PAPAR: Around 400 community members, teachers and students in Papar were treated to a special screening of the acclaimed Chinese film “Dear You” at 10Star Cinemas, Parklane City, on Thursday, courtesy of WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen.
Susan said she was deeply moved by the film, which portrays love, sacrifice and the struggles of overseas Chinese communities, particularly those of Teochew descent, when she first watched it at the invitation of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu on June 17.
Upon learning that the film was not being screened in Papar, she decided to arrange a special showing for the local Chinese community at 10Star Cinemas.
“The Chinese community are delighted because they are able to watch this renowned film in Papar without having to travel to Kota Kinabalu,” she said, adding that the movie was screened at 11am, 8pm and 10pm.
Susan said the film resonated strongly with her because it reminded her of her parents’ experiences.
Her late father, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Wong Kwok, had migrated from China to Nanyang in search of a better livelihood, a journey similar to that of the film’s main character.
Predominantly delivered in the Teochew dialect, “Dear You” depicts the hardships faced by overseas Chinese communities and their determination to establish and sustain Chinese education despite numerous challenges.
Susan said the movie highlights the sacrifices and contributions made by the Chinese community in preserving mother-tongue education and underscores the belief that education is the pathway to a better future.
“When my siblings and I were young, my mother, Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mui, would always tell us to study, study and study.
“She would not allow us to do house chores or spend time cooking because she wanted us to focus on our education and have a better life,” she said.
Susan described “Dear You” as a film that is truly worth watching, particularly for younger generations seeking to understand the experiences and sacrifices of their ancestors.
“The film carries the heritage, values and spirit of our Chinese predecessors, which should be preserved and passed down from generation to generation,” she said.
