A 64-years-old puzzle

Did I say "a day well spent in Kuala Lumpur" yesterday? I most certainly did. Right after the conclusion of the Dr Wu Lien-Teh award ceremony at the University Malaya, my fellow travellers from Penang - Anwar Fazal and Hor Chee Peng - together with Ronald Quay who's from Kuala Lumpur, made our way to the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) to meet up with someone I had gotten to know about nine days earlier and whom the others in my group didn't know anything about him at all!

Almost 12 years ago when I got into The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society as a committee member, I saw two pictures on Wu Lien-Teh's funeral in January 1960. The first was of the hearse leaving his residence in Chor Sin Kheng Road. The vehicle was flanked on both sides by a group of Scouts from Penang Free School. Short of it being a State funeral, representatives of the PFS Scouts, Cadets, School Prefects, teachers and the Headmaster, the two Boards of Governors and Trustees had turned up in force to give the Grand Old Free a memorable final send-off. It was quite unprecedented and possibly, only Dr Lim Chong Eu's state funeral in 2010 could surpass the spectacle as the latter had the PFS School Band turning up to lead the funeral procession.

The second picture from the funeral was supposed to show the grieving family members walking behind the hearse. This could well be the best angle for the photographer but alas, the mourners couldn't be seen clearly because just as the camera's shutter was pressed, one of the PFS Boy Scouts had moved into the frame in tandem with the hearse and almost entirely blocked off the grieving party. I can only imagine the photographer grinding his teeth and cursing his luck when he subsequently discovered that this was the best of his efforts! Despite this mishap, I suppose getting this picture of the partially blocked Wu family was still better than having no picture taken at all. But I'm surprised that no other picture of Wu Lien-Teh's funeral had surfaced publicly anywhere else. Surely the photographer had developed more than two pictures?

In the 12 years since knowing of the existence of these two pictures, I am even more surprised that everyone had simply accepted these pictures at their face value. Nobody I knew was curious enough to ask who was this PFS Scout in the picture! I must admit that it never crossed my mind either. Not until last month anyway. After I had met with a group of visitors from China, it struck me that, hey, who was this Boy Scout? On first May, I decided to pose this question in The Old Frees' Association's facebook page. I asked if anyone knew or recognised this young Scout from 64 years ago. This Scout looked like 16 years old in 1960. It was a long shot, of course, because the youngster could now be around 80 years old in 2024.

The results weren't immediate. It took six days before I received a positive reply from a lead. And in the natural course of my inquisitiveness, I was soon chatting through Whatsapp with John Wong Peng Chong. Yes, he confirmed that the Boy Scout in the picture was him. And he was exactly 80 years old. He said Wu Lien-Teh was still a big name when he was at Penang Free School, and he considered it a big honour to have been one of the Scouts representing the School at the funeral. He recalled that from Chor Sin Kheng Road, the cortege turned right at the junction with Ayer Itam Road. Curious onlookers lined the route until the procession dispersed. But because this funeral was 64 years ago, John's memory of the rest of the occasion was hazy.  

As coincidence would have it, I had agreed back in February to join some of my fellow committee members from The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society at an award ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last Wednesday. The timing was just perfect. I quickly informed the Secretary-General and the President of my efforts to track down the PFS Boy Scout, and he had been located in Kuala Lumpur. Would they like to meet him? Everyone said yes. Would John Wong be agreeable to meet us? He said yes too. So we decided to meet at the KLGCC where almost two hours passed by only too quickly for John, Anwar Fazal, myself, Ronald and Peng. As we headed home from Kuala Lumpur later, the one thought that went through my mind was that, yes, this was another piece of the Wu Lien-Teh jigsaw puzzle found. Finally, we had resolved the identity of the Penang Free School Boy Scout at the funeral of Dr Wu Lien-Teh on 25 January 1960. Definitely, a day well spent in Kuala Lumpur!

Third Wu Lien-Teh Society award ceremony

Day well spent in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, although it took some effort to wake up at 3.30 in the morning to prepare myself for a day trip down south. But by five o'clock, I was at Dr Hor Chee Peng's house to join him and Anwar Fazal for a drive down to the University Malaya to attend the third Dr Wu Lien-Teh award ceremony for the best student in their Doctor of Public Health post-graduate programme, organised by the University's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. 

The winner of this year's award was Dr Vivek Jason Jayaraj who gave an interesting and inspirational acceptance speech at the ceremony. Turned out that in his younger days, he had even attended the Methodist Boys' School in Penang when his father was posted to the island briefly. Both Anwar Fazal and Hor Chee Peng are the president and secretary-general of The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society respectively. Together with Ronald Quay who also attended the ceremony, we're only committee members of the Society.

I was hard put to say anything about the awardee but woke up this morning to learn of an informative handout to the Press that had been prepared overnight by our enthusiastic and hardworking secretary-general. So this description below about the winner basically comes from his pen:

Dr Vivek Jason Jayaraj is a Public Health Physician, currently serving at the National Institutes of Health Malaysia. He has previously served in rural Sabah for several years prior to his enrolment into postgraduate study. He is a professional with a keen interest in the confluence of data analytics, epidemiology, infectious disease and health systems. His portfolio includes key projects on the epidemiology of COVID-19, the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions and the comparative impact of health systems on COVID-19 transmission. With a penchant for data-driven solutions, Dr Vivek has been involved in developing and implementing mathematical, time-series, and machine-learning models to forecast the spread of infectious diseases, including dengue, COVID-19 and HFMD (hand, foot and mouth disease). He strongly advocates the integration of data and compassion to create a promising future in healthcare. He relentlessly strives to reduce the time gaps in data-driven solutions within the realm of infectious disease and health systems, working to shape a world where technology and humanity meet to improve health outcomes. Dr Vivek dedicates himself to community outreach with great passion. He led his team to set up pour flush pit latrines at an Orang Asli village at Bukit Manchung with sanitary education programme. He also conducted risk assessment activities at Angelcare Nursing Home and Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The selection process for the award is conducted by an independent panel of academicians set up by the Faculty of Medicine and approved by the Senate of University Malaya, with four domains of evaluation: leadership, community engagement, academic standing and professionalism. The awardee receives a medal, RM1,000 cash prize and a certificate from The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society.

Among all the pictures I took at the ceremony, this was the only picture that mattered. Standing left to right: Dr Victor Hoe Chee Wai bin Abdullah (Head, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine), Anwar Fazal, Dr Vivek Jason Jayaraj and Dr Yang Faridah binti Abdul Aziz (Dean, Faculty of Medicine)

Cenotaph standing proud

I had written about Penang's Cenotaph at the Esplanade two or three times in the past with two of my notable stories here and here. There's little for me to add except to say that the Cenotaph was destroyed in January 1945 by, ironically, Allied bombing. It was the tail-end of the Second World War and within the next few months. Japan would surrender. The Allied bombing left the Cenotaph severely damaged and for about a year, the rubble was uncleared and the place became a dumping ground. The hawkers and citizens of George Town were far from being civic-minded in those days. 

A few weeks before Remembrance Day on 11 November 1946, the rubble was finally carted off and a simple flagstaff was planted on the same spot as the old Cenotaph. But luckily, the Town Council did not dispose off the damaged material. The Council kept whatever they could and rebuilt the Cenotaph with as much of the salvaged granite blocks as possible. 

The rebuilding effort was largely driven by an architect, Charles Geoffrey Boutcher, who generously offered his services gratis to the Council. Still, the project wasn't without costs—about $3,500 was spent to restore the new Cenotaph in time for Remembrance Day on 11 November 1948. The Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle, in its issue of 12 November 1929, carried an illustration of the original Cenotaph 

It is not known to me when the Municipal Council first erected a metal fence around the perimeter of the Cenotaph. Was it to safeguard it from vandalism or people using the place for less than respectable reasons? 

But the problem with fencing off the monument and making it out of bounds for people meant that the Council was creating a physical barrier to disconnect it from the general public. This shouldn't be the case. We should not alienate the Cenotaph from the people as the decline in public interest and engagement will reduce its significance in our community and cultural heritage. And that's the last thing the City Council should do. The Cenotaph is also an educational tool that provide insights into our history and culture. Restricting access will limit learning opportunities and awareness, especially for younger generations who can gain from the tangible connections to their history.

My latest excursion to the Esplanade was on 30 April, hardly two weeks ago. I was surprised to see that the metal fence had been removed by the City Council and the Cenotaph was now standing grandly in the open space. That was the way it should be. The monument now looked so much more proper than before. Without the fence, it now has an excellent visual impact: no detraction from its aesthetic value. In my opinion, the landscape has been suitably enhanced and it should provide an overall appeal for both locals and visitors. And finally, I noticed that around the Cenotaph, there was now a low circular perimeter wall which replaced an unimaginative stone plaque which was simply out-of-place. Etched into the perimeter wall are dedications to the fallen soldiers from various campaigns—from the First World War (1914-1918) till the Reinsurgency Period (1968-1990).

ADDENDUM: On my facebook a few days ago, I had mentioned with the above picture that the cruise liner in the background reminds us that this is 2024 and not 1929 when the original Cenotaph was built to commemorate the soldiers who had made ultimate sacrifices. We are five years away from celebrating the Cenotaph's centenary. I wonder what's being planned, or is it too far away for anyone else to care?

Eastern Asia youth chess championship 2024

 

8th EASTERN ASIA YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 12 – 21 July 2024 

INVITATION

The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and World Chess Federation (FIDE), is inviting all National and Regional Chess Federations in Eastern Asia to participate in the 8th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship. The championship will take place from 12th to 21st July 2024, at CitiTel Hotel, located on the island of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility to participate in the event is as follows:

1.1. The Championship is open to chess players from the Eastern Asia Federations in FIDE Zone 3.3 and Zone 3.5. The participant must not have reached the respective ages before 1st January 2024.

1.2. There will be 12 categories, in case there are fewer than five (5) federations or eight (8) players in an age group, that group shall be merged with another age group.

i. Under 08 Open / Girls: Born on or after 1st January 2016

ii. Under 10 Open / Girls: Born on or after 1st January 2014

iii. Under 12 Open / Girls: Born on or after 1st January 2012

iv. Under 14 Open / Girls: Born on or after 1st January 2010

v. Under 16 Open / Girls: Born on or after 1st January 2008

vi. Under 18 Open / Girls: Born on or after 1st January 2006

1.3. Every Asian National Chess Federation can register only one Official Player in each category (maximum of 12 official players). No replacement from other categories can be made if there were no Official Player in one category. Playing in a higher age category for an official place shall be treated as an additional player.

1.4. For all official players – with a maximum of 12 official players per Federation, will be provided free board and lodging either on a double or a triple room basis. As and when necessary, a quad or a dormitory lodging may be arranged for the players, including arrangements at different hotels nearby.

1.5. Each federation may register any number of additional players. Additional players are subjected to payment of the entry fee, registration fee and fees for full board/lodging to the Organizing Committee.1.6. All participants must have a FIDE ID. For Malaysians, additional MCF ID will be required.

2. TOURNAMENT FORMAT

The tournament format shall be as follows:

2.1. Pairing System & Number of Rounds

The tournament will be conducted using Swiss System of 9 rounds, Swiss Manager Program for pairing and shall be in accordance with the Playing Rules of FIDE.

Note: Where there are fewer than five (5) federations or ten (10) players in a category, the organizer reserves the right to merge the group with another age group category according to FIDE Regulations for titles purposes

2.2. Time Control

Standard event – 90 minutes with increment of 30 seconds from move 1

Rapid event

– 15 minutes with increment of 5 seconds from move 1

Blitz event

– 3 minutes with increment of 2 seconds from move 1

2.3. Final Ranking & Tiebreak Systems

In the end of the tournament, the final ranking of the players will be determined according to the number of points obtained. If two or more players finish with equal points the final ranking shall be according to the tie-break results in the following order:

2.3.1. Direct Encounter

2.3.2. Greater number of wins (forfeit counted, byes are not forfeits)

2.3.3. Buchholz Cut 1

2.3.4. Buchholz Cut 2

2.3.5. Sonneborn Berger

2.4. Players from the same federation may play each other in the last round.

3. SCHEDULE

The tournament schedule is set as follows:

4. AWARD OF DIRECT TITLES

Eligibility for the Award of Direct Titles to event winners are as follows:

4.1. Direct titles may be awarded in accordance to FIDE Title Regulation (B01) effective from 1st January 2024 (Kindly refer to https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B01DirectTitles2024)

4.2. U18 Open/Girl categories –

4.2.1. The Gold medalist shall be awarded the title of International Master (IM) / Women International Master (WIM).

4.2.2. 1st equal players (best 3 players after tiebreak) shall earn an IM/WIM norm.

4.2.3. The Silver & Bronze medalists shall be awarded the FIDE Master (FM) / Women FIDE Master (WFM).

4.3. U16 Open/Girl categories –

4.3.1. The Gold medalist shall be awarded the title of FM/WFM and an IM/WIM norm.

4.3.2. 1 st equal players (best 3 players after tiebreak) shall be awarded the title of FM/WFM.

4.3.3. The Silver & Bronze medalists shall be awarded the title of Candidate Master (CM) / Women Candidate Master (WCM).

4.4. U14 & U12 Open/Girl categories –

4.4.1. The Gold Medalist shall be awarded the title of FM/WFM.

4.4.2. The Silver & Bronze medalists shall be awarded the title of CM/WCM.

4.5. U10 & U08 Open/Girl categories –

4.5.1. The Gold, Silver & Bronze medalists shall be awarded the title of CM/WCM

4.6. For direct title to be awarded immediately an applicant has to achieved at some time a minimum rating published or interim as follows (see 0.6.2): IM 2200 / WIM 2000, FM 2100 / WFM 1900, CM 2000 / WCM 1800

4.7. Summary of Direct Titles Awards

5. TROPHIES, MEDALS & CERTIFICATES

Trophies, medals, certificates, and cash prizes offered to the winners and participants of the event are as follows:

5.1. Individual Prizes

Trophies, medals, and e-certificates will be awarded to the top three (3) in each category of Standard event, Rapid event & Blitz event. The fourth to tenth places will only be awarded medals and e-certificates in the Standard events.

5.2. Team Prizes

Trophies will be awarded to the top three (3) federations in each category of Standard event, Rapid event & Blitz event. The final ranking of the teams will be determined according to the number of points obtained by the top three players of each federation. Federations with less than 3 players (2 or 1 player/s) will not eligible for a team prize. In case of tie, the tie-break results of each top three (3) players of the federation shall apply.

5.3. Best Federation

Three best Federations, by ranking of medal collected in all categories in Standard event, will be awarded a trophy. The final ranking of the federations will be determined according to the number of gold medals. If there is a tie, then the number of silver medals, and if there is still a tie, then the number of bronze medals. If finally, this is still tied, then the number of medals in Standard, Rapid & Blitz shall apply.

5.4. Certificates of Participation

E-certificates of participation will be presented to all players after the event has concluded.

6. TECHNICAL DELEGATE, CHIEF ARBITER AND APPEALS COMMITTEE

The appointment of Officials for the event:

6.1. The Asian Chess Federation President, after consultation with the Malaysian Chess Federation (The Organizing Federation) shall appoint the Technical Delegate and the Chief Arbiter and the necessary assistant arbiters and other officials.

6.2. The Chairman of the Appeals Committee shall be nominated by the Asian Chess Federation President in consultation with the Malaysian Chess Federation. The Committee shall be composed of one chairman and two members and two reserves, all from different federations, chosen from among the representatives of national federations present.

7. APPEALS

Appeal process against the decision of Chief Arbiter or any of his assistant is as follows:

7.1. Any appeals of protest, including appeals against the decision of the Chief Arbiter or any of his assistants, must be submitted in writing to the Chairman of the Appeals Committee within fifteen (15) minutes after completion of the disputed game, accompanied by protest fee of 100 USD or RM470 in local currency. If the protest is upheld, the protest fee will be returned otherwise it shall be forfeited to the

Organizing Federation.

7.2. No protests or appeal will be entertained in the Rapid and Blitz events where the decision of the Chief Arbiter will be final.

8. REGISTRATION & FEES

Registration Process, Fees, and Procedures.

8.1. All OFFICIAL ENTRIES must be completed using the Official Registration Form and submitted by the respective federations via email to MCF official email at mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org with copy to syawal.chessworks@gmail.com before 12 June 2024.

8.2. Please send copy of passports (in JPG file format with each file named as “Passport - Name Of Holder”) and ID Photos (in JPG file format with each file named as “ID – Name of Holder”) before the 17th of June 2024 to MCF official email at mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org with copy to syawal.chessworks@gmail.com

8.3. Registration Fee

All participants and all accompanying persons will have to pay a registration fee of USD110 per person. This Registration fee includes transportation from/to Penang International Airport, Accreditation Cards, Admittance to the event venue and banquet of Closing Ceremony.

8.4. Entry Fee

The Entry Fee for all Official Players shall be USD75 and USD150 for all Official players and Additional Players respectively. The Entry Fee includes for Standard, Rapid & Blitz events.

8.5. Closing Date

The Official Closing date to register shall be on or before the 12th of June 2024. Submission of entries after the Official Closing date shall incur additional penalty fee of 50 USD per person, and subject to Organizers’ discretion/space limitations. No entries will be entertained after the 26th of June 2024.

8.6. Flight Information

All flight information shall be sent to MCF official email at mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org with copy to syawal.chessworks@gmail.com before the 17th of June 2024.

9. BOARD & LODGING

Official Venue: CitiTel Hotel Pulau Pinang

9.1. The Official Hotel and Venue for the tournament shall be the CitiTel Hotel Pulau Pinang located at No 66, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

9.2. For safety and logistic reasons, all players and accompanying persons, coaches, and captains are obligated to stay at the Official Hotel with reservations made and secured via the Malaysian Chess Federation. 

9.3. CitiTel Hotel, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

9.4. The Organizing Committee will provide free board and lodging at the Official Hotel to all Official players and one (1) Head of Delegate per federation on double or triple room sharing basis from 12 July (with dinner to be provided) to 21 July (with breakfast only) 2024.

9.5. The rate offered for all additional players and accompanying persons for accommodation and full boarding at the official hotel shall be as follows:

Single : 110 USD per night per person (990 USD for 10 days & 9 nights)

Double: 90 USD per night per person (810 USD for 10 days & 9 nights)

Triple : 80 USD per night per person (720 USD for 10 days & 9 nights)

Note: price includes: 9 nights of accommodation (12-20 July), 9 breakfasts (13-21 July), 8 lunches (13-20 July) and 8 dinners (12-19 July, 20 July Dinner will be provided during the closing ceremony)

9.6. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to rearrange the rooming arrangements according to the room availability as it deems appropriate. This includes arranging additional rooms at nearby hotels (within a 15-minute drive) as and when necessary and/or required.

10. PAYMENT

All payments must be made to the Malaysian Chess Federation official bank accounts as per following details. All bank commissions and/or charges must be managed and paid by the sender/sender themselves. After the closing date of 12th June 2024, no request for refund shall be entertained.

Account Name: PERSEKUTUAN CATUR MALAYSIA

Bank Name: CIMB

Bank Accoun: 8000649725

Swift Code: CIBBMYKL

Bank Address

CIMB Bank Berhad (Jalan TAR Branch)

Ground Floor, Bangunan Commerce Life,

No 338, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,

50100 Kuala Lumpur

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

11. CONTACT DETAILS

For further information or clarification with regards to the Championship, please contact the following:

I. Najib Abdul Wahab

Honorary Secretary, Malaysian Chess Federation

Email: mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org

Mobile: +6016.338.2542

II. Jonathan Chuah

Committee Member, Penang Chess Association

Email: jonathan.chuah@gmail.com

Mobile: +6012.457.3263

III. Syawal Aqmar Shahrir Ariff

Event Administrator/Secretariat

Email: syawal.chessworks@gmail.com

Mobile: +6017.275.7276

Malayan chess

A story written by Leong Chee Weng, a long-time chess friend from Singapore. He has been in the forefront of chess for decades, having held top positions both in the World Chess Federation (Fide) and Singapore Chess Federation (SCF). In this story which appeared on his facebook account in April, he wrote about the early days of chess in Singapore and Malaya/Malaysia. It's worth a read:

MALAYAN CHESS: Before SCF & MCF

The Singapore Chess Federation (SCF) originated from the Singapore Chess League (SCL) which was formed in 1949 to basically organise three main competitions: the Inter-Clubs Team, the Singapore Schoolboys (presently, the National Schools Individuals) and the Inter-Schools Team. The SCL was housed at the premises of the Singapore Chess Club (SCC) which was founded in 1896!

The late Dr Yeoh Bok Choon from Johor (Malaysia) had graduated in Singapore and continued working there. In 1947, he was the SCC champion. It was through his persuasion and cooperation with the late Dr Lim Kok Ann that the Malayan Chess Association was also formed through the coordinated travel meetings made by Dr Lim to Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Hence the twin birth of SCL and MCA in 1949.

That year, the Malayan Championship was inaugurated in Penang and continued until the last edition in 1963 after which Singapore was separated from Malaysia. Richard Lim from Johor was the only Malaysian to have won the title of Malayan Champion.

In 1960, both Malaya and Singapore became members of FIDE. But what seemed strange was that in 1957, the national co-champion J C Hickey represented Singapore in the Zone Championship. In 1960, Malaya was represented by Choo Min Wang while Lee Chai Seng played for Singapore.  

When the Registry of Societies was established in Singapore in 1961, the SCL became re-constituted as SCF. In 1963, Tan Lian Ann became the first Singaporean to participate in a world-level event, the World Junior Championship. He also played in 1965. In 1968, Singapore competed at the Chess Olympiad for the first time. 

After separation, the MCA became rather inactive.  This could be that during the period 1949 to 1963, 12 editions of the Malayan Championships were held in Singapore with the exceptions of 1955 and 1961 in Kuala Lumpur. 

After a decade, in 1974, Dato Tan Chin Nam formed the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) and Malaysia played its first Olympiad as well as organised the first Asian Team Championship in Penang.

  

Name exploitation

As a committee member of The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society in Penang, I want to say something about a recent development. Late last month, we hosted a group from Beijing consisting of publishers, supporters and researchers interested in the life and accomplishments of our local doctor, Dr Wu Lien-Teh. Through our interactions with them, we learnt that various individuals in China had been exploiting Wu Lien-Teh's name, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. This exploitation has become increasingly problematic in recent years.

We couldn't help but wonder: how exactly was Wu Lien-Teh's name exploited? Well, it turned out his name and likeness were unlawfully used to establish companies and foundations, and even to bestow awards in his honour. Not only that, but trademarks were also registered, profits pocketed, funds raised through illegal means, and yes, fraud was committed. So, a group of individuals in Beijing took it upon themselves to safeguard Wu Lien-Teh's rights and legacy in China. 

(Now, why this specific group? Frankly, we're not entirely sure. Or at least, it's me alone who felt blurry as their conversations with us - our Society's main office-bearers - were all in Mandarin, and my poor understanding was based primarily on what they told me and what I could grasp. Anyhow, the only apparent link they have to Wu Lien-Teh was that a senior member of their clique claimed some distant kinship to the Wu Lien-Teh lineage. Furthermore, he had authored a recent biography on Wu Lien-Teh, published in China. But his appointment as the sole defender of Wu Lien-Teh's rights in China is lost on me. There are questions I'd rather not ask. And let's set the record straight: he's definitely not a grandson of Wu Lien-Teh, despite The Star newspaper's story. Makes you wonder if the reporter got their wires crossed, doesn't it?)

"We are committed to taking action against these dishonest groups to preserve (Wu Lien-Teh's) esteemed reputation," according to a brochure in my hands. Allegedly, these unethical entities enjoyed the protection of influential local factions in China, prompting the Beijing group to enlist the aid of legal and patent experts. Additionally, they garnered support from members of the National People's Congress and the Chinese Political Consultative Conference, resulting, they claimed, in some advancements in their efforts.

So alright, let's talk about Wu Lien-Teh now. The man's dead; he died more than 60 years ago in the land of his birth, where his story began and ended. Despite the flow of time, he remains a pretty big deal in China. Even though he hailed from Penang, he headed to China in 1907 at the request of the Manchu imperial government. Once there, he soon got caught up in a massive plague that ended up taking the lives of around 60,000 people in Harbin. He stuck around in China for three decades, during which he brought modern medical practices to the country and played a key role in establishing several hospitals across the land.

Now, China might want to claim Wu Lien-Teh as one of their own, but there's no denying that he was, first and foremost, an Anak Pulau Pinang or a Son of Penang through and through, not China's. I mean, why else would he have returned to Penang in 1937? Why not tough it out through the Sino-Japanese War? Well, for starters, he lost his home in Shanghai to enemy bombing. And besides, he figured the safest place for his family was back home in Penang.

But there's a point of agreement with the Chinese visitors. There is still much to learn about Wu Lien-Teh of his time in Malaya post-1937. What we do know comes from his autobiography, Plague Fighter. However, autobiographies and memoirs are only as good as what the author tells us. Beyond that, a lot of independent investigations will be needed. As time goes on, this becomes increasingly more difficult. As such, we may never get to learn the full story of this local doctor who got onto the world stage.

Chinese visitors

Several representatives from a Wu Lien-Teh research society based in Beijing, China, are currently visiting this region to learn more about Dr Wu Lien-Teh. Their travels had taken them to Singapore before they headed in Penang and from here, they will be proceeding to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur in the next few days. Where else in Penang would they visit first but Penang Free School where Wu Lien-Teh (also known as Gnoh Lean Tuck during his schooldays) had his roots? He was the Head Prefect in 1894.

Having known of this visit more than a month ago from The Wu Lien-Teh Society Penang, I had arranged for the Free School Guiders to be available to show the Chinese visitors around the School. First stop was the Pinhorn Hall where they congregated at the back, careful not to disturb a school function taking place at the same time, contentedly paying attention to the wall plaques. Apart from the Head Boys plaque, a lot of their interest was also on the Queen's Scholars plaque where Gnoh Lean Tuck's name had featured.

From the Pinhorn Hall, they proceeded to the Archives Block to look at the precious Wu Lien-Teh books and photographs. They spent quite a while there and ended up exchanging souvenirs with the school's Senior Assistant, Leonard Selva. I have to thank the Free School Guiders and the School Prefects for spending some time with us. And also to the Headmaster, Syed Sultan, for permission to walk around the premises.