As time passed and the number of members in the Sim Clan Ancestral Hall in North Malaya continued to increase, the existing premises became insufficient to accommodate the growing activities. Therefore, on September 6, 1993, the Reconstruction Preparatory Committee was established, and Kang Hua, the Clan Head, was elected as the Chairman. The plan was to rebuild the ancestral hall into a two-story building, with a spacious hall on the top floor for ancestral worship and office use. The ground floor would be rented out to businesses, and the income generated would be used as an activity fund, thereby reducing the heavy expenses and achieving a win-win situation.
Due to health reasons, the Chairman of the Reconstruction Committee stepped down, and Geng Sang, the Deputy Clan Head, was elected to take on this important responsibility. The reconstruction plan faced numerous challenges and constraints, including the regulations on heritage buildings in Penang, which caused delays and setbacks. Finally, in 2006, the plan received approval from the authorities, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 7 of the same year. The new ancestral hall was fully completed in 2009 and obtained the Certificate of Occupation in 2010.
1993
Reconstruction Preparatory Committee was established
2009
New ancestral hall was fully completed
Ancestral Hall witnessed
the grand ceremony of the Jin Ci An
On June 28, 2011, the Ancestral Hall witnessed the grand ceremony of the Jin Ci An and the celebration of the completion of the reconstruction. Clan members from around the world and various parts of Malaysia enthusiastically participated in the event, paying homage to their ancestors and engaging in mutual exchange. This was the most significant historical celebration for the ancestral hall, lasting two days and including events such as the welcoming of the ancestral tablet, the opening ceremony of the ancestral hall, ancestral worship, and the distribution of commemorative balls. The success of this event was achieved through the fruitful collaboration and dedicated efforts of the Celebration Committee Chairman and the General Affairs Committee.
During the ceremony, the inaugural members of the Sim Clan Association of Malaysia’s first Board of Directors also took their oath of office, symbolizing the clan’s collective step towards a new pinnacle.
In this era of rapid technological advancement, it is essential for the younger generation to join and contribute to the ancestral hall, nurturing new blood and working together to promote its development and glory. With this in mind, the Youth Group was established in 1993, with Yao Quan serving as its first leader. Over the years, these young clan members have taken on more significant roles within the ancestral hall.
Upon its establishment, the Sim Clan Youth Group collaborated with youth groups from other surnames in Penang to organize the “Penang Youth Camp ’94,” which lasted for three days from June 4 to June 6, 1994, at the Penang Science University. The Youth Group has been actively involved in joint activities with other surname youth groups, contributing to the community.
Achieve new brilliance
To encourage the children of clan members to excel academically and achieve extraordinary accomplishments, the Dr. Sim Yew Cheng Education Award program was initiated in 2010. It accepts applications and grants awards to eligible clan members’ children as a form of recognition. Two years later, in 2012, the Ancestral Hall officially established the Scholarship Fund, with the Clan Head, Geng Sang, serving as the Director. All members’ children are eligible to apply for the scholarship, and it is hoped that they will become outstanding individuals contributing to the nation’s development.
Since September 2007, Geng Sang has served as the Chairman for approximately 14 years. Under his visionary and wise leadership, the entire Executive Committee has wholeheartedly cooperated and worked together seamlessly, leading to the continuous progress and prosperity of the Sim Clan Ancestral Hall in North Malaya. May the blessings of our ancestors be with everyone for peace, smoothness, and further achievements