Tan Sri Chow Poh Kheng

Term：1975 - 1985

Background

On August 7, 1975, the national Wanita MCA was formally founded, and, Tan Sri Chow Poh Kheng was appointed as the first Wanita MCA National Chairperson.

At that time, Wanita MCA had more than 40,000 women members, with over 60 divisions and 200 branches established across the country.

Under her leadership, Wanita MCA outlined its own by-laws, and ensured that the Wanita MCA Chairperson at all levels would automatically become Vice-President of MCA at all levels. Moreover, all Wanita MCA members must apply for the pink party membership card, thus representing the status and power of Wanita MCA.

After taking office, Chow Poh Kheng actively promoted women’s political movement. She launched the <Wanita MCA Ten-Point Plan of Action>, and formed the <Malaysia’s Women Solidarity Movement Cooperative>. On October 3, 1977, she established the <Wanita MCA Diversified Home Economics Promotion Center>. On December 3, 1977, and started promoting formative education and mother tongue language by setting up mother tongue language kindergartens across the country.

Subsequently, she initiated courses on kindergarten administration and teacher training, which encouraged the establishment of nurseries and also laid the foundation to the development of a kindergarten curriculum into CECE institutions and distance courses. These tangible efforts highlighted the contributions of women in all areas, from politics, economy, and culture to education.

Important Timeline:

On July 19, 1981, Chow Poh Kheng was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, becoming the first Chinese woman Parliament Secretary of Malaysia.

On April 29, 1982, Chow Poh Kheng was promoted to Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

On December 11, 1985, Chow Poh Kheng stepped down as Wanita MCA National Chairperson and was appointed Permanent Honorary Chairperson of Wanita MCA.

Dato’ Teng Gaik Kwan

Term：1985 - 1999

Background

After the 1985 party election, Dato’ Teng Gaik Kwan took over the helm from Tan Sri Chow Poh Kheng, and served as the National Wanita MCA Chairperson for 14 years, until 1999.

Political Background

• 1975 - Executive Secretary of Wanita MCA
• 1985 - Wanita MCA National Chairperson and Wanita Wilayah Persekutuan Chairperson
• 03.06.86- Elected as MP for Raub
• 11.08.86- Appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health
• 07.05.87- Appointed as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
• 21.10.90- Elected as MP for Raub
• 29.10.09- Appointed as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
• 25.04.95- Elected as MP for Raub
• 03.05.95- Appointed as Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism
• 1999 - Officially retired

During the 1980s, Wanita MCA fought for and pushed through amendments to many Acts unfavourable of women

In order to protect the legal rights of women, Teng Gaik Kwan had as Chairperson, guided Wanita MCA to persevere in fighting for amendments to many Acts and had succeeded in achieving many good results, namely by rectifying clauses unfavourable to women's rights and other amendments in the Distribution Act 1985, Women and Girls Protection Act 1973, Guardianship of Infants Act 1961, provision 727 of the Penal Code, proposed amendments to the provisions of Employment & Labour laws in 1987, and adoption of the Domestic Violence Act 1994. All of these contributions had greatly enhanced the interests of Malaysian women.

In 1991, Datuk Teng Gaik Kwan launched the <Five Point Guidelines to a New Life for New Generation Women>, a comprehensive approach to improve the status of women in culture, family, community and politics. This effort had greatly strengthened women's political standing and helped women to attain balanced development in all areas.

In 1992, Wanita MCA set up the <Young Women Workshop>; which was later promoted to become the new young women’s bureau, Beliawanis in 1993, thus becoming the first political party in the country to set up a young women’s bureau.

In education, Wanita MCA launched the <Formative Education Scholarships Program>to help students pursuing diploma of early childhood education.

On August 31, 1995, Wanita MCA published the <Ji Wang Kai Lai (carry on the past and open a way for future) - Wanita MCA 1975-1995 Development History>.

On February 23, 1997, Wanita MCA launched the <Women Go Forward>, a national tour to raise awareness of women across the country. From February to May 1998, Wanita MCA also hosted the <Patriotic Rally>national tour of 5,000 to 10,000 people, setting off a patriotic movement of <United, we ride through the storm>.

January 13, 1998, Institute CECE was ssuccessfully registered with the Ministry of Education. On December 20 same year, the Institute secured permit to establish institute of higher education and formally signed agreement with Edith Cowan University to jointly offer distance courses, becoming the first pre-school teacher training institute recognized by the Edith Cowan University of Australia providing professional pre-school teacher training.

In 1996, MCA amended its Constitution and drafted new policies, and subsequently lead to the setting of 30% target for women as appointed councillors by 2000.

In 1998, MCA amended its constitution that required every division to reserve at least one central delegate seat for Wanita MCA and this seat shall be determined during the Wanita divisional general meeting.

In 1998, Wanita MCA had actively recruited women members and set up more than 100 Wanita MCA branches.

Tan Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen

Term：1999 - 2008

Background

In 1999, Ng Yen Yen took office as the 3rd Wanita MCA Chairperson, leading Wanita MCA into the 21st century.

In 2003, Ng Yen Yen was appointed Deputy Finance Minister by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed due to her success in the Ministry of Tourism.

In the 2004 General Elections, during the term of Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi, Barisan Nasional reaped an electoral windfall, and Wanita MCA broke records by winning the most electoral seats and ministerial posts in its history. In the new Cabinet, Ng Yen Yen continued to take on the post as Deputy Finance Minister.

After the 2008 General Election, a new cabinet was formed, following the political tsunami where BN and MCA suffered setbacks. Ng Yen Yen was appointed as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, and became the country’s first female Chinese Minister.

During her 9-years as Wanita MCA National Chaiperson, Ng Yen Yen implemented several innovative ideas.

1. At the beginning of a new century, Ng Yen Yen broke old customs and introduced new changes, such as the launching of a new uniform for Wanita MCA in 2000. She also advocated "intellectual women."
   
   
2. Wanita MCA launched the <Chinese Women Revitalize National Economy Movement> to promote the country’s economy by calling women to join the economic sphere and to assist women in applying for national micro-financing programs. On November 24, 2007, Wanita MCA founded the <Women Entrepreneur Award> in recognition of outstanding women entrepreneurs and to encourage more women to start an undertaking.
   
   
3. She launched the <Shopping Basket> campaign to raise women’s concern and participation in politics; and advocated the philosophy of “the responsibility of the individual is to bring harmony to the family, order to the country and peace to the world,” to encourage women to participate in national affairs.
   
   
4. In terms of social work, Wanita MCA created the <Cai Hui Guan Hua Fang> in 2006 to uplift single-parent families.
   
   
5. In terms of social education, Wanita MCA launched the nationwide <Di Zi Gui> learning exercise on July 30, 2006, and received enthusiastic response from the public. In 2006, the Wanita MCA Diversified Home Economics Promotion Center was renamed as <Wanita MCA Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) Lifelong Learning Centre>, in conjunction of the lifelong learning program promoted by MCA.
   
   
6. To elevate the political status of young women members: On August 26, 2006, Wanita MCA amended its by-laws making it compulsory for Wanita MCA representatives at all levels to retain at least one seat for members under the age of 35.
   
   
7. To attract more young people to join the Party in cultivation of new blood, Wanita MCA amended its by-laws on August 26, 2006 at its Annual General Assembly to allocate at least one committee member seat and one representative seat at the branch, division, state and national level to members who are 35 years and below.
   
   

Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Term：2008 - 2010

Background

Important Years

• 1999 – Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara
• 2004 – Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development
• 2004 – Awarded “The Outstanding Young Malaysian”
• 2004 – Founder and President of PingRong-NKF Haemodialysis Centre
• 2005 – Wanita MCA National Deputy Chairperson
• 2005 – Conferred “Datin Paduka” by the Sultan of Selangor
• 2005 – MCA Central Committee Member
• 2006 – Awarded “National Cheng Chi University Outstanding Malaysian”
• 2008 – Chairperson of Wanita MCA Selangor
• 2008 – Wanita MCA National Chairperson
• 2008 – Perlis State Liaison Committee Chairperson in
• 2009 – Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

Invited guest to radio station; “What Say You” by RTM 2 and “Talking Issues” by ASTRO AEC

Titles and Awards

• 2005 – Conferred “Datin Paduka” by the Sultan of Selangor
• 2004 – Awarded “The Outstanding Young Malaysian”
• 2006 – Awarded “National Cheng Chi University Outstanding Malaysian”

Academic Qualification
Bachelor Of Arts, National Cheng Chi University, Taipei, Taiwan

Political Background

• Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development
• MCA Vice President
• Wanita MCA National Chairperson
• MCA Perlis State Liaison Committee Chairman
• National Head of Crisis Relief Squad of MCA
• Chairperson of Wanita MCA Selangor
• President of PingRong-NKF Haemodialysis Centre

7 Objectives and 5 Plans of Wanita MCA
Wanita MCA under the leadership of Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, realigned its focus and transformation through the following:-

7 OBJECTIVES

1. Extending the caring horizon and be leaders for the people;
2. Changes guided by policies and political professionalism ;
3. Synergetic and integrated organizational network;
4. Friendly political environment to woo youths;
5. Professionalism in core mission for women;
6. Integration with the community and people-oriented;
7. Cultivating a healthy political culture

5 PLANS

1. Formation of the Political Strategic Bureau towards professionalism in politics and adoption of an active and responsive role in national issues and government policy: Wanita MCA must keep abreast with times and provide timely response and provide constructive input and suggestions on the latest developments in the various areas and play an active and leading role in law-making and policy implementation and identify topics for reform. In this respect, the Political Strategy Bureau must have a think tank which comprises talents from the various fields and meets regularly. The bureau should be complemented by a Publicity Bureau and a Legal Bureau to ensure perfection, precision, and promptness as required by professionalism in politics.
   
   
2. Creation of business opportunities to financial independence: (a) to set up Economic Bureau and (b) expand and diversify the functions of the MPTC Life Long Learning Centre to Lifelong Learning & Economic Development Centre by providing (i) vocational training; (ii) business opportunities and employment research and (iii) guidance to business startup and sustenance.
   
   
3. Recruitment and nurturing of young people: The political participation by young people should be duly recognized and appreciated so as to create a friendly and conducive environment for young women to involve in politics:
   
   
   • By narrowing the age gap among Beliawanis members and categorize all women MCA members below the age of 35 years as Beliawanis members;
     
     
   • In addition several Beliawanis members who have been formally elected to the Central Committee, six Beliawanis leaders from the various states, includingRachel Ten and Connie Liew from Selangor, Nicole Wong and Jessica Lai from the Federal Territory, Tee Choon Ser from Pahang and Kathleen Wong from Perak will be appointed as Central Committee by invitation and will be allowed to attend meetings of the Central Committee. Those who are suitable will be formally appointed as full members of the Central Committee in due course.
     
     
   • Formation of a subcommittee headed by Secretary General YB Sdri Senator YB Heng Seai Kie and chairperson of the Beliawanis Bureau Sdri. Tee Hooi Leng and comprises the above six members of the Central Committee by invitation to form a joint committee with MCA Youth to discuss the plan of recruiting young people.
     
     
4. Promotion of Political Education for Wanita Members: Formation of a Political Education Bureau to complement the efforts of the Party’s School in providing systematic political and public administration education to all levels of members while recruiting and training women members with excellent public speaking and writing skills to nurture members to be well-versed with political knowledge and government affairs.
   
   
5. Professionalization of the core tasks of Wanita MCA by setting up Women and Children Aid Bureau: Setting up Women and Children Aid unit in Head Quarter and various states will be carried out to systematically train hundreds of volunteer counselors. The bureau will regularly provide advice and assistance to underprivileged women and children. It also provides services and organizes talks and seminars to collect information and data on the relevant areas of the government with the view to promoting reforms and improvement.
   
   

The other Bureaus will continue to play an active role in promoting their respective functions. The detail and concrete plans will be formalized after the 2nd Wanita Central Committee Meeting and Brainstorming in 1-2 months’ time.

Dato’ Yu Chok Tow

Term：2010 - 2013

Background

Education Background
1994		Master in Education, UNIVERSITY MALAYA
1978-1981		B.A.(Hons), UNIVERSITY MALAYA
1975-1976		Sijil Perguruan, Maktab Perguruan Raja Melewar, Negeri Sembilan DARUL

Working Experience
1986-1995		Lecturer, Maktab Perguruan Raja Melewar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
1996-1999		Chief Executive Officer, MCA Langkawi Project
1999-2008		Mambau State Assemblywoman, Negeri Sembilan
2004-2008		State Executive Councillor, Negeri Sembilan

Positions held in MCA & Wanita MCA

1996-2002

Wanita MCA Deputy Secretary General

Wanita MCA Negeri Sembilan State Vice Chairperson

Wanita MCA Seremban Divisional Chairperson, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

MCA Seremban Divisional Vice Chairman, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

2002-2005

Wanita MCA Deputy Secretary General

Wanita MCA Negeri Sembilan State Vice Chairperson

Wanita MCA Seremban Divisional Chairperson, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

MCA Seremban Divisional Vice Chairman, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

2005-2008

MCA Central Committee Member

Wanita MCA Secretary General

Wanita MCA Negeri Sembilan State Vice Chairperson

Wanita MCA Seremban Divisional Chairperson, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

MCA Seremban Divisional Vice Chairman, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

2008-2013

MCA Central Committee Member (until Mar 2010)

Wanita MCA National Deputy Chairperson (until 8 Apr 2010)

Wanita MCA Negeri Sembilan State Vice Chairperson

Wanita MCA National Chairperson (2010 - 2013)

Datuk Heng Seai Kie

Term：2013 - 2022

Background

Marital Status		Married
Occupation		Lecturer at a National University (pre-politics)
Languages		Proficient in Mandarin, Malay, and English

Education Background
1998		MBA UNIVERSITY KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA (UKM)
1990		DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA (UM)
1986		B.A. (HONS.) UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA (UM)

Party Positions
2013-2022		Wanita MCA National Chairperson cum MCA Vice President
2014-2018		Wanita UMNO Treasurer-General
2008-2009		Wanita MCA Secretary-General
2009-2013		Wanita MCA Vice-Chairperson
2008-2022		State Chairperson of Wanita MCA Perak cum State Vice Chairman of MCA Perak
2003-2008		Bureau Head of MCA Perak National Service
2013-2018		Bureau Head of MCA Consumer’s Affair

Official Appointments
2006–2012		Senator
2009-2010		DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND CULTURE, MALAYSIA
2010–2012		DEPUTY MINISTER OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MALAYSIA
2012-2013		ADVISOR OF MINISTRY OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MALAYSIA
2015-2018		SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE MALAYSIA PRIME MINISTER ON NATIONAL UNITY & INTEGRATION

Statutory Bodies
2004-2006		OFFICER OF NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD (LAN), MALAYSIA
2006-2009		CHAIRMAN OF INSPECTORATE TEAM OF NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING COUNCIL

Non-Governmental Organization Positions
2010-2018		Malaysian Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association – Founder and Honorary Advisor
2010-2018		Malaysian Women's Organizations Friendship Association – Honorary Advisor
2014-2022		Malaysia-China Tourism Development Association - President
2012-2022		Yayasan Pembangunan Wanita- Advisor
2011-2018		My Caring Heart, Malaysia-Patron
2001-2004		Deputy Secretary of the Perak Chinese Assembly
2003-2005		Secretary of the Perak Single Mothers Association
2005-2007		Advisor of the Perak Single Mothers Association
2006-2008		Chairperson of Perak Han Kang Kong Hoey (Women's Section)