Memorial Pavilion in Kuching honours WWII Nanyang volunteers
KUCHING (May 14): A shared Malaysian and Chinese history was brought to the forefront today with the official unveiling of the Memorial Pavilion at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park here.
The pavilion pays tribute to the Nanyang volunteer drivers and mechanics from Malaysia whose selfless dedication and perseverance in transporting vital wartime supplies via the Yunnan-Myanmar Road in 1939 made a significant contribution to the victory of the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist war.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the completion ceremony of the Memorial Pavilion, with Communist Party of China Yunnan Provincial Committee secretary and People's Congress of Yunnan Province Standing Committee chairman Wang Ning among those present.
In his speech, Dr Sim said many Sarawakian Chinese had volunteered to support China's resistance against Japanese invasion.
'This pavilion stands not only as a physical structure but also as a symbol of remembrance, respect, and recognition for the contributions of the Nanyang volunteer drivers and mechanics.
'It is timely and long overdue, giving descendants, the younger generation, and future visitors a place to reflect and remember,' he said.
He said the project reflects the deep-rooted friendship between Sarawak and Yunnan which has been nurtured over decades through people-to-people connections, cultural ties, and shared values.
'Sarawak is proud to be part of this joint initiative with the Yunnan Hand-in-Hand Programme—a testament to our historical connection and mutual respect.'
Dr Sim also noted that city-to-city relations between Kuching South and Yunnan's capital city Kunming have flourished through cultural, educational, business, youth development, and sustainable city initiatives.
'This pavilion is a meaningful result of such cooperation, and it shows how cultural diplomacy can lead to tangible and lasting contributions.
'Honouring the Nanyang volunteer drivers and mechanics not only acknowledges the past but also strengthens present and future cooperation between our two regions,' he said.
'It is through such acts of shared remembrance that we deepen our mutual understanding and solidarity.'
Sarawak, he noted, is keen to further expand collaboration with Yunnan in areas such as trade, tourism, green development, healthcare, and youth exchange.
'This partnership has great potential to benefit both sides economically and socially,' he said.
The Memorial Pavilion is a public welfare project under the Yunnan Hand-in-Hand Programme, carried out by the Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Kuching South.
A Red Ribbon installation stands at the pavilion to symbolise the iconic 24-Turns of the Yunnan-Burma Road—representing the hardship endured during the events—while also serving as a poignant marker of historical connection and a tribute to the shared heritage and lasting bond between the two nations.
Others present at the ceremony were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting; China's Consul-General in Kuching, Xing Weiping; Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and deputy mayor Datuk Zaiedi Suhaili; and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How.
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