Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Inauguration of the 59th President Eric Ng

3/1/2006

Honorable Ambassador Andrew Hsia, Outgoing CCBA President York Chan, President Justin Yu of Lin Sing Association, President Kit Koi Chu of Hoy Sun Ning Yung Association, respected community leaders, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

Thank you for attending my inauguration as the 59^th President of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (C.C.B.A.).  I am honored that all of you have taken the time from your busy schedules to be here this afternoon to witness this oath-taking ceremony.

C.C.B.A. was established in 1883.  For over 120 years, it has been the leading community organization for the Chinese Americans living in the Tri-State Area. Thousands of our ancestors have dedicated their time, enormous energy and painstaking efforts to establish and build this historic – and important -- organization and its components, including the New York Chinese School and the Chinatown Daycare Center. Under my new administration, I promise to follow in the steps of our ancestors, to continue their efforts of fighting for the rights and interests of Chinese-Americans not only in the tri-state area but all over the United States.

President York Chan has performed a remarkable job during his tenure as President of the CCBA, and I commend him for his service to our community.  He is an educated and talented human being who has dedicated two years of diligence for us. His efforts are obvious and are duly praised.

I originally came to the United States from Hong Kong.  I have been in the business of food wholesaling for 30 years, and have served the Chinatown community for over 10 years.  I thank the board members of the Hoy Sun Ning Yung Association for their support, and the member organizations of C.C.B.A. for their trust in electing me to head this prestigious organization for the next two years.  I have a very challenging mission in front of me, and I will perform to the best of my abilities to fulfill the duties of this honorable position.

In the next two years, I will obey my oath and the regulations of the C.C.B.A. to serve our community.  I will operate my office following the desires of those who live and work in the community.  I will continue the projects started by my predecessor that benefit our community, including the voter registration program and construction of the Chinatown Arch. 

More than anything, I desire a peaceful and stable environment between Mainland China and Taiwan.  We hope China will soon be united peacefully under the Three Principle of the People (of the people, by the people and for the people).

        
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Two years ago, I was standing on this stage to be sworn in as the 58th President of CCBA.  Time has gone so fast, and I am leaving this honorable position today.  I respectfully thank you for all the support you have given me in the last two years, including all the government officials, directors and members of the CCBA structure, community leaders, CCBA staffs, media, businesses and individuals.

CCBA was established in 1883 and it has been the leading organization in Chinatown since then. Without official authorized power and assistance from the government, CCBA has led Chinatown for over 120 years with the trust from the Chinese-Americans living in the Tri-State area.  In CCBA’s history, all presidents have dedicated their efforts to improving living conditions, and fighting for the rights and benefits of all Chinese-Americans. 

In the last two years, CCBA has achieved many milestones. We spearheaded the move to form the Chinese Voters Federation in May 2004 to encourage qualified Chinese-American citizens to register and vote. We strongly supported the formation of the Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation, the Asian Job Service Employer Committee and other programs, all of which benefit the Chinese communities in many important ways.

The CCBA and the Chinese American Voters Federation hosted a debate for the Democratic candidates for Mayor in May 2005, and another debate for the Democratic candidates for Manhattan Borough President in September 2005.  Both Forums were conducted entirely in English with simultaneous translations provided in both Mandarin and Cantonese through the use of headphones.

CCBA not only cares for the people in the Chinatown community, but we are also concerned about people around the world. In November 2004, I made official visits to China and Taiwan where I met with high officials in both governments to explore ways of improving relationships between them. Immediately following the earthquake and tsunami disasters in south Asia, CCBA led an emergency community-wide campaign to raise much-needed funds for the victims, a drive that raised more than $500,000 for the American Red Cross Emergency Response Fund.  In September 2005, right after the Hurricane Katrina disaster, CCBA and Sing Tao Daily joined together and raised $170,000 for the victims.

Voter Education is my lifetime mission.  After I leave CCBA today, I will continue to serve in the Chinese-American Voters Federation.  Our vote is our power.  We need to educate every single Chinese-American voter about the importance of our votes. If Chinese-Americans continue to come out and vote in greater numbers, we are sure to see many more elected and appointed officials who are of Chinese heritage. 

President Eric Ng is a well-known and respected community leader.  I am confident he will continue CCBA’s mission to serve our community.  My best wishes go out to him and to all of you.   Thank you.