On 11 September 2026, the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics Cultural Integration Public Space officially opened in Kuching. Representatives of the Sarawak Working Committee of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM), together with representatives of the Chinese enterprises that sponsored the project, attended the opening ceremony. They joined representatives of the Consulate-General of China in Kuching, the local government, the Chinese community and various sectors in witnessing this occasion of historical and cultural significance.
Between 1939 and 1942, thousands of young overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia travelled to China to take part in transportation, vehicle maintenance and logistical work along the Burma Road. Among them were also young people from Sarawak. Over the years, the journeys they made and the stories they left behind have become a valuable part of the historical memory of the Chinese community in Sarawak.
The newly completed Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics Cultural Integration Public Space brings this history into Kuching’s urban public space, giving more members of the public and younger generations an opportunity to learn about the stories of the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics, remember history and better appreciate the hard-won peace enjoyed today.
Chinese enterprises actively participated in and supported the development of the project. The sponsoring companies were:
1. Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad
2. Sinohydro Corporation (M) Sdn. Bhd.
3. China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd
4. Shanghai Electric Power T&D (M) Sdn Bhd
5. CEEC Tianjin Electric Power (M) Sdn Bhd
6. XD Power Transmission (M) Sdn Bhd
Through their practical support, the six Chinese enterprises contributed to the preservation of local history and culture, while demonstrating the commitment of Chinese enterprises to establishing roots in Sarawak, integrating into the local community and actively fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities.
The completion of the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics Cultural Integration Public Space not only adds a public cultural space carrying historical memories to Kuching, but also provides another meaningful testimony to China-Malaysia people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Remembering history is not about perpetuating hatred, but about better understanding the value of peace. The CECCM Sarawak Working Committee will continue to bring together the efforts of its member companies, actively integrate into the local community, promote cultural exchanges and closer people-to-people ties while advancing economic and trade cooperation, and continue contributing to China-Malaysia friendship.
