Latest news with #SandakanDayMemorial
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Australian High Commissioner visits RDC Sepilok
Dr Arthur Chung briefing Danielle Heinecke (front, right) while walking at the skywalk. SANDAKAN (Aug 16): The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, and her entourage visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok after attending the annual commemorative event of the Sandakan Day Memorial on August 15. Earlier, they visited the Sandakan Heritage Trail in town. On site to welcome the High Commissioner was the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (R&D), Dr Arthur Chung. During the half-hour visit, she was briefed on the activities of RDC which is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department, as the prime location for environmental education and forest recreation. RDC also serves as an arboretum or living plant collection for Sabah's rainforests. Danielle and her entourage visited the rainforest skywalk of 620 m in length, which is the longest in Sabah, and was also shown to the majestic 'Mengaris' tree or the wild honeybee tree along the skywalk. Scientifically known as Koompassia excelsa, one giant tree of this species (known as 'The Big Tree') was actually found at the POW camp of the memorial site. It was a symbol that gave hope and strength to the inmates of the camp at that time. The entourage also walked through the suspension bridge at the RDC Lake, which is typical while crossing rivers or streams in Sabah. Danielle commended the efforts of the Sabah Forestry Department for having such facilities for tourists and public to appreciate the beauty of rainforests and to promote environmental awareness. RDC Sepilok will be hosting the Sepilok Jazz Festival on 5-6 September 2025 and the 15th Borneo Bird Festival on 25-26 October 2025.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Sandakan Day Memorial: Bonds forged from adversity: Chief Minister
Published on: Saturday, August 16, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Vivian and others at the Sandakan Day Memorial. SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Day Memorial will stand as a living bridge to forge understanding, friendship and trust between Sabah, Australia and Britain, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, yet for many families, especially those who have journeyed here from Australia, the United Kingdom and beyond, the memories of loved ones lost in Sandakan remain vividly alive. 'Our gathering this morning goes beyond mere remembrance. It's a tribute with purpose. Sandakan isn't just a site of tragedy. It's where the human spirit shone brightly amidst cruelty. 'It is a place where bonds were forged from adversity, where the noble actions of local Sabahans shone alongside the struggles of Allied soldiers. Here and now, we reaffirm our dedication to peace, unity and memory,' he said in his speech read out by Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee during the Sandakan Day Memorial held at the Sandakan Memorial Park, Friday. Hajiji said the Sandakan Death Marches and the horrors of the prisoner-of-war camps have been etched into history, not only because of the atrocities but also due to moments of shared humanity, as the quiet acts of kindness and persistent hope of those who clung to the idea of freedom against all odds. 'To the families of the fallen, your presence here means everything. Your loved ones, whether soldiers or Sabahans who risked everything to save them, are not forgotten. We honour their strength, their sacrifice, and their profound humanity. 'In Sabah, you will always find a sanctuary to remember them. Sandakan is sacred ground for you, too. As Chief Minister of Sabah, I assure you that this legacy will be preserved, ensuring it is honoured and passed on to future generations,' he added. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma and New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh were in attendance, along with senior officials from the Australian High Commission and the United States Embassy. Sandakan Day is held each year on Aug 15. 15.08.2025 Earlier, on Thursday, a welcoming dinner of the event was held at Sabah Hotel and graced by Vivian, representing Hajiji. Also launched was the Sandakan Death Marches Trail Map. Garry Rose and Georgia Rose of Australia made a special performance with Sandakan song as well as Japanese students (Yakusoku Tabi Group) with their special performance. In his speech, Hajiji said it is important to strengthen historical education in schools so that every child knows the story of Sandakan's heroes. 'We need to preserve our historical sites and natural heritage as living memorials, promote unity across all communities, inspired by the shared legacy of sacrifice.' he added. Sandakan was once the capital of British North Borneo — a city of promise, prosperity and diversity. Known as Elopura, the 'Beautiful Town,' it was a hub of commerce and culture. But war changed everything. Yet from the ashes of destruction, Sandakan rose again. 'Today, we are known as The Nature City, a place where heritage and biodiversity coexist, and where people of all backgrounds live in harmony,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Sandakan Day Memorial strengthens international bonds
Published on: Friday, August 15, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025 Text Size: Vivian delivers Hajiji's speech at the event. - Pic by CMD SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Day Memorial will continue to serve as a bridge for understanding, friendship and trust between Sabah, Australia, and Britain, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Speaking at the memorial held at the Sandakan Memorial Park today, Hajiji assured that this legacy would be preserved and passed on to future generations. Sandakan MP Vivian Wong noted that this year marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, yet for many families from Australia, the United Kingdom, and beyond, the memories of loved ones lost in Sandakan remained vivid. He said the gathering was more than remembrance, describing Sandakan as a place where the human spirit shone amid adversity and where bonds were forged between Allied soldiers and local Sabahans. Hajiji reflected on the Sandakan Death Marches and prisoner-of-war camps, saying their history was remembered not only for the suffering but also for moments of shared humanity and hope. He paid tribute to the quiet heroes among local Sabahans who risked or gave their lives to shelter and assist Allied soldiers, saying their bravery endures in stories passed down through generations. The ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma, New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh, senior officials from the Australian High Commission and the United States Embassy, as well as state and local authorities. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Sandakan Day Memorial forges understanding and friendship
Sandakan MP Vivian Wong (third right) with the foreign envoys at the Sandakan Day Memorial here today. SANDAKAN (Aug 15): The Sandakan Day Memorial will stand as a living bridge to forge understanding, friendship and trust between Sabah, Australia and Britain, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. 'As Chief Minister of Sabah, I assure you that this legacy will be preserved, ensuring it is honoured and passed on to future generations,' he said during the Sandakan Day Memorial held at the Sandakan Memorial Park here today. Sandakan member of parliament Vivian Wong delivered his speech. He said this year marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and yet, for many families, especially those who have journeyed here from Australia, the United Kingdom and beyond, the memories of loved ones lost in Sandakan remain vividly alive. 'Our gathering this morning goes beyond mere remembrance. It's a tribute with purpose. Sandakan isn't just a site of tragedy. It's where the human spirit shone brightly amidst cruelty. 'It is a place where bonds were forged from adversity, where the noble actions of local Sabahans shone alongside the struggles of Allied soldiers. Here and now, we reaffirm our dedication to peace, unity and memory,' he said. The Chief Minister said the Sandakan Death Marches and the horrors of the prisoner-of-war camps have been etched into history, not only because of the atrocities but also due to the moments of shared humanity, such as the quiet acts of kindness and persistent hope of those who clung to the idea of freedom against all odds. 'To the families of the fallen, your presence here means everything. Your loved ones, whether soldiers or Sabahans, who risked everything to save them, are not forgotten. 'We honour their strength, their sacrifice, and their profound humanity. In Sabah, you will always find a sanctuary to remember them. Sandakan is sacred ground for you, too. 'Let us acknowledge the quiet heroes among us, the local Sabahans, whose families also endured loss and violence. Many gave their lives to shelter or assist Allied soldiers. 'Their bravery endures in the stories shared through generations and forms an indelible part of our shared history,' he said. The Chief Minister called upon everyone to pause momentarily and think about the actual cost of conflict and the invaluable treasure of peace. In attendance were British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia, Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh, senior officials from the Australian High Commission and the United States Embassy as well as officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and local authorities.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Australian High Commissioner visits Sandakan Heritage Trail
Danielle Heinecke briefed during the visit to the Sandakan Heritage Trail. SANDAKAN (Aug 15): The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, visited the Sandakan Heritage Trail, which was recognised as The First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia by Malaysia Book of Records recently. She was here to attend the Sandakan Day Memorial today. The Sandakan Heritage Trail was launched by Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson who is on a mission to revitalise Sandakan beyond tourism. On hand to receive and welcome the High Commissioner was the founder and chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail, Lai King Hang and his team members. She was given an overall introduction of the heritage trail that covers 10 main heritage sites which has been established since 2003. At the MPS Square, Heinecke was shown the William Pryer Monument, the founder of modern Sandakan and the Sandakan Liberation Monument which is next to it. Present to give an overview of the first historical tree trail in Malaysia was Dr Arthur Chung who is also the Deputy Conservator of Forests Sabah. As a gesture of everlasting friendship, a special souvenir was presented to the High Commissioner by the Sandakan Heritage Trail volunteer group. Sandakan was in fact liberated by Australian forces on October 19,1945 marking 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 this year. To conclude her programme, the Heinecke's delegation also visited the well-known Agnes Keith's House and St Michael's and All Angels Church which are popular stops of Sandakan Heritage Trail. 'It is a privilege and deep honour to be given the opportunity to share Sandakan's remarkable history as an outpost of the British era to the devastation of World War Two. The revival of Sandakan post war is a testimony of the hardship and preserveration of the community in facing one of the darkest periods in recent times,' added Lai. In attendance was Sandakan Tourism Association president Teo Chee Kim.
