Pelangi Publishing Group donates books

Pelangi Publishing Group generously donated over 1,700 books to UTAR on 30 March 2016. The Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director Datuk Sum Kown Cheek graced us with his presence at UTAR Sungai Long Campus for the handover ceremony and spoke at the talk on “The Development and Management of Pelangi Publishing Group”.

From left: Tneh, Dr Chong, Prof Chuah, Datuk Sum, Nian Hong, and Dr Liau

Mooted by UTAR’s Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) and Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI), the books received from Pelangi Publishing Group were of various languages and genres, ranging from children’s books to works of Malaysian Chinese Literature. Besides expanding UTAR Library’s resources, the books will also be used for research and pedagogical purposes. In addition to the books, Pelangi Publishing Group also donated reading pens, CDs, and other children’s learning tools.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Datuk Sum enthused, “This is the very first time we have donated books to a university. I am happy to know that the books will become important resources for the fellow UTAR students as useful learning and reference tools.” He emphasised, “Early childhood learning is often neglected. I am glad that Pelangi Publishing Group has the opportunity to get in touch with academia like UTAR’s who share common ground.”

On behalf of UTAR, Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik thanked Datuk Sum for his charitable acts. “It is rather difficult to set up a Chinese publishing company. Striving through the challenges, Pelangi Publishing Group has been awarded various prestigious awards such as Superbrands Status Award, Golden Bull Award, and The BrandLaureate Awards. More admirably, its renowned achievements do not cease it from continuing to giving back to society.” The President advised the students, “It is extremely tough to sustain and succeed in the arts and culture discipline. You might one day become a teacher, a journalist, or an entrepreneur. You must learn from experienced people in the industries regardless of the career path you choose in the future.”

Also present at the handover ceremony were Southern Malaysia Literature and Cultural Association Chairman Lee Fa (pen name Nian Hong/年红) and Pelangi Publishing Group Human Resource and Administrative Consultant Foo Ho Tim. The ceremony also saw delegates from ICS and FCI, including ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, FCI Deputy Dean David Tneh, Assoc Prof Dr Liau Ping Leng, as well as other faculty members and students.

Some of the books and educational tools donated

Having over 37 years of experience in the publishing industry, Datuk Sum also held a talk and interaction session with more than 80 staff and students from FCI’s Journalism in Chinese Media and Early Childhood Education programmes, as well as ICS postgraduates.

Datuk Sum spoke about the history and development of Pelangi Publishing Group. He also encouraged students who are interested in the field to be more proactive and to keep themselves abreast of the latest changes in order to be adaptable to the current trends. “You must also be alert of the changes in policies, particularly on educational transformations,” said the former educator. “Those who are passionate about writing and wish to join the creative writing and publishing fields, I advise you to read more so that you are able to produce good quality content.”

He also mentioned that rapid technological innovations do not threaten the publishing business, but provide broader platforms for the publishers to source and publish more valuable and interesting materials for readers via multimedia.

Datuk Sum speaking about the founding history of Pelangi Publishing Group

Datuk Sum graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 1978 and became a school teacher in the same year. Later in 1993, he left the teaching profession and established Pelangi Publishing Group with some of his friends. Under his excellent leadership over the years, the company has achieved rapid growth by securing local school textbook projects, and expanding its product range by entering into children’s books via the licensing of Disney merchandise. Doing so subsequently placed Pelangi Publishing Group on the international publishing map. He regularly spearheads talks at book fairs and conferences at both the national and international levels, and keeps himself active and updated in the publishing business.