On 17 May 2026, at the invitation of the Kuching South City Council, Mr. Yi Ming, Chairman of the Sarawak Working Committee of CECCM and Branch Manager of Bank of China Kuching Branch, attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics Memorial Monument Project.
The ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and was also attended by Dato’ Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South City, together with representatives from the state and local governments, cultural institutions, and various sectors of society, who gathered to witness the official launch of the monument project.
Held under the theme “Across Mountains and Rivers, Building Memories Together”, the project aims to commemorate the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics who crossed the seas to Borneo and made significant contributions to construction and support efforts during a critical period in history. Through their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication, they transcended geographical and generational boundaries, leaving behind a valuable historical legacy and enduring spirit for future generations.
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, cultural organisations, the project design team, and members of the public. Participants unanimously agreed that the monument would serve not only as a commemorative landmark, but also as an important public cultural and historical education space, helping younger generations gain a deeper understanding of history and the value of peace.
During the ceremony, Dato’ Wee Hong Seng expressed his appreciation for the support provided by Chinese enterprises towards the construction of the memorial monument, highlighting their active contribution to local cultural and community development. The six participating companies were Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd, Sinohydro Corporation (M) Sdn. Bhd, China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd,Shanghai Electric Power T&D (M) Sdn Bhd ,CEEC Tianjin Electric Power (M) Sdn Bhd, and XD Power Transmission (M) Sdn Bhd.
With the groundbreaking ceremony successfully held, the monument project has officially entered the construction phase. Upon completion, it is expected to become one of Kuching’s important cultural landmarks, enabling both residents and visitors to reflect on history and appreciate the enduring significance of peace.
Photo: Dato Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian (fifth from right), Deputy Premier of Sarawak, officiates the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics Memorial Monument Project. Mr. Yi Ming (second from left), Chairman of the Sarawak Working Committee of CECCM and Branch Manager of Bank of China Kuching Branch, was invited to attend the event and witnessed the launch of the project together with Dato’ Wee Hong Seng (fifth from left), Mayor of Kuching South City, and representatives from various sectors.
