About Us
On 1st September 1994, the Public Health Service in Sibu experienced a great
change with the completion and commencement of the operation of the brand new
General Hospital located at 5 1/2 mile Jalan Oya. The occasion was definitely a
very significant event for the people of central region Sarawak in general
and Sibu in particular. Prior to that date, the Lau King Howe Hospital,
established in 1936, was the only hospital in this region serving the need
of the sick and those who needed medical and health care for nearly 60
years. Throughout this period, even with the continuous expansion of population,
Lau King Howe Hospital had never been very well equipped. Nevertheless
it was the only hospital the people of Sibu relied upon to provide the
necessary medical service. To most people in Sibu, this was not just another
hospital, it meant much more - as the development history of Lau King Howe
Hospital tells us stories that exhibited the admirable goodness of human
nature. Therefore while the availability of a bigger, better and more modern
equipped General Hospital was definitely good news for Sibu, the subsequent
closing down of the Lau King Howe Hospital sadden us all.
We applaud the progress for the enhancement of living standards.
However, we should also be appreciative and grateful to the goodness that we received
from whatever source it may come from. Sibu people have been particularly well
known for our generosity, compassion and hospitality.
Though the closure of Lau King Howe Hospital signified the end of a chapter in the history of Sibu, and the Sibu communities wish to see that the contribution of this hospital will be always remembered and that the spirit of the Lau King Howe lives on in the minds and hearts of our people forever.
Thus, the preservation of the revered Lau King Howe Hospital became a popular issue among the community. To commemorate the profound love and noble deed of a Lau King Howe and to tell the story of medical history of Sibu, it was decided that there was a definite need to preserve a part of Lau King Howe Hospital for conversion into Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum.
A committee towards this end was formed in 1994, with members drawing from:
The committee was headed by then United Chinese Association Sibu Division
Building Committee of Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
The most important task of the committee was to seek approval and support from the government authorities for the setting up of this Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum, particularly from the Health Department. Eventually the Sarawak Health Department approved the proposal of setting of the museum and consented that the Outpatient Department/ Specialist Clinic block of the Lau King Howe Hospital would suitably be renovated to house it. The site building decided, the committee commissioned Architect Teng Mee Huong to
carry out the design and layout of the Museum. The total cost of the
refurnishment and renovation amounted to RM 450,000 (USD 132,000) which
was raised through public donations. The committee was grateful to Dr.
Meganathan R and Sibu Health Department for taking up the duties of
preserving the artifacts and responsibilities of the administrative
duties. In May 1996, the construction and renovation work of the Museum
was completed. 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 Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng paid a visit to
Lau King Howe Memorial Museum on 13th June 1997. Over the years, the
Museum was well patronized by visitors from both local and outside
Sarawak. Through the combined efforts of the local communities and the
government authority, Sibu made history by establishing a Medical Museum
the first in Malaysia.
With the launching of the development of Second Phrase of Sibu Town Square in and around the site of the Memorial Museum, the accessibility to the Museum was affected. Thus the committee was forced to temporary close down the Museum in June 2006. In the process of Town Square development, the government authority suggested all the remaining old Lau King Howe Hospital buildings should be demolished and the artifacts and exhibits of the Museum should be relocated to another suitable place. Such unexpected news was a blow to the communities and the people of Sibu who had put in so much efforts to make this project a reality. The committee earnestly strives to do everything possible to ensure that we keep and maintain the present Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum. The Sibu communities were deeply appreciative of YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and the Sibu Barisan Nasional Visionary Team for their efforts to persuade the government authority to keep the Museum Site. However one part of the building could not be spared from being demolished. Despite that fact, it did not really affect the basic requirements of the museum. The development of the second phrase of the Town Square took approximately over a year to complete. During this period, the artifacts and exhibits had to be moved out of the premise to avoid being damaged or risked of being stolen. With the demolition of part of the building, the remaining building structure, both exterior and interior required a total facelift. With the resignation of Pemanca Datuk Lau Hieng Ing as Chairman of the committee, a new management committee was appointed by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh to take charge of the project. The new committee headed by Vincent Lau Lee Ming includes: -
The new committee immediately embarked on another round of refurnishment and renovation work. The committee engaged Architect firm JRC to come up with drawing plan. This time around the total project which included the construction of a public lavatory adjacent to the museum cost approximately RM 1,000,000 (USD 295,000). The committee again had to solicit donations from the general public to fund the renovation works. The Management Committee is extremely grateful to many organizations and individuals for their generosity, particularly the following contributors for their donations:-
1. Sarawak Pan Chen Lau's Clan Association - of RM 300,000
2. Sibu Kwong Yuen Benevolent Society RM 300,000
3. Hui Kang Suk Ding Foundation - RM 50,000
4. KTS Trading Sdn Bhd for sponsoring all the air conditioners (cost RM 80,000)
5. Bintulu Lumber Development Sdn Bhd - RM 50,000
The renovation was completed on November 2008 and the museum was reopened
to the public after the soft launching officiated by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon
Koh, Second Finance Minister, Minister for Environment and Public Health
Sarawak on 4th December 2008. We wish to record our sincere appreciation
once again to Sarawak Health Department for being responsible to take
charge of the setting up of artifacts and exhibits, Jabatan Kerja Raya
(JKR) Sibu and Sibu Municipal Council for providing assistance in so many
ways to ensure that facilities are in place and the Museum restored.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 6th July 2009 between the Management Committee, Sibu Municipal Council and the Health Department that cemented co-operation between the three parties to ensure smooth operation of the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum.
Unveiling the statue of the late Mr. Lau King Howe.
Quotation from LAU KING HOWE HOSPITAL - 1996
Dr. Hu Chang Hock FRCP
The mission and objectives of having Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum is well
summarized by the management committee secretary, Dr. Hu Chang Hock FRCP in his book
"Brief Historical Notes on Lau King Howe Hospital-1996" which we quote: -
History in memories~~
Original Logo of Lau King Howe Hospital.
T. B./Chest Ward
Maleng Flat-Medical Staff living quarters
General Hospital located at 5 1/2 mile Jalan Oya. The occasion was definitely a
very significant event for the people of central region Sarawak in general
and Sibu in particular. Prior to that date, the Lau King Howe Hospital,
established in 1936, was the only hospital in this region serving the need
of the sick and those who needed medical and health care for nearly 60
years. Throughout this period, even with the continuous expansion of population,
Lau King Howe Hospital had never been very well equipped. Nevertheless
it was the only hospital the people of Sibu relied upon to provide the
necessary medical service. To most people in Sibu, this was not just another
hospital, it meant much more - as the development history of Lau King Howe
Hospital tells us stories that exhibited the admirable goodness of human
nature. Therefore while the availability of a bigger, better and more modern
equipped General Hospital was definitely good news for Sibu, the subsequent
closing down of the Lau King Howe Hospital sadden us all.
We applaud the progress for the enhancement of living standards.
However, we should also be appreciative and grateful to the goodness that we received
from whatever source it may come from. Sibu people have been particularly well
known for our generosity, compassion and hospitality.Though the closure of Lau King Howe Hospital signified the end of a chapter in the history of Sibu, and the Sibu communities wish to see that the contribution of this hospital will be always remembered and that the spirit of the Lau King Howe lives on in the minds and hearts of our people forever.
Thus, the preservation of the revered Lau King Howe Hospital became a popular issue among the community. To commemorate the profound love and noble deed of a Lau King Howe and to tell the story of medical history of Sibu, it was decided that there was a definite need to preserve a part of Lau King Howe Hospital for conversion into Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum.
A committee towards this end was formed in 1994, with members drawing from:
- United Chinese Association Sibu Division
- Sarawak Chinese Cultural Association
- Sibu Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Malaysian Medical Association Sibu Sub-branch
- Sibu Hotel & Tourism Association
| President | Pemanca Datuk Lau Hieng Ing |
|
The other members of the Committee include: - |
Datuk Lau Hui Kang YB Datuk Tiong Thai king Datuk Teng Chin Hua Dr Liding Jonyian Dr Hu Chang Hock Teo Tiao Jin Goh Chung Siong Kapitan Chew Kim Boo Chung Ching Lien Tseng Choon Chih Hong Wing Huong |
| Vice Chairmen | Lau Nai Hoh |
| Secretary | Dr Hu Chang Lek |
| Assistant Secretaries |
Lau Lee Ming, Bernand Sim Boon Khuay, Hii Sieh Toh |
| Treasurer | Ting Sik Kang |
| Assistant Treasurer | Wong Sie Lee |
Building Committee of Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
The most important task of the committee was to seek approval and support from the government authorities for the setting up of this Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum, particularly from the Health Department. Eventually the Sarawak Health Department approved the proposal of setting of the museum and consented that the Outpatient Department/ Specialist Clinic block of the Lau King Howe Hospital would suitably be renovated to house it. The site building decided, the committee commissioned Architect Teng Mee Huong to
carry out the design and layout of the Museum. The total cost of the
refurnishment and renovation amounted to RM 450,000 (USD 132,000) which
was raised through public donations. The committee was grateful to Dr.
Meganathan R and Sibu Health Department for taking up the duties of
preserving the artifacts and responsibilities of the administrative
duties. In May 1996, the construction and renovation work of the Museum
was completed. 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 Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng paid a visit to
Lau King Howe Memorial Museum on 13th June 1997. Over the years, the
Museum was well patronized by visitors from both local and outside
Sarawak. Through the combined efforts of the local communities and the
government authority, Sibu made history by establishing a Medical Museum
the first in Malaysia.With the launching of the development of Second Phrase of Sibu Town Square in and around the site of the Memorial Museum, the accessibility to the Museum was affected. Thus the committee was forced to temporary close down the Museum in June 2006. In the process of Town Square development, the government authority suggested all the remaining old Lau King Howe Hospital buildings should be demolished and the artifacts and exhibits of the Museum should be relocated to another suitable place. Such unexpected news was a blow to the communities and the people of Sibu who had put in so much efforts to make this project a reality. The committee earnestly strives to do everything possible to ensure that we keep and maintain the present Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum. The Sibu communities were deeply appreciative of YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and the Sibu Barisan Nasional Visionary Team for their efforts to persuade the government authority to keep the Museum Site. However one part of the building could not be spared from being demolished. Despite that fact, it did not really affect the basic requirements of the museum. The development of the second phrase of the Town Square took approximately over a year to complete. During this period, the artifacts and exhibits had to be moved out of the premise to avoid being damaged or risked of being stolen. With the demolition of part of the building, the remaining building structure, both exterior and interior required a total facelift. With the resignation of Pemanca Datuk Lau Hieng Ing as Chairman of the committee, a new management committee was appointed by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh to take charge of the project. The new committee headed by Vincent Lau Lee Ming includes: -
| Advisors: |
YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, YB Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, YB Datuk Tiong Thai King, YB Vincent Goh Chung Siong, Ybhg Cr. Daniel Ngieng Kiong Ann, Pengarah Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak Dr. Mohd Kamil Hassan |
| Secretary: | Dr Hu Chang Hock |
| Treasurer: | Mr. John Ting Sik Kang |
| Committee Members: | Mr. Hii Chang Kee, Mr. Jong Thian Puk, Mr. Johnny Wong Sie Lee, Mr. Frankie Ting Ming Hui, Mr. Lau Kim Seng, Mdm Hiing Mee Giong. |
The new committee immediately embarked on another round of refurnishment and renovation work. The committee engaged Architect firm JRC to come up with drawing plan. This time around the total project which included the construction of a public lavatory adjacent to the museum cost approximately RM 1,000,000 (USD 295,000). The committee again had to solicit donations from the general public to fund the renovation works. The Management Committee is extremely grateful to many organizations and individuals for their generosity, particularly the following contributors for their donations:-
1. Sarawak Pan Chen Lau's Clan Association - of RM 300,000
2. Sibu Kwong Yuen Benevolent Society RM 300,000
3. Hui Kang Suk Ding Foundation - RM 50,000
4. KTS Trading Sdn Bhd for sponsoring all the air conditioners (cost RM 80,000)
5. Bintulu Lumber Development Sdn Bhd - RM 50,000
The renovation was completed on November 2008 and the museum was reopened
to the public after the soft launching officiated by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon
Koh, Second Finance Minister, Minister for Environment and Public Health
Sarawak on 4th December 2008. We wish to record our sincere appreciation
once again to Sarawak Health Department for being responsible to take
charge of the setting up of artifacts and exhibits, Jabatan Kerja Raya
(JKR) Sibu and Sibu Municipal Council for providing assistance in so many
ways to ensure that facilities are in place and the Museum restored.A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 6th July 2009 between the Management Committee, Sibu Municipal Council and the Health Department that cemented co-operation between the three parties to ensure smooth operation of the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum.
Unveiling the statue of the late Mr. Lau King Howe.
- It is designed to remember, perpetuate and propagate the "Spirit of Lau King Howe"- his
sincerity, "inner goodness", benevolence, generosity and his profound love for the sick,
poor and disadvantaged. It is at the core of the "Spirit of Sibu"- a combination of good
virtues and practices of many in Sibu - Christianity, Confucianism, and other teachings
and ways of life (religious or otherwise) at their heights (spiritually, morally or
otherwise). Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wong Soon Kai are living examples of the propagation
of this "Spirit" of adapted form - some would term it profound "heroic" love at work,
Lau King Howe's spirit guiding lights at public display.
- It is the first of its kind in Sarawak. It will attempt to illustrate the changing
pattern of diseases - from those infectious diseases such as diphtheria, malaria,
tuberculosis spectrum in their prominence in the 1930s to the 1950s to the chronic
diseases at their prevalence today- diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, etc.
- It will also attempt to illustrate the progress of medicine. The exhibits of the age
old reverent equipment of Lau King Howe Hospital and the pictorial illustrations of the
modern equipment available at the Sibu Hospital today will attempt to highlight how far
we in Sibu have come to acquaint with and adapt to the new advances in tools of medical
applications.
- It hopefully will also indirectly reflect the general trends of development in Sibu health care as well as improvement in social, economic and other fields. In fact, to a certain extent, the museum will also be a miniature of "health and sickness" spectrum of Sarawak community life, and transformation taken place over the last few decades.
History in memories~~
Original Logo of Lau King Howe Hospital.
Main entrance of Lau King Howe Hospital
T. B./Chest Ward
Maleng Flat-Medical Staff living quarters