About Museum

The modern history of Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum :
From a Hospital to a Living Heritage

The history of the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum began with the closing of Lau King Howe Hospital in 1994.

For almost six decades, Lau King Howe Hospital had served the people of Sibu and the surrounding communities. When the new Sibu Hospital commenced operations on 1 September 1994, the former hospital gradually ceased its function as a major medical institution.

However, the end of the hospital’s medical service did not mean the end of its history.

Recognising the importance of preserving the hospital’s contribution to the development of healthcare in Sibu and Central Sarawak, efforts were made to preserve its memories, heritage and historical significance.

The Establishment of the Memorial Museum

In the years following the closure of the hospital, discussions began on how the former hospital and its contributions could be remembered and preserved for future generations.

The idea of establishing a medical heritage museum eventually became a reality.

On 3 August 1996, the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum was officially established and opened to the public.

The Museum was officially declared opened on 3rd August 1996 by YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Wong Soon Kai Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak. Malaysian

The establishment of the Memorial Museum marked an important transition—from a functioning hospital that cared for patients to a heritage institution dedicated to preserving the history of healthcare.

The Memorial Museum became a place where the stories of former doctors, nurses, medical personnel, hospital workers, patients and members of the community could continue to be remembered.

Preserving the Hospital’s Heritage

The Memorial Museum was established with the purpose of preserving the historical legacy of Lau King Howe Hospital.

Historical medical equipment, photographs, documents, hospital records, instruments and other materials connected with the former hospital were collected and preserved.

These objects are more than museum exhibits. Each item represents a part of the hospital’s history and the development of medical services in Sibu.

Through these collections, visitors can gain a better understanding of the medical environment, working conditions and challenges faced by healthcare workers in earlier generations.

A New Challenge in 2005

The preservation of the Memorial Museum faced a major challenge in the early 2000s.

In 2005, the original Lau King Howe Hospital buildings were affected by the development of the Sibu Town Centre Phase II project.

The former hospital buildings were subsequently demolished as part of the urban redevelopment.

This marked another major turning point in the history of Lau King Howe Hospital.

Although the physical buildings were lost, efforts were made to preserve the hospital’s memories and heritage.

The demolition also strengthened the importance of the Memorial Museum as a place where the history of the former hospital could continue to survive.

Reopening and a New Chapter

Following renovation and restoration efforts, the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum was reopened in December 2008.

The reopening marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Memorial Museum.

No longer simply a place preserving the memory of an old hospital, the museum began developing its role as an educational and heritage institution.

The museum sought to introduce younger generations to the history of healthcare in Sibu while also providing former patients, staff and members of the public with a place to reconnect with their memories.

Strengthening Heritage Cooperation

In 2009, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to strengthen cooperation related to the development and preservation of the Memorial Museum.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

Over the following years, the museum continued to work with various organisations, educational institutions, heritage bodies and government agencies.

These collaborations helped the museum develop exhibitions, educational programmes, historical research and heritage activities.

The Memorial Museum gradually became part of Sibu’s wider cultural and historical landscape.

Keeping the Stories Alive

One of the most important developments of the modern Memorial Museum has been its effort to preserve not only objects, but also personal stories.

The history of a hospital is ultimately the history of people.

Doctors who treated patients.
Nurses who cared for them.
Medical assistants and hospital workers who worked behind the scenes.
Patients who received treatment.
Families who waited outside the wards.

And thousands of children who were born within the hospital.

All of these people formed part of the story of Lau King Howe Hospital.

The Memorial Museum therefore continues to encourage former patients, staff members, families and members of the public to share photographs, documents, memories and personal stories connected with the hospital.

The “Babies of Lau King Howe Hospital” Project

An important initiative in preserving the hospital’s living history is the “Babies of Lau King Howe Hospital” project.

The initiative aims to reconnect people who were born at Lau King Howe Hospital and to record their connection with the institution.

Each birth represents a personal story.

Together, these stories form a remarkable record of the generations of Sibu and surrounding communities who began their lives at Lau King Howe Hospital.

The project demonstrates that the Memorial Museum is not merely preserving the history of a building—it is preserving the history of people.

From Medical Museum to Community Heritage Centre

Over the years, the role of the Memorial Museum has continued to evolve.

It has become a place for historical exhibitions, educational visits, community activities, heritage programmes and public engagement.

• Students can learn about the development of healthcare.
• Former hospital staff can revisit their memories.
• Families can discover their connections with the former hospital.
• Researchers can study the development of medicine and healthcare in Central Sarawak.
• Visitors can learn about an important chapter in the history of Sibu.

  In this way, the Memorial Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present.

  The Spirit of Lau King Howe

  At the centre of the Memorial Museum is the legacy of Lau King Howe.

  His contribution was not simply the financial support that helped make the hospital possible.

  More importantly, his legacy represents the belief that resources and success should be used to serve society and help those in need.

  The Memorial Museum therefore seeks to preserve the Spirit of Lau King Howe—a spirit of compassion, generosity, service and concern for the sick, the poor and the disadvantaged.

  This spirit continues to provide meaning to the museum’s work today.

  30 Years of the Memorial Museum

  In 2026, the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

  Three decades after its establishment in 1996, the Memorial Museum continues its mission of preserving and promoting the medical heritage of Sibu.

  The 30th Anniversary is not only a celebration of the museum’s existence.

  It is a celebration of the generations of people connected to Lau King Howe Hospital.

  It is a tribute to the doctors, nurses, medical personnel and hospital staff who dedicated their lives to serving the community.

  It is a remembrance of the patients and families who passed through the hospital’s doors.

  And it is a commitment to ensure that this important part of Sibu’s history will never be forgotten.

  Looking to the Future

  The Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum now looks towards the future with a renewed commitment to preservation, education and community engagement.

  As technology and society continue to change, the museum will continue exploring new ways to preserve historical materials, document personal memories, improve exhibitions and make the history of Lau King Howe Hospital accessible to younger generations.

  The physical hospital may no longer stand as it once did, but its history remains alive through the Memorial Museum.

  The museum therefore carries a simple but meaningful responsibility:

  To remember the past, preserve the present, and inspire the future.

  LAU KING HOWE HOSPITAL MEMORIAL MUSEUM

  
  30 Years of Preserving Memories, Heritage and the Spirit of Service.
  1996 – 2026

The Milestones

December 2008

The Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum was reopened.