This book written by Phang See Kong documents the stories about the Chinese Pioneers in Gopeng, Perak (1850-2000). Phang, 76, a former teacher and headmaster, went on to be special assistant to then Gopeng MP Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh between 1991 and 2008. Besides being well-known as a dedicated teacher, Phang is also credited with being someone who always went the extra mile to serve and help the people of Gopeng.
Phang who has been interested in the history of Gopeng since and early age, went on to set up the Gopeng Museum together with a few friends in 2008. He is the museum’s curator.
It is impossible to find any trace of a small town’s background in our history textbooks, and I think it is truly a waste if the story of this heritage town is not passed down to our children. They deserve to know how the pioneers of Gopeng, which are the Semais, the Rawas, the Mandailings, the Chinese and Indians, had worked together to develop this town in 1850. – Phang See Kong
