KUCHING: Sarawak government and the public have been called on to show their generosity and contribute towards assisting San Seng Tong to complete the construction of Centre of Buddhism Culture and Education.
San Seng Tong’s Abbot Venerable Shi Fo Sheng said that she hoped that this centre can be built for the benefit of the society as it will consist of the main shrine, kindergarten, youth centre, meditation room, bedrooms and a multipurpose hall to accommodate various activities and cultivate future leaders of Buddhism upon completion.
“In 2007, the two adjacent pieces of land were purchased for the expansion of the temple in order to build a multifaceted Centre of Buddhism Culture and Education as the existing space is insufficient to accommodate the growing need of the people.
“Over the years, we have talked to four different architects but due to multiple reasons, we were unable to come to an agreement before settling with the fifth architect, Chai Si Yong here today, who I would like to thank as he and his team have showed their generosity by not charging us for the design of the centre which enabled us to start the construction back in May 27, 2019,” she said.
She disclosed this at a press conference held at San Seng Tong Buddhist Association here today.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, she said the construction had been halted until three months ago on Sept 7.
“Besides the construction being put on hold, we had to suspend our fundraising activities during the pandemic in order to comply with the SOP (standard operating procedure) back then and it has greatly affected the funding to build this centre.
“As of today, we have raised around RM4 million, which is including the funding given by Richard Lon, the director of UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions), to whom we are extremely thankful.
“However, we are still short of RM14 million in order to be able to pay for the construction and in fact, I believe we might even need up to RM20 million so as to complete the centre with modern infrastructure.
“Despite that fact, we would like to thank Lee Onn Group and Kapitan Tan Kun Gee here today to proceed with the construction even though we are facing the problem to pay for the outstanding fees,” she added.
Meanwhile, Tan revealed that the construction is scheduled for completion by 2024 and around 30 per cent of the construction had been completed so far.
“By March or April next year, the construction will probably near the end of the second phase with rooftop left to be finished.
“As per my father’s order, our company will complete the construction regardless but we would like to call on the public and the government to donate for this great cause,” Tan said.
As planned, the centre will be a four-storey building upon completion and the top floor will feature Diamond Sutra that was made from different jades that can be found all over the world, led by the designer from Taiwan, Lee Chin Lung.
“The Diamond Sutra will be 17 metres in length and five metres tall, which will need eight to nine months for us to complete and we will start our progress right after Chinese New Year.
“If all goes well, it will arrive in Kuching around August or September next year and the installation of the Diamond Sutra will probably be done by October,” Lee said.
The public who would like to contribute to this great cause can contact San Seng Tong at 082-332 377 or visit them for more details.
The public can also contribute by fund transfer to San Seng Tong Centre of Buddhism Culture and Education bank account at 3194687419 (Public Bank).
