KUCHING: The Song Kheng Hai rugby field, nestled in the city centre, is surrounded by high-rise buildings that harmoniously blend with charming classical structures, creating a captivating narrative of old meeting new.
Under the morning light and evening sunset, the field comes alive with intense rugby matches, set against the vibrant backdrop of Kuching.
As a heritage site and historic landmark, the Song Kheng Hai rugby field serves as a reminder of the rich cultural blend within the community.
This iconic space celebrates connection and shared history, bridging generations past and future.
The recently concluded 3rd edition of the Song Kheng Hai Sevens brought together ten teams of participants over the age of 18, uniting various generations in spirited competition, all scrumming for legacy.
Heritage in play: Safeguarding Kuching’s rugby legacy
Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) President Richard Song Swee Jin honoured his grandfather, Song Kheng Hai, who donated the land with the wish that it remain free from commercial development.
“I gave it to the government for generations to promote sports, cultural activities, and education. Rugby has been played here since 1959,” he stated.
He also mentioned a nearby primary school named after his grandfather and a small road developed during his cousin Datuk Song Swee Guan tenure as mayor, which helped establish a hawker centre for resettling illegal vendors.
“Today, they are still thriving there,” he cheerfully noted.
Song explained that the SRU proposed developments for the area a few years ago and aims to realise these plans soon.
“We were instructed to conduct further research through government agencies like the Land and Survey Department and Kuching South City Council (MBKS). “This increased the projected cost to around RM18 million,” he added.
Various unavoidable circumstances, including COVID-19 and elections, caused delays.
“Now, post-COVID-19, I intend to revisit these plans,” he said.
He emphasised SRU’s commitment to preventing the land from falling into private hands.
“We must have it gazetted as a heritage site. This land was donated by the Song family for sports, and we envision a lush green space in Padungan,” he said.
He acknowledged the upcoming redevelopment in Padungan while underscoring the importance of preserving its heritage and culture.
Rugby reimagined: Hosting Asia’s finest at Song Kheng Hai
The Song Kheng Hai rugby field has significant potential, with nearby hotels and a wide array of dining options, making it an ideal landmark for generations to come.
While many local tournaments have been held here, just imagine the excitement of international rugby players visiting such an iconic site—it would be a dream come true.
“We want to ensure that the Song Kheng Hai rugby field is properly developed so we can host international and regional rugby tournaments.
“Once that’s achieved, we envision holding a premier international rugby sevens event,” said Song.
He highlighted the importance of attracting teams from across Asia, noting,
“Can you imagine the enthusiasm and spirit this will bring? When a rugby team arrives, it’s not just the players and officials; family members often join too. It turns into a two-day celebration,” he said.
He stressed that the SRU is determined to see this vision realised in the near future.
“If rugby is to flourish here, we need the right facilities. We’ve proven this can work,” he added, referencing successful events held in Miri, where visiting teams left very satisfied.
“SRU’s goal is to implement the Song Kheng Hai Regional Plan within the next two years,” he stated.
Additionally, he pointed out the potential to organise and host a variety of international events beyond rugby, tapping into the realm of sports tourism.
Song emphasised that upgrading the Song Kheng Hai rugby field could significantly enhance efforts to establish Sarawak as a sports powerhouse in Malaysia.
A call for change: Ensuring a dedicated home for rugby in Sarawak
Every sport wishes to have its iconic home ground-Wembley Stadium for football, Stade Roland Garros for tennis, Fenway Park for baseball, and Madison Square Garden for basketball.
Historic venues carry significant weight. What is rugby in Kuching? Without Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field, it is synonymous with the sport.
“I want to make it clear that the Song family, descendants of Song Kheng Hai, wish to see this field preserved for future generations, equipped with modern facilities.
“This way, the Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) and athletes, especially the Kuching Rugby Football Club (KRFC), will have a legal home,” said Song.
Unlike other sports, Song pointed out that tennis has hundreds of courts, and badminton has thousands.
“Currently, the Sibu division plays rugby on Sacred Heart’s field, and in Miri, there is no dedicated rugby field; sometimes they play at the sports stadium.
“Every school has a field for soccer, but there is no dedicated space for rugby.
“Rugby is different, and this presents a challenge for the SRU,” he highlighted.
Therefore, Song reiterated that the SRU is determined to ensure this vision is realised in the very near future.
