It required expertise, passion and commitment. And although things have not been easy, the New Chinatown Foundation, under the direction of its President, Jean-Paul Lam, has been working hard to bring to life its project of reviving Chinatown. From inception to realisation, here are its main achievements over the last year.
Installation of Eco-Bins
Sharing knowledge and creating awareness of waste behaviours. This is why twenty Eco-Bins were installed in an effort to improve waste management in the community.
Tang Loon – The Biggest Dragon of Africa
Chinatown got its very own dragon when Tang Loon, the 108 metre-long sculpture made of plastic bottles, was unveiled. Its realisation and installation took around eight months of patience and passion. It also required an important financial investment.
Everything was worth it though. Tang Loon immediately became one of the finest features of Chinatown Mauritius. It attracts visitors and encourages them to discover the other riches of the neighbourhood. Like all dragons in Chinese culture, it also stands as a grand symbol of courage, determination and vitality.
Shaolin consecration
In September 2018, Jean-Paul Lam visited the famous Shaolin Monastery on Mount Song, in Henan Province. He met Shaolin Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin, who was so impressed by the work done by the New Chinatown Foundation that he decided to send a delegation of monks to Mauritius to consecrate Chinatown.
On the 2nd of November 2018, for the very first time in Mauritius, an exceptional consecration ceremony was conducted at Choy Sin Pagoda by Grand Master Shi YanZhi.
Merry Chinatown
On 30 December 2018, a Christmas gift-giving ceremony was organised, followed by a Chinese fusion spectacle. Gifts, snacks and a lunch pack were given to over 2000 deprived kids from all regions of Mauritius.
Twinning with Chinatowns in Malaysia and Paris
The New Chinatown Foundation puts a lot of emphasis on the process of meeting other cultures and exchanging knowledge and ideas as invaluable to personal, professional and economic growth.
Highlights of this journey include the twinning programs with Malaysia Chinatown in August 2018 and Paris Chinatown in February of this year.
Jean-Paul Lam, President of the New Chinatown Foundation
“Let’s plant more dreams and grow together”
What long term objectives would you like to see completed?
I want New Chinatown Mauritius to become the Lantern of Africa. It is already considered as the warmest on the continent, but we could all work towards the objective of getting it into the Top 10 in the world.
What significant changes do you see coming in the near future?
As a young individual, the first thing that comes to mind is to be part of an energetic group of people who always want positive change in their own family, community and society, and the overall development of their country. Nowadays, we barely see youngsters engaging in social work. I would
definitely like to see more young people who can lead change be involved in social activities. I strongly believe that tomorrow’s leaders are the backbone of the country.
How is the New Chinatown Foundation different from similar organizations?
Firstly, New Chinatown Foundation is built for the entire Mauritian population. We also believe in bridging with Chinatowns all over the world as we have that strong passion for exchanging between cultures, building new relationships and maintaining friendships.
If you could change one thing about Chinatown Mauritius, what would it be?
People’s hearts. I was born and brought up in Chinatown. When I came back home after 20 years spent abroad, I still believed in a healthy society. But to my surprise, I realised many people are very protective and conservative. They look for change but are not ready to stand up for change to happen. That’s why we decided to give our time, energy and passion to oxygenise the soil, plant more dreams and grow together under our rainbow sky.
Map facebook
