NEW YORK—The Malaysian Association of America (MAA) got together for an annual “Merdeka” (Independence) Day celebration at Jing Fong restaurant in Soho on Friday. MAA events like this one play an important role in promoting unity between the different racial sectors of Malaysia, keeping the culture alive among the immigrant population in New York and maintaining a connection between young Malaysians and their ancestry.
Malaysia is home to three ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Malay are a majority at 50 percent of the population, while 25 percent are Chinese and 7 percent are Indian.
The MAA membership, however, is 75 percent Chinese, 20 percent Malay, and 5 percent Indian.
“Chinese people like to explore, there are Chinese people established everywhere,” said MAA Chairman Jack Liaw in reference to the high Chinese membership.
Malaysia is home to three ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Malay are a majority at 50 percent of the population, while 25 percent are Chinese and 7 percent are Indian.
The MAA membership, however, is 75 percent Chinese, 20 percent Malay, and 5 percent Indian.
“Chinese people like to explore, there are Chinese people established everywhere,” said MAA Chairman Jack Liaw in reference to the high Chinese membership.
