the People's Committee of Hamlet 5 with the task of disseminating information and mobilizing people to effectively implement local policies and movements. Currently, he is a member of the Hamlet 5 Front Committee, enjoying the trust of officials and residents in the area. "We greatly need Mr. Lai Kim Tuong's participation in uniting the Chinese community and contributing to the development of Chau Doc," Mr. Thai Quoc Vinh emphasized.

Mr. Lai Kim Tuong has just been awarded a certificate of commendation by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for his outstanding achievements in ethnic affairs, contributing to the development of the province.

MINH QUAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguoi-giu-chu-tin-o-chau-doc-a470160.html