NESTLED in the heart of Sibu, the Sarawak Chinese Cultural Association has become somewhat of a sanctuary for history enthusiasts.
Established in 1990 by the Chinese community, this much-treasured centre situated at Jalan Salim houses an astonishing collection of over 10,000 books.
The collection includes journals and souvenir magazines that shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the Sarawak Chinese community, including on historical figures, ancient buildings and captivating traditions.
A significant portion of the collection date back to the pre-war era, making the centre a treasure trove of invaluable historical information.
These priceless artifacts are meticulously preserved in physical form within the association’s premises, making it a veritable research library for those seeking to delve into the annals of Sarawak’s Chinese history.
“We are not just a research library but a crucial guardian of our community’s legacy in the state. We receive written materials from various sources and conduct our own extensive research on the Sarawak Chinese community,” said its executive secretary Chua Chen Choon.
Word of the association’s extensive collection has spread far and wide, attracting researchers and university students in search of materials for their projects.
Interestingly, students from Taiwan and China have also come to Sibu, captivated by the opportunity to gather authentic resources for their coursework.
“Our ever-growing collection makes us an invaluable resource for information seekers, encompassing every aspect of Chinese history and culture in Sarawak,” Chua added, beaming with pride as he stood amid the cultural treasures housed in the centre.
While most of the materials are in Chinese, there is a handful available in English.
Notably, two books authored by the late Dr Richard C. Fidler, an American scholar, provide insights into the history of the old Kanowit town during the 1970s.
Reflecting on the association’s origins, Chua, who has dedicated his career to research and curation, said: “In 1990, a group of Chinese community members recognised the urgent need to preserve our history before it faded into obscurity.”
Initially, the association operated from a humble room within the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As it continued to flourish, it relocated to an office space at Jalan Tapang and finally, in 2005, with the support of funds raised through seminars and contributions from members statewide, the association constructed its own premises at Jalan Salim.
Chua revealed that the association embarked on field studies twice a year to expand its knowledge base.
“Recently, we ventured to Saratok and Lobaan, where we engaged in conversations with elderly locals to gather valuable information.
“Another fascinating expedition took us to Sungai Bidut, the sole place where tombstones made from Belian wood can be found. These are just two examples of our ongoing work,” he added.
In light of the association’s growing collection, plans are underway to construct an extension to accommodate the expanding array of printed materials.
“Due to space constraints, we urgently need to extend our building to ensure the preservation of these invaluable historical artifacts,” said Chua.
As the Sarawak Chinese Cultural Association continues to safeguard and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Sarawak Chinese community, it remains a beacon of knowledge and an invaluable resource for researchers, students and history buffs alike.
